Used 2022 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Chrysler 300 does something most other large sedans can’t. It has the option of a V8 engine. This seems so wonderfully against the grain as the motoring world is moving away from sedans in general and large engines in particular, choosing instead to bolt turbochargers to smaller units.

This is the second generation of 300, having launched for the 2011 model year. That was so long ago, the Space Shuttle was still in operation. Will Chrysler stop making the 300? Eventually, yes, and possibly within the next year or two. But whether the company has plans for a 3rd-generation is unknown at this point.

Between that hypothetical then and the real-life now, buyers have a choice of three trim levels, two engines, plus standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive (although not a V8 and all-wheel drive in the same car). The 300 is also timelessly roomy and comfortable. Going against the grain has its attractions.

Yes, the V8 is great fun, and it sounds awesome. The Sport mode sharpens responses, so the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers faster shifts. And the 300S has paddle shifters for drivers to make their own gear changes if they want.

This 363-horsepower V8 engine can propel the 300S from standstill to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The V6-powered 2022 300 variants aren’t far behind.

When driven in less of a hurry, the 300 can be quiet, comfortable, and unflustered. Naturally, the car’s size and weight prevent it from being an adroit corner-carver, but that’s not what the 300 is all about. This could be the reason not to buy the 300S, whose sportier suspension setup and 20-inch wheel/tire combo detract from the car’s essential highway-conquering nature.

A better route could be with the optional all-wheel-drive system for some extra confidence in rough weather and cool traction in the dry. The system disconnects the front axle automatically, optimizing fuel consumption, but reacts within milliseconds to suit the conditions. No other competitor offers all-wheel drive.

Except for a few pieces of hard plastic looking a bit cheap and dated, most people could find the 2022 300’s cabin attractive and impressive. The standard 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is a respectable size, as is the 7-inch instrument cluster.

The analog clock and rotary gear shifter are another couple of nice touches. For a greater splash, the 300S offers a Radar Red interior color scheme.

Occupant space is abundant, with room for a couple of 6-footers in the back even if another couple of 6-footers are up front. Rear legroom is 40.1 inches.

Trunk space is similarly plentiful, measuring 16.3 cubic feet and able to swallow four sets of golf clubs. The rear seats also split and fold in a 60/40 manner, enabling the transportation of longer luggage items.

Slightly intimidating, slightly upmarket, the Chrysler 300 has an exterior design that has already stood the test of time. We’ve all seen enough on the roads over the years to have formed an opinion.

The two lower trims can come with a Chrome Appearance package that adds shiny exterior elements such as 20-inch polished alloy wheels, chrome-finished side mirror housings/window trim, and a platinum-look grille and surround. Or a Sport Appearance package paints them all black.

The 300S has its own Appearance pack with body-colored aerodynamic additions at the front, sides, and rear, plus premium fog lights.

STYLING
Like some Gen-Z types are donning clothes their grandparents might have worn, we’re admiring the Chrysler 300’s traditional looks — which seem to become ever more interesting as waves of crossovers inundate the automotive world.

V8 POWER
If it weren’t for a few luxury marques and some sports cars, the V8 might be an endangered species, which would be a real shame. But the 5.7-liter V8 offered in the 300S (and in the Dodge Charger) still delivers rumbling and thrilling acceleration. Meanwhile, achieving 25 mpg on the highway isn’t bad, and versions with this engine tend to have better resale values than their V6-powered siblings.

Even the most affordable new Chrysler 300, Touring trim, comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, N95 cabin air filter, self-dimming rearview mirror, LED lighting for the front cup holders, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Cloth upholstery is also standard, which is something of a let-down. Another disappointment is that forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking — standard equipment in most new cars — is not even optional in the Touring.

Some compensation comes in the form of an 8.4-inch touchscreen for an infotainment stream that includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, voice control, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Touring L trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, remote start, heated front seats, Nappa leather seating surfaces, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, front/rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and eligibility for more options — like forward-collision warning. Both the Touring and Touring L versions have the option of all-wheel drive.

The more energetic version of the V6 goes into the 2022 300S, and a V8 joins the options list for this model. A sport suspension is also fitted, along with a Sport driving mode, 20-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel, sport front seats, and a 276-watt/6-speaker audio setup.

Those considering either of the top two trims should definitely get the SafetyTec Plus Group options bundle for driver aids like forward-collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control (see the Safety Technology section below for more details).

These two cars are also eligible for a Comfort Group package adding ventilated front seats, adaptive/self-leveling headlights, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, alarm system upgrade, power-adjustable steering column with memory (300S only), and a driver’s-side mirror that tilts down automatically when reverse gear is selected.

Extra infotainment options for the Touring L and 300S include navigation and a 9-speaker/506-watt audio system upgrade.

A 3.6-liter V6 is the standard engine in the 2022 300. And not just any old V6, but an award-winner found in various Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge vehicles.

The Touring and Touring L trims employ this unit in 292-horsepower form, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard configuration. These two trim levels also offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 300S has a different menu. It starts out with the V6, but boosted to 300 horsepower. Alternatively, buyers can equip their new 300S with a 363-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, another celebrated engine. Either way, rear-wheel drive is the only setup.

All drivetrains in the 2022 Chrysler 300 use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler recommends using 89-octane gasoline in the V8, but the V6 engine is fine with 87-octane, regardless of output.

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