“Hi, Emme. We will leave you a 2014 Chrysler 300c AWD at the airport for your trip to Colorado. Enjoy!”
Truer words have never been spoken. I love a small car, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to spread out in a full size sedan. When that sedan comes with AWD, a powerful engine, and a smoothly shifting transmission, it just gets more awesome.
The 300c has an available V8, but my test vehicle was equipped with the 3.6L V6, which was plenty powerful, even in the mountains of Colorado. This engine knocks out 292 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, although RWD is standard. EPA fuel ratings are 18 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 21 mpg.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2014 Chrysler 300c | $39,195 | $45,670 | 292/260 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 18/27 Combined 21 | Combined 20.2 |
My test model came with 19″ wheels wrapped in all season performance tires. Combined with the AWD system, they keep the car planted firmly in the corners. With a curb weight of 4029 pounds, the 300c is a zaftig gal indeed, but still managed to perform well in the tight canyon roads of Colorado. The suspension soaks up rough pavement with ease, but there is still enough stiffness there to encourage you to dig into the turns for some cornering fun.
The 8-speed transmission shifts smoothly and the steering is nicely weighted. While you don’t feel every pebble and pavement change through the steering wheel, it does offer enough feedback to make you feel connected to the road.
Standard equipment on the 300c include all your favorites like keyless entry, cruise control, a multifunctional steering wheel, navigation, rear-view camera and Bluetooth. You also get some upscale features standard, like heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and the Uconnect infotainment system.
I want to specifically point out the 8.4″ Uconnect system, which is hands down the best infotainment system on the market. While the screen may look overwhelming at first, it is well-organized and intuitive. The system is quick to respond and the Garmin navigation is easy to operate. Manufacturers could take a lesson from Chrysler in packing tons of controls into one simple system.
My 300c came with a few options, including the Beats Audio Group and the Safety Tec package. While I’m not much of an audiophile, the 552-watt amplifier broadcasted my terrible taste in music for all to cringe at. The Safety Tec package adds blind spot and cross path detection, park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rain sensing wipers.
However the best option is the dual pane panoramic sunroof. It’s a bit pricey, at $1595, but it is quite large and brings the outside in.
Visually the 300c is a stunner. The large grill in front is complimented by oodles of chrome, presenting a regal and muscular front end. The beltline is high resulting in a compromised line of sight, but it just looks so damn good I’d be willing to live with it.
Smaller drivers and passengers might have a difficult time closing the doors once inside the 300c. They are heavy and open out to 78 degrees, resulting in a trim to body length of 36.5″. Unless you have freakishly long arms, you have to lean way out to grab the door handle.
However once inside you’ll have ample room for five passengers. The 16.3 cu/ft of trunk space is enough for a week’s worth of road trip supplies and luggage.
Chrysler does have a bit of competition these days. Many large sedans have recently been updated, like the Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala. These sedans offer better fuel economy, but none are offered in AWD. Additionally, the 300c wins on styling and the Uconnect system.
Starting at $39,195, the 300c offers decent value as the standard features are numerous. The final price with options is $45,670, but I would probably delete both the Safety Tec and Beats package, saving myself nearly $3000.
The sunroof though? That’s totally worth it.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I have to give the 2014 Chrysler 300c AWD a Buy It !
Check out Roman and Nathan taking the 2014 Chrysler 300c AWD up the Ike Gauntlet.
Emme is a driver, reviewer, and rabble rouser. She is the principle driver and trophy winner for the Mega Monkey Motorsports™ 2 seat 1600 desert racer, powered by an air-cooled VW engine and has also been on the podium in a stock bug, a trophy bug, and an ultra-4. She is one of only 17 American women to have participated in the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, a 9 day all female off road rally in Morocco with no GPS. You can check her out online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.
