Overview
The year 2023 marks the last year of the Chrysler 300, the full-size sedan that toured the world. This latest version, introduced in its current form in 2011, has reached its golden years, but is still alive. Its familiar shape still exudes a tough-guy vibe, and the interior is quite spacious. While it's neither as fuel-efficient nor as well-equipped as its competitors, it's still a reasonable option for those looking for a full-size sedan, a segment that's getting smaller every year. The proven V6 Pentastar remains the standard engine and models equipped with this engine can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive, while the two available V-8 engines are only available with rear-wheel drive. There is, however, one last bit of good news for Chrysler's geriatric sedan on its final tour: it gets a shot of adrenaline in the form of the powerful high-performance 300C model.
What's new for 2023?
For the latest model year, Chrysler's big four-door is reintroducing the 300C, which features the same muscular 6.4-liter V-8 engine that has long been available in the Dodge Challenger and Charger. It makes 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. Chrysler claims that the larger powertrain will allow the more muscular 300 to reach 100 mph in 4.3 seconds. We'll find out if this is a true claim when we take it out on our test track. Other improvements to the 300C include an upgraded interior with carbon-fiber accents, Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension - similar to those found on the Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Pack models - and a new tri-color badge exclusive to the 300C. Otherwise, the Chrysler 300 will remain largely unchanged.
We recommend the midsize Touring L model, which offers numerous elements of luxury and practicality at a reasonable price. It comes with a standard 3.6-liter V6 and can be purchased with rear- or all-wheel drive. We'd also opt for the aforementioned Comfort Group package, as we believe large sedans should offer a certain level of softness. If you want a V-8, you'll have to go for the more expensive 300S model, which adds a stiffer suspension. Buyers should also keep in mind the V-8's thirst for fuel. We haven't yet tested the top-of-the-line 300C, which costs $21,000 more than the base Touring model, so we can't say whether we'd spend to get it or not, but given our love of performance, we suspect it would be attractive to us.
Engine, transmission and performance
In the large-car segment, the Chrysler 300 is unusual for its rear-wheel-drive layout and available Hemi V-8 engines. All-wheel drive is optional, but only with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 292 horsepower. In our test, the 300S with the rear-wheel-drive V-6 reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, a slow time for this class, but still quite quick. The rear-wheel-drive 300S with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine reached 5.3 seconds in the same test in 2015. For its size, the 300 is not a badly driven car. The steering isn't the most talkative, but body roll is well controlled, and the chassis is willing to play, as long as it's not too aggressive. The stiffer suspension and 20-inch wheels of the 300S make this particular model a bit rough around the edges, which doesn't seem to fit the 300's almost luxurious mission. If you're looking for something comfortable, opt for the Touring or Touring L.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The entry-level offering of the 300 is the Touring model. It features cloth seats and few amenities. The more upscale Touring L and 300S models boast more extensive amenities, including electrically adjustable front seats with heating and adjustable lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats and illuminated cup holders front and rear. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and an electrically adjustable steering wheel are optional on all but the base model. The new 300C offers added sophistication with Black Laguna leather seats, a standard 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a carbon-fiber interior.
