Used 2018 Chrysler 300

Large and luxurious, the new 2018 Chrysler 300 is a full-size American family sedan with a standard 292-horsepower engine and optional all-wheel drive. Buyers can also step up to the optional 363-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which gives the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 significantly more performance than its front-wheel-drive V6-powered competition like the Chevy Impala, Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus. Both engines are connected to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Five trim levels are available for 2018 starting with the base 300 Touring, for about $32,000. The Touring L model adds standard luxuries like polished 18-inch wheels and lighted rear cup holders, while the sporty 300S gets 300 horsepower. The 300 Limited is all about luxury, and 300C buyers get the big V8 engine standard.

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, 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.

Inside the 2018 Chrysler 300 you’re met with a mix of modern technology, traditional craftsmanship and the kind of expansive space you expect in a full-size American family sedan. The new Chrysler 300 seats five passengers in comfort. Rear-seat legroom is ample and the Chrysler’s heated and cooled front bucket seats are pampering. At over 16 cubic feet, the trunk is also large, and the rear seats fold flat for added flexibility. We’re also fans of the 300’s unusual rotary shift knob, its traditional analog clock, which adds a touch of class, and the large 8.4-inch touch screen that’s easy to reach.

With its hard lines, small greenhouse and wide stance, the new Chrysler 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 of which include 20-inch wheels. The top Hemi-powered 300C model gets Platinum Chrome on its grille and trim.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Despite the growing popularity of all-wheel-drive sedans, it’s still not a very common feature in the full-size-sedan segment. It is available as an option on four of the five Chrysler 300 models for an additional $2,500. It’s also offered on the Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus.

HEMI V8 Power
Also unique in its class is the new Chrysler 300’s available Hemi V8, which is optional on the 300S and standard under the hood of the top 300C model. It’s the only V8 engine in the full-size family-sedan segment, competing with a long list of smaller less-powerful V6s.

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 fold-down 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 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 new 2018 Chrysler 300. Among them are upgraded audio systems by 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 (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 2018 Chrysler 300 comes with the highly lauded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as standard across all four of its five trim levels. In 300S models it has slightly more power — 300 horsepower — while in the 300 Touring, 300 Touring L and 300 Limited it makes 292 horsepower. AWD is optional with this engine. Available on the 300S and standard on the 300C 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.

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