2016 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD Review: A Modern Classic

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The 2016 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD starts at $34,395 before destination. The Anniversary Edition package, which essentially bundles together the navigation and technology options with the panoramic sunroof, brings the total MSRP to $38,385, including $995 destination. The 300 Limited is already well equipped, so opting out of the AWD and Anniversary package should save some green without losing too much luxury.

The 300 is a large car with all wheel drive and nearly 300 horsepower, so fuel economy would never be its strong point. It’s rated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with 21 mpg combined, and during its one-week stay at TFL, it managed to hit its combined rating of 21 mpg with mostly city driving. During one highway trip, the big guy hovered around 30 mpg, so it can be an economical highway burner. It will never be able to compete with newer, turbocharged luxury cars, but it does hold its own and compares favorably to all-wheel-drive crossovers.

At this price, the 300 competes not only with its Charger sibling but with other full-size cars like the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Nissan Maxima. It also competes on price with smaller German sedans like the Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3-series. But none of those cars is equipped as well as the 300, and the Chrysler also has all wheel drive. And none of them have the style and swagger of the 300.

Buy itOn the TFLcar scale of:

  • Buy It,
  • Lease It,
  • Rent It
  • or Forget It…

The 2016 Chrysler 300 gets a Buy It!

The 300 is an icon and one of the last of its breed. The mechanically identical Charger got a Lease It rating, mainly for the fact that it needs a V-8 to be relevant. The V-6 in the 300 makes sense, as it’s not trying to be a muscle car. It’s a well-made, well-executed luxury car that has enough style, performance, and comfort to make anyone happy.

2016 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD
Base Price $34,395
Price as tested $38,385 (Including destination)
Engine 3.6-liter V-6
Power (bhp) 292 @ 6,350 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 260 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain layout Front engine, all-wheel drive
EPA-estimated fuel economy (mpg) 18 city/28 highway/21 combined

Check out this TFLcar video mashup of the 2015 Chrysler 300S taking on the 2015 Toyota Avalon in a drag race:

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