There are a few sedans from old-school American marques like Chrysler and Dodge with the grippy addition of all-wheel drive (AWD). The Chrysler 300 is one of those big, comfortable cars with optional power to all four tires to help grip slick road surfaces. However, is a Chrysler 300 AWD any good in the snow? Or should you check out an alternative like the Kia Stinger with optional AWD? 

What Chrysler 300 has AWD?

Fans and enthusiasts might dance in the snow; the latest Chrysler 300 lineups offer optional AWD across all trims. That’s good news for potential Chrysler 300 owners who don’t want to contend with the range-topping 300S’ $43,070 starting point. Instead, consumers can opt for an entry-level Touring trim and add AWD instead of the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD). Consumers who want AWD can pair it up with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. 

However, the cherry-on-top optional 5.7L V8 in the 300S trim doesn’t get the AWD treatment. That’s unfortunate for folks who wanted an Audi-fighting American sedan with a 363-horsepower heart and power applied through all four tires. Instead, the optional 5.7L Hemi V8 option limits your choices to a RWD platform. 

Are Chryslers good in snow?

Traditionally, a front-engine RWD vehicle application has been antithetical to handling in the snow. However, the Chrysler 300’s AWD platform and less unhinged Pentastar V6 engine make it a far more composed winter driver than, say, a Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack with RWD and 485 horsepower. Better yet, potential owners who want their AWD Chrysler sedan to handle winter commutes easily can equip the cars with seasonally-appropriate tires. Still, RWD 300s aren’t doomed to fair weather journeys; owners can still fit them with snow tires, weigh down the rear, and monitor tire tread and pressure. 

What other big sedans are good in the snow?

Like the Chrysler 300, Dodge offers its venerable Charger sedan with an optional AWD system. However, the marque also limits that option to V6-equipped Chargers, like the SXT and GT. Further, the stylish Volkswagen Arteon offers optional AWD. However, the handsome German competitor also starts at $42,045, around $7,000 more than the entry-level Chrysler sedan. 

Finally, the 2023 Kia Stinger has an optional AWD upgrade for around $2,200 at both trim levels, the GT-Line and GT2. Better yet, if you want a fiendishly fast sedan with AWD, the GT2 AWD is an excellent alternative to the Chrysler and its 5.7L V8. However, Car and Driver says the GT2 with AWD starts at $54,535, making it quite a bit more expensive than the range-topping Chrysler 300S. 

Should you consider a Chrysler 300 AWD?

Even with the list of competitors, if you want a Chrysler 300 AWD, it’s a solid option for your winter drives. Of course, the best option is to pair AWD with appropriate tires and drive carefully, especially in the snow. It might be a good time, too; 2023 will be the last model year for the long-running sedan. Scroll down to the following article to read more about the Chrysler 300 and its competition!