2023 Chrysler 300: U.S. News Found 3 Things to Like
If you’re shopping for a new car, there are better options than the Chrysler 300. That’s not to say it’s a bad car. It’s large, comfortable, and has a big trunk. It’s also quiet with a good infotainment system and will get the job done. The only problem is it’s very outdated by modern standards. Everything about it is past its prime, from the interior and exterior styling down to the lack of modern amenities.
Even so, U.S. News found three things to like about the 2023 Chrysler 300, giving it a score of 7.6 out of 10. That’s enough to rank it No. 4 on their list, which sounds pretty good… until you realize there are only four cars on the list.
The Chrysler 300 has powerful engines
The Chrysler 300 offers three smooth, powerful engines, starting with the base 3.6-liter V6 engine, which puts out 292 horsepower, according to U.S. News. Next is a 363-hp 5.7-liter V8; if that isn’t enough, there’s a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower. All three engines are coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, but only on the V6.
The V6 engine won’t win any speed contests, but it’s more than adequate. The 0 to 60 mph time is about 6.5 seconds, which is more than enough to get up to speed and merge into traffic. Tread lightly, and the 3.6-liter engine will reach 19 city mpg and 30 mpg on the highway.
Step up to the Hemi V8 engines, and you’ll trade some of that fuel economy for more thrust. The 0 to 60 mph times drop to around 5 seconds for the 5.7-liter V8 and down to 4.3 seconds for the 6.4-liter. Both engines provide an old-school V8 rumble which is not out of place in a car that used to be called “the banker’s hot rod.” Fuel economy drops to 15/24 city/highway mpg for the V8s, which seems a small price to pay.
A relaxing and quiet ride
Old school is also what you get inside, but not exactly in a good way. The interior of the latest Chrysler 300 carries over from a refresh about a decade ago, and the overall appearance is out of step for 2023. However, if you’re not a fan of large touchscreens and glass dashboards, it might not be that bad.
Faux wood trims the cabin, adding to the dated quality. Hard plastics and other subpar materials further reinforce the feeling. Fortunately, it’s a quiet place to spend time. Wind and road noise is muted, and the car has a solid feel, making it a relaxing place to eat up miles. As a highway cruiser, you could do much worse.
The Chrysler 300 offers decent driving dynamics
The Chrysler 300’s driving dynamics don’t stand out. They are neither good nor bad, just solid and stable whether on the highway or driving in town. The steering is quick and lightly weighted but lacks feel, similar to a classic land yacht of old.
Ride comfort is mainly dependent on the wheels and tires. The base 17-inch wheels provide the most comfortable ride, quietly gliding over rough pavement. Opt for the 19 or 20-inch wheels, and you get better handling but at the sacrifice of ride quality with low-profile tires that transmit more noise, shakes, and shimmies through the car.
Who should buy a Chrysler 300?
In its review of the 2023 Chrysler 300, Car and Driver said, “After a long and successful run the Chrysler 300 is headed for retirement—and none too soon.” That accurately sums up where the car is in its lifespan. The 300 is an aging quarterback who, each year, decides to hang on for one more season, whether for a last shot at glory or until the franchise drafts a promising young replacement.
If you like retro, the 300 is a car that’s 10 years past its prime and maybe five years away from being cool in a vintage way like Ray Bans or an old leather jacket. However, as a car, there’s not much to recommend. It’s not that it’s a lousy car or there’s a lot to hate. It just doesn’t offer the same features as many competitors of the modern era.
