2012 Chrysler 300

Just like every other Chrysler vehicle, Chrysler 300 comes in three trim levels i.e. Base, Limited, and 300S. Ranging from $27,670 to $36,000 these trims offer some excellent feature sets making them unique. The base trim comes with adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, and comfort features for the creatures such as keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable driver seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

The Limited trim expands by having all the base trim features plus updated 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, power passenger seats, and few performance upgrades. The 300S max out by having 20-inch wheels, a better infotainment system with an updated sound system, and few performance-oriented changes. There are two more trim levels but those are performance-based and are reviewed separately. 

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Every trim seems impressive on its own but if one had to be chosen, we would recommend going for the mid-level ‘Limited’ trim. Not only does it come with every feature from Base trim but also improves the overall experience by loading premium quality leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power passenger seats for an excellent level of comfort. And if you think keyless entry and ignition is enough, Limited comes with Remote ignition. 

As for the ride quality, you will get an elevated experience by having upgraded transmission and brakes. And lastly, buyers get an updated sound system and 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels. A list like this easily justifies its $33,595 price tag and please do not forget to opt for the SafetyTec package which as its name suggests loads some decent safety features and assists.

There is no doubt about how Chrysler is known for its Hemi V8, but this time all three trims are powered by a 3.6 Liter V6 engine which can churn out 292 hp and a torque of 260 lb-ft. By default the engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to the rear wheels. But Chrysler finally brought an eight-speed automatic transmission which is far more impressive than the five-speed one. 

The all-wheel-drive system is optional for Limited and 300S but certainly, a must-have upgrade. The V6 might disappoint fans but we advise you to not judge the book by its cover. As it manages to move the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 15.4 seconds. These timings might be average for its class but the smooth engine offers a joyful driving experience whether you are on highways or going to the nearest shopping mall.

Chrysler’s V6 engine performs admirably on the road but when compared to its rivals it outruns Ford Taurus but falls behind Chevrolet Impala. It is a heavy vehicle which might be the reason why despite having the same engine, it takes longer than the Dodge Charger to cover a quarter-mile.

As incredible as it is on the road, the V6 engine of Chrysler 300 comes with equally amazing fuel economy. Usually, it’s the opposite but here Chrysler surprises by offering a fuel-efficient engine that returns 19 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highways, and 23 mpg combined. These stats are easily one of the best you will find in its class. 

On top of that, Chrysler loaded 19.1 gallons of the fuel tank which is again one of the biggest you will find in its segment. Combine it with the amazing mileage and you get a driving range that can't be matched by anything else on the road. This is the reason why Chrysler 300 is one of the best full-size sedans in the market which one can fully load and take it anywhere without worrying about running out of gas.

When compared to its rivals, Chrysler 300 decimates its rivals by offering superior mileage. Even the fuel tank capacity is impressive for its class. But the resulting driving range is again far better than any other vehicle. The Dodge shares the fuel capacity with the Chrysler at 19.5gallons and the Taurus comes next with a 19-gallon tank. The Dodge matches the mileage figures too with the Chrysler but the Chevy comes really close.

Step inside the Chrysler 300, and you get welcomed by one of the best cabins in its class. All thanks to last year’s redesign, 300 is looking more modern than ever before. Where it used to be all bright with metallic accents, Chrysler has fully changed it to a darker toned interior with double tone color trims. The overall design might not be the best in its class but the material quality is top-notch and just can’t get better than this. The dashboard design is pretty good with smooth curves and the newly designed leather-wrapped steering wheel looks amazing with a backlit gauge cluster. 

For passengers, bucket seats at the front including a power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustments and a 60/40 folding bench seat at the rear are available. But heated seats are available on higher trims. In base trim, the premium cloth is used but leather upholstery is standard on Limited and 300S. Being a full-size sedan, it offers a spacious cabin with ample room for the occupants. As for the cargo, the 16.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity is decent and the inside of the cabin offers enough storage spaces for small items.

When stacked against its rivals, the spacious cabin of the Chrysler 300 is the biggest in its class. However, the standard cargo capacity is lesser than the others. So if one wants to load more stuff, then they will have to fold down the rear seats. Standout interior features in the 2012 Chrysler 300 include:

• Power adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustments
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power passenger seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2012 Chrysler 300’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system of Chrysler 300 is powered by Uconnect which gets an update for this year. It loads an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen throughout its lineup. It comes with an intuitive UI and rarely misses any swipe. A six-speaker sound system is standard in base trim but an updated version with a 276-watt amplifier is available in Limited. The 300S comes with a 10 speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system with a 552-watt amplifier. 

Every trim except base can be had with a 19 speakers Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other standard features such as SiriusXM, USB ports, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth streaming audio, and phone connectivity are available. Lastly, a navigation system is available on higher trim with clear graphics. Standout infotainment features in the 2012 Chrysler 300 include:

• 10 speakers Beat by Dr. Dre sound system with 552-watt amplifier
• 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
• UConnect with improved graphics
• Navigation system
• SiriusXM

Remember when we mentioned how the Chrysler 300 is more modern than ever before? Well, this is where it gets cleared. Since its redesign last year, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is looking more exotic because before it was a classic sedan. But do not worry as Chrysler managed to keep its classy charms intact. At the front, newly designed Bi-xenon headlights look amazing but the updated chrome grille still pays homage to its lineage. 

From the sides, it still looks the same as the previous version but the wheelbase has been increased. But the rear has been refreshed just like the front with almost everything updated. The 300S comes with automatic wipers and power-folding side mirrors. And yes, it weighs 3,999 pounds; the vehicle is a lot heavier than the 2010 version which has its pros and cons. As for the wheels 18, 19, and 20-inch wheels are available according to the trim level.

The Chrysler 300’s dimensions are similar to its rivals, however, it is heavier than both Chevy Impala and Dodge Charger but lighter than the Ford Taurus. The 4.7-inch ground clearance is a bit lower for its class. Standout exterior features in the 2012 Chrysler 300 include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Power folding side mirrors
• Solar control glass
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Liquid chrome bar grille with white surround

Loaded with standard features such as multiple airbags at key positions, adaptive cruise control, stability and traction control, rain brake support, and anti-lock brakes, as usual, Chrysler 300 does an excellent job keeping its occupant safe. A SafetyTec package is available which is a must because it includes features such as a forward-collision warning system, blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

The vehicle has poor visibility to the rear because of thick rear pillars but thanks to the rearview camera and alerts, one can park the vehicle easily. 300 is based on the Chrysler LD platform which is shared by Dodge Charger. It received full five-star crash test ratings by NHTSA. The IIHS also gave it the maximum possible rating of ‘Good’ and awarded the ‘Top Safety Pick’ title. Standout safety features in the 2012 Chrysler 300 are:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning system
• Blindspot warning system
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rearview camera

By now it is clear how good the Chrysler 300 is. Where others focus on something particular, this one comes out with a complete package of performance and comfort. On top of that, it looks spectacular both from the inside and outside. Lastly, a long list of features fully justifies its price tag. The only flaw it has is an average cargo capacity other than that it is easily one of the best in its class. So we don't think anyone should overlook the 2012 Chrysler 300.