Since its introduction to the market, the Chrysler 300 has been known for offering classic style and luxury in a modern-day package. The 2017 Chrysler 300 is no exception to this rule, having an appearance that is sure to suit even the most selective buyers while offering convenient features like touch-screen controls and lane departure warnings.
Visually, the new 300 is a striking large-body vehicle that evokes older American designs while at the same time maintaining its modern edge.
While being the best of both the classic and the modern, the 2017 Chrysler 300 is also a mix between the family and luxury car markets. Though it includes many luxury features, this elegant 4-door sedan is reasonably priced enough to be available to average people looking for an enjoyable and reliable vehicle.
When all is said and done, Chrysler’s newest model of the 300 is a success that nicely enhances this already well-liked series of vehicles.
MSRP
The 2017 Chrysler 300 is available in five different trims. The most affordably priced of these is the 300 Limited, which starts at an MSRP of $32,340. From here, base prices on the trims increase with the 300S ($35,675), 300S Alloy Edition ($36,170), 300C ($38,635) and 300C Platinum ($42,770).
Like most modern vehicles, the 2017 Chrysler 300 and its various trims can be customized extensively. Features can be added to the base trim packages that will impact the final pricing.
Performance Specs
Aside from its good value and elegant aesthetics, the Chrysler 300 has come to be well regarded for its superior power and performance.
Base models come equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine capable of producing up to 292 horsepower. For those who prefer real power, however, the 2017 Chrysler 300 is also available with a V8 hemi engine with an impressive 5.7L capacity. This upgraded engine can produce 363 horsepower, making it an exceptional choice for buyers who crave power behind their cars.
The drive train of the new Chrysler 300 is topped off by an 8-speed automatic transmission and an optional sport mode for further enhanced performance. When the vehicle is dropped into sport mode, accelerator responsiveness is increased to deliver a faster start off the line.
In addition to its performance drive train, Chrysler has equipped the new 300 model with a matching handling system. Highly responsive power steering offers some of the most precise handling of any mass-produced car on the market today, while an optional all-wheel drive system delivers traction under any conditions. For the performance enthusiast, these features are essential, as a powerful engine is only half of the performance equation.
Safety and Entertainment Features
In addition to its excellent performance and handling features, the new 2017 Chrysler 300 offers a wide array of safety and user entertainment features. These features include:
- Satellite radio connectivity
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities
- First-class audio system
- Touch-screen control panel
- Mobile entertainment app compatibility
- Aux and USB direct inputs for streaming music from devices
More important than the entertainment features of the vehicle, however, are its numerous safety features intended to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
In crash tests, the Chrysler 300 has received 5 stars in side impact ratings and 4 stars in both head-on and rollover impact ratings. In addition, the new 300s offer frontal collision warning with advanced assisted braking. These two systems in combination ensure that if you do not apply enough force to the brakes to prevent a potential collision, the vehicle will compensate and do it for you.
Also in the safety category is the 2017 Chrysler 300’s lane departure warning system, which warns drivers if the vehicle is beginning to drift and potentially crossing over into another lane of traffic.
Accompanying this system is self-stopping cruise control, which will bring the car to a stop to prevent your vehicle from colliding with another car or object while in cruise mode. Rounding out the list of safety features are parking assistance and rear detection that prevent the vehicle from hitting anything while parking or pulling out.
In-class Comparison
Easily the biggest competition for the 2017 Chrysler 300 are the Nissan Maxima, Chevrolet Impala and Dodge Charger. With all the features it offers, the 300 is clearly a good vehicle, but how does it stack up against these other cars in its class?
Among full-size sedans, the Chrysler 300 has a leading edge in style and appearance, taking a much different approach to visual appeal than the often bland-looking sedans of today. The Maxima and Impala both have the outdated, clichéd body of a sports car. The Charger, however, has a very modern sports car exterior, but lacks the class the Chrysler 300 brings to the table.
The car’s large body and powerful engine options, however, do put it at a slight disadvantage when it comes to fuel economy. In pricing, the 2017 Chrysler 300 does fall in the upper ranges when it comes to base MSRP:
- Chrysler 300 – $32,340
- Nissan Maxima – $33,475
- Chevrolet Impala – $28,175
- Dodge Charger – $29,090
However, the other vehicles that come in at lower price points lack the luxury and performance of the 300.
Fuel Efficiency
Rounding out the 2017 Chrysler 300’s overall profile is its relatively good fuel economy given its power and size.
Getting up to 30 mpg on the highway with the base V6 engine, the new 300s are good for road trips or long daily commutes. Though this isn’t the best fuel economy in the automotive industry, it is impressive when you consider the horsepower output of the engine in question.
For the V8 engine option, a fuel-saving setting is automatically triggered when the engine is not running under conditions that require full power load. When this system is triggered, four of the engine’s cylinders are temporarily cut out, making it much more fuel efficient for highway driving.
All in all, the Chrysler 300 probably won’t win any awards for fuel economy, but it will meet most buyers’ needs.
Pros and Cons
The pros of the new Chrysler 300s are numerous, including excellent performance, appealing visual styling and a good array of safety and security features. The 2017 Chrysler 300 is a great option for buyers who are looking for a combination of good looks and serious power.
Though excellent for buyers of all stripes, the 300 is especially suitable for young professionals looking to buy their first brand-new car.
The cons of the new 300s are relatively few, but there are some. Fuel economy isn’t the strongest aspect of this vehicle, making it a bit impractical for someone who is concerned about fuel costs. The vehicle’s MSRP isn’t out of line for what it offers, but it is boosted by the powerful engine options. For buyers who don’t need or want greater performance, paying more for these better engines may not be a reasonable investment.
Overall, the 2017 Chrysler 300 is a great vehicle, though its appeal may be somewhat limited. With a classic large-body appearance, high performance and all the features you would expect from a modern luxury vehicle, Chrysler has delivered yet another solid model year of the 300 series.
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