Vehicle Overview
The 300 comes with a choice of two V-6s, while the 300C gets Hemi V-8 power. That car is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section. The 300 is offered in LX, Touring and Limited trim levels for rear-wheel-drive models, and Touring and Limited for the all-wheel-drive 300. Chrysler 300 competitors include the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Impala.
New for 2009
All-wheel-drive models now feature an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect, which is meant to save fuel. The interior includes added chrome accents and upgraded features for the UConnect entertainment system.
Exterior
The 300 looks bold and imposing, flaunting a distinctive shape and riding a 120-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 196.8 inches. The stretched version measures 6 inches longer. The Taurus measures 201.8 inches long and the Impala is 200.4 inches long. The 300 is 74.1 inches wide and 58.4 or 58.9 inches tall, depending on whether it’s rear- or all-wheel drive. It is roughly the same height as the Impala but slightly shorter than the Taurus. The 300 and Taurus are similar widths, and both are slightly wider than the Impala.
- Antenna moved to rear window for 2009
- 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels depending on model
Interior
The 300 can seat five, and trunk volume totals 15.6 cubic feet. Available options include a premium sound package from Boston Acoustics, a rear-seat entertainment system with a flip-up screen, and an iPod interface with the UConnect hands-free phone system. The Limited package includes automatic headlamps and dual-zone automatic climate control. In the long-wheelbase edition, rear legroom measures 46 inches. Options that can be added in the rear of the long-wheelbase version include writing tables, footrests, illuminated vanity mirrors, adjustable reading lights and 12-volt power plugs for charging mobile electronic devices.
- Added chrome accents throughout the interior
- Reversible trunk mat on higher trim levels
- Available UConnect hands-free phone system
- AM/FM/six-CD/DVD/MP3 radio, available touch-screen and 30GB hard drive
- Illuminated cupholders in front
- 60/40-split backseat
- Sirius Satellite Radio and Sirius Backseat TV optional
- Trunk includes cargo net, grocery-bag hooks, trunk scuff plate and trunk deck-lid liner
Under the Hood
Two V-6 engines are available, and the optional all-wheel-drive system now features Chrysler’s active transfer case and front-axle disconnect that automatically disengages the front axle from the drivetrain when all-wheel drive is not needed in an effort to increase fuel economy.
- 178-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 pounds-feet of torque
- 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pounds-feet of torque
- Four- or five-speed automatic transmission
Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are optional on the base sedan and standard on higher trim levels.
- Optional side-impact and side curtain airbags
- Smartbeam headlights automatically dim when they sense approaching traffic
