New Chrysler 300 Review

The Chrysler 300 is an automotive comeback kid. A proud, prestigious vehicle in the 1950s, the 300 fell into anonymity during the '60s and then disappeared from the automotive landscape for more than 30 years. Chrysler reintroduced the 300 in the mid-2000s though, leading the brand in a bold, new direction. With retro style, powerful V8 engines, rear-wheel drive and refined road manners, the 300 was an immediate hit. Interest waned after a few years, but Chrysler recently redesigned the 300 with additional features, including an upgraded interior and a more powerful standard V6 engine. A big, bold American sedan, the 300 is a fine choice either new or used.

Current Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a five-passenger full-size sedan with an unmistakably American design. A high doorline, chiseled bumpers, bulging fenders and big wheels give it strong road presence and make for an alternative to the bland, uninspired lines of average family sedans.

The 300 offers four trim levels: 300 Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum. A 3.6-liter V6 engine (292 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) comes standard across the board, although it gets a power boost in the 300S (300 hp, 264 lb-ft). Power-hungry drivers can opt for a 5.7-liter V8 with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional.

The 300 Limited comes generously equipped with leather upholstery, power front seats with heating, keyless entry and ignition, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connection, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface. Even smaller details such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, and a rearview camera are nice touches for a base model sedan. The 300S is a sportier take on the base model, with more power underhood and additional features including 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and a 10-speaker audio system. The 300C takes a more luxury approach with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and even a heated steering wheel. There's also a panoramic sunroof, LED cabin lighting, a power rear sunshade and a navigation system.

The 300C Platinum goes all-in on fancy with a unique exterior trim, a cushy, touring-style suspension, upgraded leather, bending headlights, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and even heated and cooled cupholders.

A driver assistance package (SafetyTec Plus) is optional for all but the Limited trim and includes features such as parking sensors, automatic wipers, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Cabin dimensions are generous in all directions, and the 300 offers more legroom than most of its competitors. A long, 120-inch wheelbase shortens up the front and rear overhangs and opens up plenty of passenger space inside. Overall interior design is simple, elegant and trimmed in high-class materials. Even in its least expensive form, the 300 feels like a luxury car.

On the move, the 300 feels a lot like you'd expect: It's a big American sedan with a floaty ride. Power from the standard V6 engine is adequate for most drivers, but we do like the added bravado from the optional V8. Our chief complaint is that the 300 lack good rearward visibility, the consequence of its stocky outside design.

Read the most recent 2017 Chrysler 300 review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Chrysler 300 page.

For more on past Chrysler 300 models, view our Chrysler 300 history page.