Used 2017 Chrysler 300

Loaded with advanced technology and safety features, the full-size 2017 Chrysler 300 is an elegant American luxury-performance sedan with plenty of swagger and big horsepower. With its standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), available all-wheel drive (AWD) and optional Hemi V8, the Chrysler 300 is unique in a sea of front-wheel-drive V6-powered competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Chevy Impala. Four trim levels are available for 2017; the base 300 Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum. All four come standard with a highly praised 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that makes a strong 292 horsepower. In 300S models it makes slightly more — 300 horsepower. A 363-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available on the three higher trim levels. Both engines are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler’s new 300 sedan can be summed up with a few choice words: “comfortable, quiet and powerful.” The 300 offers plenty of gusto, even from its standard V6 engine. The available 363-horsepower Hemi V8 delivers heart-stopping acceleration, and the 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission perfectly manages gear changes. Straight-line performance is outstanding, but on models other than the 300S, cornering is not the Chrysler’s most admirable quality — although it can easily outmaneuver a Toyota Avalon or Hyundai Azera. Somewhat improving matters is a Sport mode standard on the 300S and 300C Platinum that tweaks response from the steering, throttle and transmission shift points. The additional thrust of the V8 is certainly desirable, but the best combination of performance, efficiency and price is the V6-powered 300S with a light smattering of optional equipment. And if you live in the land of snow and ice all-wheel drive (AWD) is a worthwhile expense.

The 2017 Chrysler 300’s 5-passenger interior is comfortable and roomy. There’s an overall feeling of quality and at over 40 inches, rear-seat legroom is commendable. The driver’s seat is pleasant on long drives, and higher trims add features like a power-adjustable steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats. Front-seat passengers, though, may feel crowded by the hump that houses part of the 300’s powertrain, and rear visibility can be a problem because of thick roof pillars and a low roofline. At over 16 cubic feet, the 300’s trunk is large, and the rear seats fold flat for added cargo flexibility.

In many ways the Chrysler 300, with its hard lines, small greenhouse and wide stance, has defined the look of American luxury sedans. This latest generation is not as blocky, with a front end that’s more tapered than its snub-nosed predecessor, but its design is as distinctive as ever and it continues to exude an aggressive elegance as it struts down the road. The 2017 300’s exterior design has evolved to include a new grille showcasing a "floating" winged badge, a more sculpted front fascia, and an updated rear with LED taillights. The more sporting 300S models have blacked-out elements.

REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE LAYOUT
Chrysler’s new 300 sedan hearkens back to a time when big, rear-wheel-drive (RWD), V8-powered cars ruled the American highways. Purists love cars driven by their rear wheels, but in today’s family-sedan market it’s a hard-to-find feature. Other rear-drive sedans are the Dodge Charger, Hyundai Genesis and Chevy SS.

UCONNECT
The new fourth generation of Uconnect is one of the best automotive infotainment systems and one of the easiest to use. Maps are supplied by Garmin, and the Bluetooth connects your phone almost instantaneously. The new system’s larger 8.4-inch screen also allows for phone-style navigation gestures like pinch and swipe.

The base 300 Limited includes dual-zone climate control, 12-way-power driver’s seat, keyless entry, dash-mounted analog clock, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seat trim, heated front seats and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Entertainment is provided by a 6-speaker AM/FM/satellite radio with USB input and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims come with rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, leather interior, heated and cooled front seats and heated and cooled cup holders, navigation and power-operated rear sunshade. In addition to the 8.4-inch touch-screen display with Chrysler’s easy-to-use Uconnect information and entertainment system, all models come with a snazzy 7-inch information display between the analog tachometer and speedometer.

A variety of packages and individual options is available for the 2017 Chrysler 300, some varying across the Chrysler’s four trim levels. Among them are upgraded audio systems by Alpine, Beats or harman/kardon. Optional safety and driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Traction-enhancing all-wheel drive is available across trims on V6 models. In addition to more aggressive interior and exterior design cues, the sportier 300S models come with paddle shifters and performance-tuned suspension. The Platinum trim is loaded with quilted Nappa leather seats, hand-sanded wood accents and 20-inch wheels.

The 2017 Chrysler 300 comes with the highly lauded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as standard across all four trims. In 300S models it has slightly more power — 300 horsepower, while in the 300 Limited, 300C and 300C Platinum it makes 292 horsepower. AWD is optional with this engine. Available on the three higher trim levels is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine good for 363 horsepower. Both engines are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is rated up to 30 mpg highway, commendable for such a large car. The powerful V8 achieves a high of 25 mpg. Cars with either engine can run on regular unleaded, though mid-grade 89 octane is recommended for the V8. With either engine the 300 is rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds.

3.6-liter V6
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm (300S sport model)
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (300S sport model)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

5.7-liter V8
363 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
394 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.