Used 2019 Chrysler 300

Although the design is starting to show its age, the 2019 Chrysler 300 continues to impress. While the Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon remain the 300’s primary rivals, newer models like the Honda Accord have caught up to the 300 in the areas of luxury and interior volume. And, while it’s true some of the 300’s competitors offer more fuel-efficient turbocharged and hybrid engine options, none offer the handling benefits of rear-wheel drive or the tire-burning horsepower of an available Hemi V8 engine. Furthering the 300’s appeal is the availability of all-wheel drive and an extensive list of tech features, including an outstanding infotainment system that, unlike the Toyota Avalon, can accommodate Android Auto-enabled smartphones.

Chrysler’s 2019 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, its 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is smooth and precise, and a Sport mode that tweaks the transmission’s shift points is standard on the 300S and 300C. Straight-line performance is outstanding, but on models other than the 300S and 300C, cornering is not the big and heavy Chrysler’s most admirable quality — although it can easily outmaneuver a Toyota Avalon or Hyundai Azera. The additional thrust and exhaust rumble of the V8 are 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 2019 Chrysler 300’s expansive interior is one of its best features. The voluminous cabin also happens to be covered in premium materials with a handsome dash, the latest in high-tech safety and infotainment features and some of the best audio options around. With room for five adults, the 300 is a true full-size sedan, and its 16-cubic-foot trunk is equally up to the task. Subtle styling touches like the clean analog clock face, rotary transmission selector and big 8.4-inch touch screen further enhance the feeling of driving a premium luxury sedan without the premium price.

With its hard lines, small greenhouse and wide stance, Chrysler’s 2019 300 defines the look of American luxury sedans. It manages to be full country club, very CEO and a little bit gangster all at the same time. It’s a distinctive design and it continues to exude an aggressive elegance as it struts down the road. The more sporting 300S model has blacked-out elements. Chrysler offers Sport Appearance and Chrome Appearance packages on the entry-level 300 Touring model, both packages featuring 20-inch wheels. The top Hemi-powered 300C model gets Platinum Chrome on its grille and trim.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
You won’t find many full-size sedans with all-wheel drive in the 300’s price range, let alone ones with its performance and handling abilities. Adding about $2,500 to the price, AWD can be ordered on all but the V8-powered models. All-wheel drive competitors include the Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse and smaller Subaru Legacy.

HEMI V8 Power
Unique in the full-size-sedan segment, the 300’s Hemi V8 is a throwback to an era when big American sedans once monopolized the freeways. Unlike those early cars, however, the 300’s V8 earns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway, and there’s no matching the kind of off-the-line acceleration or satisfying growl the engine produces.

The base 300 Touring model includes dual-zone climate control, 8-way-power driver’s seat, keyless entry, dash-mounted analog clock, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a split-folding rear seat and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Entertainment is provided by a 6-speaker AM/FM/satellite radio with USB input and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims come with a rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, leather interior, heated and cooled front seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, 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.

Several packages and individual options are available on the 2019 Chrysler 300. Among them are upgraded audio systems including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon unit, and optional safety and driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Traction-enhancing all-wheel drive (AWD) is available across trims on V6 models in place of the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD). In addition to interior features and more aggressive exterior design cues, the sportier 300S and 300C models come with paddle shifters and performance-tuned suspension. The Limited trim is loaded with quilted Nappa leather seats, hand-sanded wood accents and 20-inch wheels.

The standard engine for the 2019 Chrysler 300 sedan is the highly regarded Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. With 292 horsepower (300 in the 300S), this engine is more than sufficient to move the 300 with authority, and it returns respectable fuel economy, at least in highway driving. All-wheel drive is available only with the V6 and causes a slight reduction in fuel economy. Optional on the 300S and standard on the mighty 300C is Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Generating 363 horsepower and nearly 400 lb-ft of torque, this engine delivers blisteringly fast performance times and makes the 300 a true joy to drive. Both engines are hooked to an 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode. Regular unleaded is accepted by both the V6 and V8 engines, although 89 or 91 octane is recommend to get the most from the V8.

3.6-liter V6
292 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
300 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm (300S)
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
264 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (300S)
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

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