2021 Chrysler 300 Review

　　

2021 Chrysler 300 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The Chrysler 300, though it's been on sale in its current form for a decade now, remains one of our top picks in the large sedan class. Highlights include an attractive cabin design, plenty of head- and legroom, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Chrysler has done a good job at keeping this aging four-door current. A muscular V8 engine is available too.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chrysler 300 Touring 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 Touring

　　300 Touring

　　Touring 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,370 MSRPTouring 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,120 MSRPTouring L 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,370 MSRPTouring L 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,120 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,320 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,320 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　However, the 300 feels a little more ponderous from behind the wheel than some other large sedans. Also, Chrysler keeps most of the 300's advanced driver safety features, such as forward collision mitigation, as options. For a vehicle like this, we'd expect them to be standard. Overall, though, we're fond of the 300. Check out our 2021 Chrysler 300 Expert Review to get our in-depth take.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 300 drive? The 300 is built for smooth and powerful cruising, and it hits the mark. The optional V8 muscles the big sedan forward without drama, but lean into it with gusto and you'll be met with a rumbling exhaust note and powerful thrust. An eight-speed automatic transmission offers crisp and clean shifts, and some models come with paddles to take over when you like.

　　This isn't a sport sedan, even in taut 300S guise, but it does handle athletic tests well. The brake pedal is responsive with plenty of stopping power. The steering is light and easy to turn at low speeds, and it firms up at highway speeds to give you a better feel of heft. But on tight turns, the 300 makes its mass felt, even with a stiffened suspension and sticky tires on the 300S version.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 300? Chrysler delivers on its premium, near-luxury promise inside the cabin. Very little road noise, and only slightly more from the wind, is apparent when the 300 is rolling along. The climate control system works impressively fast and is easy to operate through the main controls. The seats are also plush and supportive, and even sportier 300S versions prioritize comfort.

　　Overall, though, the ride is more stiff than you might expect. Our 300S test car had a suspension that couldn't quite keep rough roads from being felt in the interior. Yet it doesn't detract from an otherwise serene drive, and we expect non-300S models handle bumps more effectively.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The 300 sometimes feels like more of a house than a car. Interior space is massive and one of the main reasons to consider purchasing one. Five passengers fit easily and four fit like kings. The big door openings and flat roofline make it easy to slide in and out. It offers a huge array of seat and steering wheel adjustments to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes.

　　Big sedans unfortunately come with big blind spots. The high shoulder line and large pillars are difficult to see around, especially when looking out the rear. Lane changes should be made with care. Thank goodness for a clear and crisp standard rearview camera.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The factory navigation system is easy to use with simple graphics, if you opt for it. And if you don't, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. The nine-speaker Alpine audio system is an add-on, and it provides plenty of thump.

　　Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful, and additional features such as front and rear parking sensors, lane departure and lane keeping assist are available in packages. Available voice controls are fairly rudimentary but effective, and tech features such as remote start, car finder and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are optional as well.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Chrysler made good use of available space in the 300. Room in the trunk, at 16.3 cubic feet, is very good for the class, especially considering the rear-wheel-drive hardware underneath. The trunk is slightly narrow between the wheels, but otherwise it's a standout in the large sedan class. Interior storage is also good, with plenty of cupholders and a wide center console hold that's perfect for small items.

　　The back seats fold down in a 60/40 split and have easy-to-access anchor points for child car seats. Larger rear-facing child seats should be no problem to install because there is so much space between the rear seats and the front. You can even get three of them side by side, and the ample door openings make installation a snap.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The V8-powered 300S is estimated by the EPA to get 19 mpg combined (16 city/25 highway). We averaged 17 mpg in our combined testing miles, with an 18.6 mpg average on our highway-heavy evaluation loop that should have returned a result in the low 20s.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the 300 a good value? The 300's interior is solidly built. Chrysler paid a lot of attention to fit and finish, and the quality of the materials is also pleasing. But the pricing can run uncomfortably high, especially if you get the V8 and a bunch of optional features. At that point, you might consider buying a luxury-branded sedan. Chrysler's warranty coverage is average.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The 300's rather timeless design is a rarity in an industry that changes drastically every few years. It backs up that classic look with a focus on interior space and smooth performance. You do have to choose between the too hard 300S and the too soft versions, but the 300 makes up for it with a combination of airtight luxury and intoxicating style.

　　

Which 300 does zzdcar recommend?

Unless you really want the optional V8 in the 300S, we think the Touring L offers the best bang for your buck. It doesn't cost much more than the Touring, and it adds some nice luxury touches and safety items. Perhaps more important is the greater breadth of customization offered by numerous available option packages.

　　

2021 Chrysler 300 models

The 2021 Chrysler 300 is a large sedan sold in three trim levels: Touring, Touring L and S. All trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. In the Touring and Touring L, it produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The S model bumps output slightly to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. Optional for the 300S is a 5.7-liter V8 with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, though all-wheel drive is available on Touring and Touring L trims.

　　Touring

　　The Chrysler 300 Touring comes well equipped with:

　　17-inch wheels (19-inch wheels with AWD) Heated mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone automatic climate control Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power-adjustable driver's seat 60/40-split folding rear seat 8.4-inch touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Satellite radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrationTwo packages are available for the Touring to enhance its look from the outside. The Chrome Appearance package includes chrome exterior trim elements, while the Sport Appearance package substitutes a blacked-out treatment. Both add 20-inch wheels.

　　Touring L

　　Selecting the Touring L adds:

　　18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels with AWD) Remote engine start Auto-dimming driver's side mirror Power-adjustable passenger seat Heated front seats Leather upholstery Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)The Chrome Appearance and Sport Appearance packages are also available for the Touring L. Other notable packages include:

　　Comfort Group Xenon headlights Power-adjustable and heated steering wheel Driver-seat memory settings Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Power rear sunshade Six-speaker Alpine audio system SafetyTec Plus Group Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the 300 and the car in front) Six-speaker Alpine audio system Popular Equipment Group Panoramic sunroof Navigation system Nine-speaker Alpine audio system S

　　Upgrading to the range-topping 300S adds:

　　20-inch wheels Sport-tuned suspension Black-painted exterior styling elements Paddle shifters Sport front seats Premium Alpine audio systemSelecting the 300S with the V8 also includes:

　　Aerodynamic body kit Integrated navigation system Nine-speaker Alpine audio systemOption packages for the S include:

　　S Appearance package (V6 only) Aerodynamic body kit Comfort Group Popular Equipment Group SafetyTec Plus Group

　　

2021 300 Highlights

Trim: TouringTouring LSTouring

　　

Base MSRP	$31,370
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