2009 Chrysler 300: Road Test
2009 Chrysler 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,915 - $44,160
- Invoice: $25,168 - $40,861
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Our road test for the 2009 Chrysler 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chrysler 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chrysler 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chrysler 300 help you decide if a 2009 Chrysler 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
Acceleration with the 2.7 V6 is tepid at best. Touring's 3.5 V6 is adequately quick, even with AWD. Both RWD and AWD 300Cs are responsive at any speed. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed's manual shift gate helps. Brawny SRT8 leaps off the line and has a surplus of power at any speed. No extended-length 300s have been made available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 300s with the 3.5 V6 averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7-19.9 with AWD. An AWD 300C averaged 16.8 mpg. Test SRT8 averaged 15.5. Chrysler recommends 87-octane gas for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for SRT8.
RIDE QUALITY
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.6 |
The ride is generally smooth on rear-drive 300s, though some of our testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. Ride is less composed on AWD models, with sharp pounding over road imperfections. SRT8 is impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and performance suspension tuning.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
Stable at highway speeds, with good balance and grip in turns, though not as agile as similarly sized European sedans in quick changes of direction. The steering is linear with good road feel. SRT8 is sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. The brakes offer solid stopping power but suffer from occasional mushiness.
QUIETNESS
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
V6s cruise quietly but roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have a throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum is evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed but doesn't interfere with conversation.
CONTROLS
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.4 |
Large, clear gauges, but some testers found nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls are within easy reach. The navigation system is relatively simple to use, despite a small screen.
DETAILS
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Tasteful wood and chrome accents and some padded surfaces give a luxury feel to an otherwise commonplace interior. Note that 300 prices climb quickly with options, and what passes for acceptable at $30,000 seems inappropriately cheap on cars loaded to $45,000. One test 300 suffered from misaligned body panels and improperly assembled interior trim pieces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.9 |
Lots of headroom and legroom, though AWD versions have a slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. A tall tail and wide rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with the view to the corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Lots of headroom. Legroom is adequate, but quickly shrinks as front seats are moved back. Good foot space under the front seats. Seat bottoms provide adequate thigh support, but the central rider straddles the driveline hump. Long-wheelbase version adds 6 inches of legroom, fold-down footrests, and a passenger-side tray table.
CARGO ROOM
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
300 has a large, deep trunk. Hinges don't intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and the opening is too small to load large cargo.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6.8 |
Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a Recommended blend of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 out powers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other virtues.
Total Score
| Touring | AWD Touring Signature | 300C w/navigation | SRT8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 68 | 68 | 66 | 68.8 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Large Cars
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