eThe Chrysler 300 is a traditional, full-size sedan with room for five. Along with the Dodge Charger, these two models offer standard rear-wheel drive, a feature common to large American cars of a bygone era. The 300 straddles the mainstream and luxury segments with a premium model that has a gangster persona.
Charting the Changes
2023 – Chrysler announces the discontinuance of the 300 following the 2023 model year. Closing out its last year is a singular 300C model, powered by a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 engine with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine also utilized by the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger. For its final year, just 2,000 copies are scheduled.
2022 – A new air filtration system accompanies all grades. Other changes involve equipment upgrades with the S and Touring Plus models.
2021 – Chrysler shrinks the 300 line by dropping the Limited and C grades. The remaining changes this year involve equipment shuffling.
2020 – A Red Appearance Package becomes available with the 300S.
2019 – The 2019 300 is a carryover model.
2018 – Chrysler restricts the V8 engine to the 300S and 300C grade. The remaining changes involve feature shuffling.
2017 — For 2017, the Chrysler 300 returns largely unchanged.
2016 — The standard model comes with an upgraded suspension system and improved handling. The 300S offers an optional performance suspension system. Siri Eyes Free is bundled with the infotainment system and a new safety package containing driver-assist technologies becomes available.
2015 — Chrysler refreshes the 300 with new exterior styling. An 8-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the model line. Chrysler drops the all-wheel-drive option with the 5.7-liter V8 and discontinues the SRT8 model.
2014 — Minor equipment changes this year. Otherwise, this is a carryover model.
2013 — Chrysler overhauls the 300’s grade levels and makes the 3.6-liter V8 standard across most model lines.
2012 — The V6 engine now pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and gains optional all-wheel drive. The remaining changes involve new trim grades and equipment changes.
2011 — Virtually every aspect of the Chrysler 300 has been overhauled for this model year, effectively launching this sedan’s second generation. A fresh exterior, electronically assisted steering, a revised suspension, and an improved interior chart the changes. The base 2.7-liter V6 is gone while the previous 3.5-liter V6 swaps out for an all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine.
Second-Generation Chrysler 300
2010 — Light equipment changes accompany the 300 for the 2010 model year.
2009 — Changes for 2009 include an updated 5.7-liter V8 engine, an active transfer case with the available all-wheel drive, and a revised suspension system. The SRT8 receives a new front end, special suspension tuning, and expanded standard equipment.
2008 — A refreshed interior highlights the changes for this model year. Revised instrument panel and center console along with soft-touch materials and optional LED accent lighting are among the leading features. An available rear-seat entertainment system and a refreshed front and rear fascia round out the changes.
2007 — The 2007 model gains a long wheelbase version, adding more legroom for rear seating passengers. Newly available this year are automatic headlamps, a new wheel design, adaptive cruise control, and heated rear seats.
2006 — No significant changes for the 300’s second year.
2005 — Chrysler taps its Mercedes-Benz connection to develop an all-new sedan. The Chrysler 300 replaces the previous 300M and Concorde with a rear-wheel drive model. The sedan harnesses a discontinued M-B E-Class platform from the 1990s to underpin the new model. Its earliest engines included 2.7- and 3.5-liter V6s and a HEMI 5.7-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Exclusive to the SRT8 model is a 6.1-liter V8.
First-Generation Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300 Considerations
The market for full-size sedans is nearly over as brands such as Buick, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet exit the market. With the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger in their final year, the segment closes although an all-electric Dodge seems likely.
See Also — Chrysler 200: Chronicling the Changes
Photo Attribution
Featured and second-generation 300 photos copyright Stumpwater Media Group, LLC. First-generation 300 photo by IFCAR – Own work, Public Domain, Wikipedia
