It’s Time to Reconsider the Chrysler 300

If you are planning to visit a Chrysler dealer near Black Forest, you might just have your eyes set on a Chrysler 300. The Chrysler 300 first appeared on the American automotive market in 1955, which means it’s had plenty of time to cycle in and out of a variety of fads and trends. It hits a unique spot in the industry as an upscale luxury sedan coming from a familiar American-made brand.

Since 1925, Chrysler has been a household name across the country and around the globe. Named one of the “Big Three” in American automotive manufacturing, Chrysler cars, trucks, and minivans have been on the road for nearly a century. Operating today as part of the new Stellantis international automotive group, Chrysler is responsible for a small but capable lineup of vehicles, including the Pacifica van and the 300 sedan.

The original 1955 Chrysler 300 was intended as a high-performance muscle car, getting its name from the impressive 300 horsepower it packed under the hood. Today’s Chrysler 300 follows in its ancestor’s tire prints when it comes to power and performance while throwing in some luxurious soft touches that make it a fabulous choice for a driver looking for the right combination of speed and comfort.

A Surprising Amount of Power: Under the Hood of the Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 has been referred to by car industry experts as “breathtaking,” which is not a word we often hear in conjunction with the typical sedan. Just like previous generations, the 2021 models have been engineered with a significant amount of power. The base engine for the Touring and Touring L trims is a 3.6L V6 that comes in just under the original 300 at 292 horsepower. However, the same 3.6L V6 has been tweaked in the 300S performance trim, matching the 300 horsepower of the original 1955 car.

The “breathtaking” part comes in with the optional 5.7L V8 engine. With its 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, the V8-equipped 300S models have a satisfying amount of zip, solidifying the 300’s presence in the four-door sedan market and nudging it into a class of its own. Finding a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive in a sedan is quite rare these days, with the 300 being one of the last throwbacks to the days when American muscle cars ruled the roads.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that critics have described as “responsive” and “fine-tuned.” The standard Sports mode on all models provides precise transmission shift points, which, combined with electric power steering and paddle shifters, gives the Chrysler 300 better performance and handling than you might imagine from a larger sedan. The Touring and Touring L trims are also offered with all-wheel drive for drivers who want to remain in control when the going gets tough. This class-exclusive system includes a front-axle disconnect feature and can be employed at any speed to help provide added torque where it’s needed most.

Introducing the 2021 Chrysler 300: Trims and Features

A brand doesn’t stick around for nearly 100 years without knowing their industry, and Chrysler has done many things over the years to keep the 300 fresh. For 2021, the Chrysler 300 has received both an interior and exterior refresh. On the outside, it maintains a solid and respectable presence, neither too flashy nor too stoic. This is the type of sedan that impresses everyone with its classic good looks and charm.

Inside, there’s plenty of room for family road trips, but the spacious, deluxe interior makes any distance a delight. The trunk provides 16 cubic feet of storage space, and the rear seats offer a 60/40 split to open up more room for belongings without sacrificing all of the passenger space. This makes the 300 an ideal choice for a trip to wine country or a visit to the local arts festival.

Technically speaking, the 300 is offered in three trims, including Touring, Touring L, and 300S; however, the 300S trim is offered in two sub-trims based on the engine choice. The Touring trim starts things off right with luscious cloth bucket seats that aren’t out of place on a luxury sedan, with the driver’s seat providing four-way power-adjustable lumbar support. All Chrysler 300 models include a standard Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display providing drivers access to HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Moving up to the Touring L trim, the bucket seats are now leather-trimmed, and heated front seats are standard. Drivers can choose to add heated rear seats to their Touring L, as well. As mentioned earlier, there are a few differences in the features offered in the 300S V6 and the 300S V8. Both include heated, power-adjustable leather-trimmed sports seats, with the option to add ventilated front seats, as well. Those models with a V6 engine will include an Alpine Premium six-speaker audio system, while those equipped with the V8 have a standard Alpine nine-speaker system. An integrated navigation system is also standard on the V8 models, though optional on lower trims.

When it comes to safety features, 300 models all include standard offerings such as all-speed traction control, daytime running lights, electronic stability control, a rear backup camera, tire pressure monitoring, and hill start assist. The Touring L trim includes additional standard driver assistance features, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, as well as the ParkSense Front and Rear Park-Assist System. These features continue on to the 300S trim, as well.

Those looking for a complete suite of driver assistance tools can opt for the available SafetyTec Plus Group, which is offered for the Touring L, V6, and V8 trims. This package includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus with Advanced Brake-Assist, Lane-Departure Warning Plus, Automatic High-Beam Headlamp-Control, and Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers. Choosing the SafetyTec Plus Group on the Touring L trim also adds the six-speaker Alpine system with a 276-watt amplifier.

More to Love: Choosing Options and Accessories for Your Chrysler 300

One of the most enticing aspects of the 2021 Chrysler 300 is the ability to customize the car to make it your own. Several optional packages are offered across the lineup, with each package custom-tuned to the original trim level. For example, the Comfort Group suite of features for the Touring L trim includes the six-speaker Alpine sound system, adaptive bi-xenon HID headlamps, leather bucket seats, a power-adjustable steering column, memory settings for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and radio, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and LED interior lighting throughout the cabin. Those who select this package on the 300S V8 model will receive the features the trim excludes, such as the HID headlamps with automatic leveling, map pocket lights, and illuminated cup holders, along with a backlight sunshade and trunk mat.

For those who want to remind themselves that this is, in fact, a Detroit production, the Mopar Interior Package adds bright pedals and door sills, along with premium carpeting and floor with the Mopar signature. A Sport Appearance Package is also offered, for those who want something that looks a little spicier. This includes 20-inch black noise aluminum wheels with performance tires and slick blackout accents, such as the grill surround, headlamp bezels, and moldings. A Chrome Appearance Package goes in the other direction and adds exactly what it promises, including a platinum grille and surround.

All-American Performance and Luxury

The Chrysler 300 has a lot to offer, providing luxury features in a household-name package. From plush seating to a choice between two high-performing engines, drivers may be surprised by the 300. While sedans have certainly become an endangered species in an SUV-driven market, the 2021 Chrysler 300 reminds us that the class is hanging on for a reason. Not only are they fun to drive, but they can be spacious, comfortable, and provide all of the entertainment and technology features we’ve come to know and love over the years. The 300 tells the tale of a vehicle that has been around for many years and continues to adapt to the market. While trends may come and go, the Chrysler 300 proves that a solid and reliable engine, a spacious and comfortable interior, and the ability to select the right gadgets to complete the experience remain the secret to enduring success.