Flash Drive

2017 Chrysler 300S

July 25, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Chrysler 300S

The 2017 Chrysler 300S is a Hemi-powered muscle sedan with an aggressive stance and performance to match.

Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 363 horsepower 394 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16-mpg city/25-mpg highway/19-mpg combined

Base Price: $35,675

As Tested: $42,955

Performance:

Very powerful engine

Great acceleration

The 2017 Chrysler 300S is an excellent long distance touring sedan with ample luggage room.

Sport mode option

Muscular exhaust note

Decent highway economy; our best was 25.0 mpg

Comfortable long distance touring car

Sporty handling on back roads

Large dial on console for gear selection

Also paddle shifters

Comfort:

Near stretch-out driver legroom

OK driver headroom, but none to spare

Stretch-out front passenger legroom

Very thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Front seat space, comfort, and amenities are all excellent.

Wide range of tilt/telescopic adjustments

Soft headrests

Nicely bolstered seats for secure cornering

Soft Nappa suede upholstery

Power lumbar adjustment both front seats

Two temps heated/ventilated front seats

Sliding console armrest

Rear seats a little tight if fronts are all back

Good under seat shoe room

Tall, wide floor hump

Wide, padded rear armrest with large enclosed storage

Rear seats are adult sized as long the front seats aren’t all the way back.

Utility:

Light and airy panoramic sunroof

Medium size front door bins

Medium size rear door bins with bottle notches

Medium size console bin with USB/power ports

Medium size locking glovebox with shelf for owner’s manual

Large visors slide and have center extenders

Big touch screen

Two rear seat USB ports

Two seatback pouches

Split, folding rear seats have significant slope

Large pass through accommodates big cargo items

Flat trunk floor

WOW Factors:

Great engine

Fun acceleration

Very nice panoramic sunroof

Power lumbar adjustment both front seats

A large dial controls the 8-speed automatic transmission, but we prefer a more traditional shift lever.

Comfortable long distance seats

Whines:

Mixed feelings about big dial for shifter

Touch screen easily smudged

Wiper controls on same stalk as turn signals

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Chrysler 300S is a great old school big V-8 rear-wheel-drive sport sedan. It doesn’t have all the latest high tech gadgetry, but it has loads of legendary Hemi performance in a handsome, luxurious wrapper.