Used 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 sedan has been around since 2005. Chrysler’s stylists have worked hard with updates and subtle design changes to keep this full-size 4-door current. But buyers seeking the latest in technology, interior design, and fuel economy in large sedan form should also consider the Toyota Avalon, Kia Cadenza, Nissan Maxima, and even the Honda Accord. All of which are superior to the 300, right down to their resale values.

Yet the 300 still offers something none of those rivals can, a V8 engine. There might come a time when a museum has a rear-drive, V8-powered big American car as one of its exhibits. Until then, it’s available at a Chrysler dealership. The lower two V6-only trims may also be ordered with all-wheel drive. And despite its age, the 300’s Uconnect infotainment system is still one of the better systems at this price level.

The Chrysler 300 sedan is comfortable, quiet, and powerful. Even the standard V6 engine has plenty of punch.

The optional 363-horsepower V8 in the 300S delivers breathtaking acceleration. Its 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and precise, and a Sport mode tweaking the transmission’s shift points is standard. Straight-line performance is outstanding, but the big and heavy 300 is not exactly a ballerina around tight corners.

The V8’s thrust and growl are certainly thrilling, but the best combination of performance, efficiency, and price is the V6-powered 300 Touring L with a dash of optional equipment. Buyers who encounter rough weather regularly will also want the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

The cabin of the 2021 Chrysler 300 is huge, with ample room for 6-footers anywhere. A true full-size sedan, the 300’s 16-cubic-foot trunk can swallow all manner of gear, luggage, and groceries. Most of the materials on the dash and seats look and feel premium, but some hard plastics on the doors and lower dash are definitely not befitting a car of this price.

Plenty of high-tech upgrades and some great audio options keep the 300 in the game, although the 8.4-inch touchscreen is also starting to feel small compared with the competition. Touches like an analog clock, rotary gear selector, and a 7-inch instrument cluster give the feeling of driving a more expensive luxury sedan.

Solid lines, small glass areas, and a wide stance define the Chrysler 300’s American luxury sedan look. It manages to be country club, CEO, and a little gangster all at the same time. It’s a distinctive design that continues to exude an assertive elegance.

The sportier 300S has blacked-out elements. Chrysler offers Sport Appearance and Chrome Appearance packages on the entry-level 300 Touring, both packages featuring 20-inch alloy wheels.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Although a few more family sedans now offer all-wheel drive, this feature is rare in the 300’s size and price range. Costing $2,750, Chrysler’s advanced system works well on slippery surfaces and improves the 300’s cornering abilities on dry roads.

V8 POWER
Only the 2021 Chrysler 300 and its corporate cousin, the Dodge Charger, offer a V8 option, with all its rumble, horsepower, and torque. Off-the-line acceleration is exhilarating, and an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway isn’t too shabby.

The base 300 Touring has dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/ignition, cloth upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dash-mounted analog clock, leather-wrapped steering wheel, split/folding rear seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The infotainment system has an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, Bluetooth phone/audio, AM/FM/HD/satellite radio, voice control, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Touring L trim comes with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, self-dimming driver’ s-side exterior mirror, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, remote start, and LED fog lights.

As well as specific interior features and exterior design touches, the 300S has paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension.

All versions have a 7-inch driver information display between the analog tachometer and speedometer.

In the Touring and Touring L trims, buyers may choose all-wheel drive. In the 300S, a V8 is on the options list. The Touring L is eligible for more options than the entry-level trim, so it seems a smarter call.

The new option packages for 2021 are Popular Equipment and Comfort Group. The former adds navigation, SiriusXM traffic updates, a 9-speaker/506-watt surround-sound system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The latter brings self-leveling headlights, memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heat steering wheel, powered rear sunshade, LED-illuminated rear cup holders, and a few other items.

The top two trims can also come with safety and driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.

The base engine in the 2021 Chrysler 300 is an award-winning 3.6-liter V6. It develops 292 horsepower in the Touring and Touring L trims, 300 horsepower in the 300S.

With ample torque, this V6 is more than capable of stress-free merging and passing, as well as sweeping the 300 across intersections when there’s a gap. Fuel economy figures are in line with other V6 engines in this class, although versions with all-wheel drive see a slight decrease in overall estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Chrysler’s mighty 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque is optional in the 300S. This engine is only paired with the default rear-wheel drive (RWD) arrangement. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option in the V6-powered Touring and Touring L trims.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed throughout the range and has a manual shift mode for drivers who prefer greater engagement. Premium fuel is recommended for the V8, but both engines will run fine on regular unleaded.

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 (300S)
363 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
394 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25 mpg