2017 Chrysler 300 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What’s new

　　Aside from a few changes in equipment between trim levels, the 2017 Chrysler 300 carries over unchanged.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2017 Chrysler 300 is a family sedan that does more than get you from point A to point B. It's big, American and unapologetically bold. But more than just being physically imposing (thanks to features such as its massive grille and wide, boxy dimensions), the 300 is comfortable, quiet and equipped with all sorts of modern tech.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Chrysler 300 Limited 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$159/mo  for 300 Limited

　　300 Limited

　　Limited 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,340 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,840 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,675 MSRPS 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,175 MSRPAlloy 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,170 MSRPAlloy 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,670 MSRPC 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,635 MSRPC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,135 MSRPC Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,770 MSRPC Platinum 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $45,270 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　What makes the 2017 Chrysler 300 unique is that it's a four-door sedan with visceral and practical appeal. The rumble of the optional V8 engine, the practicality of available all-wheel drive and the smooth highway ride all make the 300 a good car by more than just objective standards. What's more, it's a car that makes the daily commute easier by shutting out noise and bumpy roads. Even if you don't particularly like the 300's styling, being isolated from the outside world while you cruise down the highway is enough to make it worth a look.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

　　If you're looking for a big, quiet sedan that doesn't look or feel like anything else on the road, the 2017 Chrysler 300 should be at the top of your list. It combines bold American style and a wide range of engines with the latest safety and entertainment technology.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Chrysler 300C (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the 300 has received some revisions, including some feature availability revisions. Our overall findings remain applicable to this year's Chrysler 300, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	4.0
Utility	3.5

　　

Driving

3.0

　　The Chrysler 300C is a big American sedan with a floaty ride, but the V6 is more than adequate and there's space aplenty. Cars such as the 300 are becoming rare these days, and though there are flaws, the car's size, quietness and price make a compelling case.

　　

Acceleration

3.5

　　The 292-horsepower V6 does an admirable job moving more than 4,000 pounds of Chrysler. Zero to 60 mph takes 6.8 seconds. Upshifts are supple, and the 3.6-liter's power delivery is smooth. For a bit more oomph, we recommend the V8. It sounds better, too.

　　

Braking

2.0

　　During heavy braking, the 300 has significant nosedive and some rear tire lockup. When we tested it at the zzdcar track, stopping distance from 60 mph was 122 feet, which is typical for a large sedan. We experienced serious brake fade at our test track, though.

　　

Steering

2.0

　　The steering is fairly quick, but the effort is too light and offers no feedback. Thanks to the 300C's soft suspension and lazy body motions, even minor steering wheel changes make this boat rock. At highway speeds, you end up constantly correcting. The 300S may be better for those who enjoy a sporty feel.

　　

Handling

2.0

　　Even for a big sedan, the 300C doesn't handle well. There is a lot of body roll in reaction to both steering inputs and road imperfections. Its rear-wheel drive makes it fun to drive at times, but overall handling isn't well controlled. Again, the 300S should be better in this regard.

　　

Drivability

3.5

　　The V6 is exceptionally smooth, and the gas pedal is responsive to your inputs. The eight-speed automatic is rarely confused, even handling hills with smart downshifts, but it offers no manual-shifting ability.

　　

Comfort

3.0

　　The 300 is a big car, and it shows pretty much everywhere. On the highway it's mostly smooth, but after small bumps it tends to have a wallowy, floaty ride. This is at odds with the impact harshness from big bumps, where the seats feel more like a couch than a captain's chair.

　　

Seat comfort

2.5

　　Wide, flat and featureless, the 300's front seats feel as if they were designed for wider drivers, leaving everyone else to slide around. There isn't much adjustability either. In back, the 300 is spacious, but middle seat comfort is hampered by the 300's transmission tunnel hump.

　　

Ride comfort

3.0

　　Because of how quiet the 300 is, it is possible to confuse that with a good ride. Yes, it's soft and floaty, but the 300C's body motions are largely uncontrolled, so big steering inputs make it rock perpetually. Pothole impacts are harsh.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.0

　　This big sedan is as quiet as a tomb. Virtually no road noise makes it into the cabin. It's the type of quiet that causes you to drive faster than you think you're going.

