Introduction

The 2021 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan for those who like oldies but goodies. Its shape is wearing well, years after it first was introduced. 

For 2021 the 300 lineup has been trimmed to just three models: Touring, Touring L, and 300S. 

Most 300s are powered by a competent 292-horsepower V-6, with a 5.7-liter V-8 being the upsize engine. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic that's talented at shifting but not so much at saving fuel. The 300, even with the Hemi, is tuned to be a cruiser, not a bruiser. It's rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available only with V-6. 

The front seats are palatial, the back seats have good leg room, and the trunk is cavernous. 

With the rear-wheel-drive V-6, the EPA rates the 300 at 19 mpg city, 30 highway, 23 combined; with AWD it's 18/27/21 mpg. The V-8 drops to 16/25/19 mpg. 

Because the chassis design is older, the 300 doesn't score well in safety tests. The NHTSA gives it four stars overall, while the IIHS rates its small-overlap crash protection as 'Marginal'? and rated its headlights as 'Poor.'? Chrysler's automatic emergency braking system is optional on the Touring L and 300S. 

Lineup

The Chrysler 300 comes in Touring, Touring L and 300S. 

Standard equipment on the Touring model (about $32,000) includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery and two USB chargers. 

The 300 Touring L adds 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and more available options, including automatic emergency braking. 

For about $39,000, the 300S adds 20-inch wheels and sport seats. The V-8 is optional on the 300S, and adds a sport suspension and paddle shifters for the 8-speed transmission. 

Walkaround

The 2021 Chrysler 300 somehow looks better with age despite a basic design that dates back to 2005. The grille is bold but understated (in these times). The profile and three-quarter view is squarish but not edgy. 

The slab-sided flanks are subtly styled with the right bends to keep the car interesting. The square rear end is a boon to space and style. 

The 300S adds some trim pieces, in particular a black grille and tidy decklid spoiler that make just the right statement. With 20-inch wheels, the 300S is better looking than all its rivals. In fact, it's among the best-looking full-size sedans we can think of for less than $100,000. 

Interior

Like the exterior style, the cabin presents looks that are beyond the car's price. It impresses with simplicity and high-quality materials. The Touring gets cloth seats, but the Touring L and 300S get soft nappa leather and heated front seats. 

There's a lot of elbow room in the cabin, as well as good small storage, with giant cupholders and deep door pockets. And the trunk offers a vast 16.3 cubic feet. 

The rear offers more than 40 inches of leg room, but the seat is too low and too short. It's one cabin design disadvantage with rear-wheel drive. Rival sedans with front-wheel drive are better because they have more room to work with. 

Driving Impression

The V-6 in the Touring and Touring L makes a solid 292 hp, which is more than enough to keep pace on the highway. The engine is complemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission that quickly delivers the right gear. And if you want all-wheel drive, you'll need to stick with the V-6. 

On stock 17-inch wheels and tires, the 300 Touring leans into corners and absorbs bumps with ease. It's the cruiser of the pack. 

The 300S comes standard with that V-6, however the engine makes 300 hp in that model. But the reason for buying a rear-wheel-drive 300S would be to get that lusty 5.7-liter V-8. It makes 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque and brings a throaty exhaust note along with all that torque. It performs like what it is, a throwback American powertrain. 

The V-8 300S gets a firmer suspension and paddle shifters for the 8-speed, which complement the engine but that's not enough to make it a true sport sedan-just a big sedan with a Hemi V-8 and paddle shifters and firm suspension. But we'll take it. 

Summary

There are fancier and flashier full-size sedans, but the 2021 Chrysler 300 offers style, value and versatility in its models. The engines do their job and the 8-speed automatic transmission nails it. It's spacious, it's handsome, and despite low gas mileage, it's still a pleasure to drive-and to be seen in. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.