2020 Chrysler 300 Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
The 2020 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that has a bold personality. It was first launched in 2005, and Chrysler has decided that this vehicle has a winning formula, continuing to manufacture it for 15 years. The car can come with two different engines, both of which are capable and responsive, similar to what one might see on a large SUV or a sports car. With a large cabin and many high-end interior features, the Chrysler 300 will appeal to those customers who think bigger is better while still preferring a sedan or other types of vehicles.
What's New for 2020?
For this model year, Chrysler has mostly stuck with the same features as seen on the 2019 Chrysler 300. Some aesthetic changes have been made, starting with the selection of exterior paint colors. Customers now have the option of selecting Amethyst, Frostbite, or Canyon Sunset in addition to the collection of previously available colors. Also, a Red S Appearance package is available. This package comes with 20-inch wheels and unique badging, and it can come with a bright red interior that boosts the sporty vibe of the car.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Chrysler 300 – The Pros
1. Powerful Engine
The 2020 Chrysler 300 can either run on a V6 or a HEMI V8 engine. The V6 provides plenty of power, as it's capable of generating 292 horsepower. If this isn't enough for someone, there's always the option to upgrade to the V8. The larger engine boosts horsepower to 363, which is a best-in-class statistic. The V8 has 394 pound-feet of torque, as well.
It's rare to see a car with a listed towing capacity, as most sedans just aren't cut out for such tough work. The Chrysler 300, though, is well-suited for the task. It has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. Some people may really appreciate this if they occasionally have to haul cargo around town.
2. Large Trunk
The trunk of the Chrysler 300 measures 16.3 cubic feet. With this amount of space, people will have no problem packing up the car before long road trips. The trunk will also be able to hold a variety of gear, as its dimensions allow people to load up large and bulky items with minimal effort.
3. Comfortable Seats
Tall passengers will appreciate all the leg room that this Chrysler sedan has. Leg room in the front is up to 41.8 inches, and rear-seat passengers will get to stretch out with 40.1 inches of leg room. Considering most sedans and even some SUVs don't have this type of space, the 2020 Chrysler 300 is special in this regard. This is one reason why some drivers who have plans on carrying multiple adults in the back would be drawn to this model.
It's not just space that the Chrysler 300 offers, either. Depending on the trim selected, the car could come with heated rear seats as well as heated and ventilated front seats, all of which would be trimmed in leather. These details definitely add to the sophistication of the cabin in addition to keeping people comfortable.
4. Uconnect Infotainment System
Standard on the Chrysler 300 is the Uconnect 4C system. It comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen along with Bluetooth connectivity and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are both included, making it easier for people to connect their smartphones to the system.
An upgraded version of the Uconnect system is Uconnect 4C NAV. It runs on the same-size screen but has integrated navigation. SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link can give drivers up-to-the-minute information so they can avoid traffic on regular commutes, and turn-by-turn directions can help people find their way to new destinations.
5. Available Driver-Assist Features
To keep people safer on the roads, the Chrysler 300 is equipped with standard full-speed forward collision warning. This system can detect the presence of other vehicles and can take the vehicle's speed into account when determining whether a frontal collision seems imminent. If so, it can alert the driver to brake and can apply pressure to the brakes if the driver doesn't respond quickly enough.
Further, there are many other driver-assist technologies that are available. The Chrysler can be configured to sense whether the driver is accidentally drifting out of a lane or getting too close to objects while backing up. The car can also come with blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross path detection.
6. All-Wheel Drive is an Option
If anyone feels like they would benefit from having extra traction in the winter months or whenever the road gets slippery, all-wheel drive is available. With this system in place, the car can automatically switch between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive depending on the conditions. Having power delivered to all four wheels instead of just the rear wheels can make a difference when the road is slick.
7. Unique Exterior
With a muscular and athletic frame, the Chrysler has the looks to match its performance capabilities. The large grille makes a bold statement, and it's highlighted by the elegant Chrysler logo. Throughout the exterior, angles and curves make the car seem like it has almost been hand-sculpted.
There are some add-ons that can enhance the look of the car. For instance, the S Model Appearance Package comes with premium LED fog lamps and a body-color spoiler.
8. Multiple Wheel Designs
Nine wheel designs are offered with the 2020 Chrysler 300. The base model comes standard with 17-inch wheels, and as one moves up in trim, the number of available options increases. At the high end of the spectrum are available 20-inch aluminum wheels. The wheels can come in a variety of finishes so people can choose the design that appeals the most to them.
9. Sport Mode
For everyday driving, a standard driving mode is perfect acceptable. On the Chrysler 300, it's quite fun to feel the power underneath the hood while simply hitting the gas pedal when the light turns green. For those times when people want to feel like they're on the race track, there's an available Sport Mode. This mode makes the car respond a little bit faster when drivers step on the gas pedal, and it increases each shift point and makes some tweaks to the power steering and paddle shifters to optimize performance.
10. All the Information In Front of You
These days, most people want to be able to access information immediately, and in a vehicle, things are no different. Fortunately, the 2020 Chrysler 300 has a Driver Information Digital Cluster Display directly behind the steering wheel. This display has an ambient blue color scheme, which gives the car a more modern vibe and makes it easier to read the screen whether it's bright or dark out. The information displayed includes fuel economy, speed, engine performance, the direction in which the car is heading, and trip distance. Drivers can quickly toggle between different screens depending on what they want to see.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Chrysler 300 – The Cons
1. A Gas Guzzler
The 2020 Chrysler 300 isn't known for being the most efficient vehicle on the market. Fuel economy is an area in which the car might not meet consumers' expectations. The V8 model gets an estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. A Chrysler 300 with the smaller V6 engine does better, earning up to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Since the fuel tank can hold 18.5 gallons, expect to pay a lot at the gas pump.
2. Base Model Lacking Advanced Safety Features
While there are airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control features on every model of the 2020 Chrysler 300, some of the driver-assist features aren't available on the base model. Since the Touring trim starts out at just under $30,000, this would be the trim that would be most appealing to those on a limited budget. Unfortunately, they won't be able to take advantage of some innovations in driver-assist technology.
3. Not Suited for Bumpy Roads
The car can handle itself well in many situations, but not every situation. The ride isn't very cushioned when the 2020 Chrysler 300 ventures onto a trail or dirt road, so people will likely feel all the dips and bumps in the road when the pavement is left behind.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
As full-size sedans that have many attractive features, the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala are similar to the 2020 Chrysler 300. Where the Chrysler 300 separates itself from these competitors is in the horsepower department. With the V8 under the hood, the Chrysler outshines both vehicles. It actually outperforms all other vehicles in this class. In addition, the Chrysler has more rear leg room than the Impala and more trunk space than the Avalon.
Conclusion
When considering all the different ways in which the 2020 Chrysler 300 can be judged, it becomes clear that it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full-size sedan. It has a sophisticated appearance both inside and out, and its technology and luxury amenities will be appreciated by anyone who sits inside the cabin. Most importantly, the Chrysler 300 is very capable, even more so than some SUVs. Sitting at the top of its class in terms of horsepower (when equipped with the V8 engine) is quite a feat. Even the V6 models are responsive and fun to drive.