　　

Interior

4.0

　　The reason the 300 is so big on the outside is because it's so spacious on the inside. It gets high scores for ease of entry/exit and overall passenger volume, plus it has a big trunk. Rearward visibility, however, is a problem.

　　

Ease of use

3.0

　　Uconnect has some features that take familiarity (seat heaters buried in the touchscreen, for example), but the buttons are large and the menus are clear. Climate controls are simple and there's even a real volume knob.

　　

Getting in/getting out

5.0

　　The doors on the 300 are huge and open wide. The driver's seat height is at that perfect "don't have to step up, don't have to squat down" level. The rear seats, too, are easy to get in and out of.

　　

Roominess

5.0

　　One of the 300's most appealing features is its massive cabin, especially as it pertains to the front seat. Shoulder room, headroom, legroom, hiproom — you name it, the 300's got it. Some large sedan competitors have more rear seat space, but not much more.

　　

Visibility

2.0

　　The rearward view out the tiny side mirrors is laughable. Also, the 300's thick rear roof pillars impede your views over the shoulder.

　　

Quality

4.0

　　Inside and out, the 300 feels like it's made with high-quality materials that are all assembled well. Our test car had no obvious defects and had tight seals, which contributed to the massively quiet cabin. Even at the top trim levels with a heftier price tag, the 300 feels worth the money.

　　

Technology

　　We've had lots of experience with older versions of Chrysler's infotainment system, Uconnect, and we've even tested the newest Uconnect 8.4 system in other cars, but we haven't tested it in the 300 yet. In those other cars, though, it is lightning fast with crisp graphics and simple, logical menus.

　　

Which 300 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though it's not going to be in every 300 shopper's budget, the Chrysler 300C Platinum represents the 300 at its best. The top-level 300 boasts some styling flourishes that further solidify the sedan's bold character, and it comes standard with just about every available feature, including the premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. For less money, the 300S is also appealing. It provides a desirable mix of both luxury and sport, particularly if you get the V8 engine.

　　

2017 Chrysler 300 models

　　The 2017 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in four different trim levels: 300 Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum. Regardless of trim level, the 2017 Chrysler 300 comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 (292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft). That same engine makes a bit more power in the 300S (300 hp and 264 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

　　Even if you go with the base 300 Limited, there is a lot of standard equipment. You get features such as heated mirrors, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated power front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the inside, tech features that are standard include an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports and HD and satellite radio.

　　If you're performance-minded, an upgrade to get for the base 300 Limited (or any 300, really) is the 5.7-liter V8 (363 hp and 394 lb-ft) with the eight-speed automatic. The V8 gives the car better acceleration, and with a car this big, that's important. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　Along the same line of thought, the sporty 300S comes with 20-inch wheels with performance tires (19-inchers with AWD), a sport-tuned suspension (RWD only) and steering calibration, LED foglights, remote start, unique blackout styling elements, sport front seats and a 10-speaker Beats Audio sound system. An optional performance suspension exclusive to the 300S features further sport tuning for the suspension and upgraded summer tires.

　　For the luxury buyer, there's the 300C, which adds niceties such as a comfort-tuned suspension (same as the Limited), an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, a dual-pane sunroof, LED cabin lighting, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, driver-seat memory settings, a power rear window sunshade, a navigation system and an amplifier added to the six-speaker audio system. It's not the top of the heap, but the 300C certainly has a lot of equipment to ease your commute.

　　Our recommended trim, provided you can afford all the fancy stuff, is the 300C Platinum. It's the most luxurious of the bunch, and we'd understand if you go with a lower trim level, but there's a lot to like here. It adds unique exterior trim, a touring-tuned suspension (the softest, smoothest ride of the lot), adaptive xenon headlights, heated and cooled front cupholders, upgraded leather upholstery, an upgraded steering wheel and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo (which requires the removal of the power rear window sunshade).

　　Many of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims as stand-alone options or via various packages.

　　Available on all but the Limited trim is the SafetyTec Plus package, which includes front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, lane departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking.

　　

2017 300 Highlights

Trim: LimitedSAlloyCC PlatinumLimited

　　

Base MSRP	$32,340
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles