2017 Chrysler 300 Pros vs Cons

Finding a large family sedan in today's automobile marketplace can be difficult. The category has only about 11 offerings from all manufacturers. The 2017 Chrysler 300 fits squarely into this category. This large sedan offers functionality for every day use, but also places an emphasis on luxury.

What's new for 2017

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard in the base model for the first time in 2017. These features allow integration of your smartphone into the car's system and let you to use apps from your phone.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Chrysler 300 – The Pros

1. Standard Nappa Leather Seats

The 2017 Chrysler 300 has included premium Nappa leather seats all the way down to its base model. These seats highlight the luxury feel that Chrysler tries to capture in its interior. Many luxury cars require you to upgrade trim packages to get seats that are this premium. The standard seats are also heated and have eight way power adjustments.

2. Interior Design

Chrysler has focused much of its attention on the interior of this car. The car has high quality design and accent features including real wood trim on some models. The instrument cluster and steering wheel controls have also been enhanced for a luxury experience.

3. UConnect Infotainment System

Chrysler features the UConnect system for hands free Bluetooth and smartphone integrating including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features. The Chrysler 300 also comes with a 8.4 inch touchscreen display and satellite radio.

4. Powertrain Options

Chrysler has given the 300 some powerful engine options. The 300 Limited comes standard with a V6 engine and eight speed, rear wheel drive transmission. Upgrades to the engine include a performance tuned V6 with eight more horsepower and a 5.7 liter V8 engine. You can also upgrade to AWD with either of the V6 engines.

5. Ride and Handling

The Chrysler 300 focuses on giving the passengers a smooth ride. The 300 rides smoothly on imperfect driving surfaces due to its weight and design. The 300 is steady yet agile for such a large car. The engines all pack some punch which keeps acceleration smooth and crisp.

6. Headlight Advancements

The 300 offers optional High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps to keep the road visible. The 300 comes with automated high beams so you are not manually switching from high to low beams. The upgraded headlights also move and adjust to let you see the road better.

7. Stylish Exterior

The 2017 Chrysler 300 has become a very iconic car. The exterior design and oversized, accented grill set the Chrysler 300 owner apart. 2017 offers buyers an optional sport exterior or platinum chrome finish. The Chrysler 300 also has nine wheel designs available as well as three wheel sizes.

8. Distinctive Trim Levels

The 2017 Chrysler 300 comes in four trim levels. The Limited represents the base model with premium leather seats. The 300S is a sportier version with a powerful performance tuned V6 engine and sport suspension. The 300C offers a wide range of advanced interior and operational features for ease and comfort while driving. The 300 Platinum features touring suspension and an upgraded exterior and interior styling including optional leather wrapped interior.

9. Safety Features

The 2017 Chrysler 300 has upgradable safety packages including elements like forward collision warning and emergency braking. Also available are lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and rain sensing wipers. The 300 comes standard with a back up camera.

10. Space to spare

The 2017 Chrysler 300 offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is around what you would expect from a large sedan. The 300 also boasts the capability of seating three adults comfortably in the back seat.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Chrysler 300 – The Cons

1. Seat Comfort Considerations

While the 300 offers Nappa leather seats standard on all 300 models, some critics say the seats themselves are not supportive enough on the sides. Reviewers state that going around curves you may feel yourself leaning to one side.

2. Fierce Competitors

The 300 may be in a small category for vehicles, but the competition is fierce. The Chevrolet Impala, the Buick LaCrosse and the Toyota Avalon also have very strong presence in this market. If you are willing to forgo the luxury car impression, other cars may suit your needs better.

3. No Hemi V8 with AWD

The 2017 Chrysler 300 does not allow buyers to configure the powertrain to include the V8 Hemi and AWD on the same sedan. Choosing between more power and better stability may be a choice some buyers do not want to make.

4. Lower Than Average Safety Scores

Although safety feature offerings from the 300 are acceptable but not outstanding. The 300 received a four out of five safety rating for front and side impact testing. This may not seem to bad, but there are car options in this category that offer more safety.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The 300 offers a luxury car feel in the large sedan class. Chrysler stresses refinement and luxury with the 300, which will keep buyers coming back. In the large sedan market, some buyers may opt for what may seem like more sensible options like the Chevy Impala which is not so much of a statement car but more of a reliable option.

The Lacrosse is newly redesigned for 2017 and equals the 300 in refinement. The difference maker for buyers between these two cars may simply be taste in design and trim package configurations.

Conclusion

The 2017 Chrysler 300 has been around for a while and has been a tried and true option for buyers who want a sturdy sedan that has luxury car feel. It does offer a lot to buyers in this category. UConnect's ease of use and automated safety features like adaptive cruise control and rain sensing wipers are a great upgrade for sedan drivers. To add on that, it now comes with standard Nappa leather seats and a wide array of other options. It is a striking car that can turn heads and keep the driver satisfied with all of its features.