The 2020 Chrysler 300 starts at $30,040 in the U.S. and at $43,095 in Canada.
Ride comfort, good infotainment system, available V8 power.
Unimpressive fuel economy, restricted rear-seat accommodations, low resale value.
There are many factors uniting to push Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ full-size sedans into retirement, and few people would likely manifest their opposition on the matter. And yet, we get the 2020 Chrysler 300, and there will be a 2021 model. And probably 2022 and 2023 models before a major redesign. If there will be one.
Largely unchanged since 2015, the 300 is getting old. Very old, even though it hides it well. It’s sold under the Chrysler brand, now rounding up the sedan and two minivan models, which is seeking a new image for quite a while now. And now that FCA is about to team up with Groupe PSA to form a new manufacturer called Stellantis, this car’s future is up in the air at the moment.
However, the 2020 Chrysler 300 provides work for the community of Brampton, Ontario, in an assembly plant that also builds the Dodge Charger. The latter is just as archaic, but unlike the 300 that is no longer offered in SRT trim, the Charger continues to draw attention with its Scat Pack 392 and SRT Hellcat Widebody variants.
Who buys a 2020 Chrysler 300? Rental fleets, of course, but also people looking for a classic, rear-wheel drive American sedan, offering space and comfort as well as a few dabs of luxury. And available with a good old V8 engine, which will get harder and harder to find.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 develops 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, and obviously, its sound and performance are certainly enticing. It’s available in the 300S and standard in the 300C, the latter being the costliest of the lineup. The vast majority of buyers will choose the 3.6L V6, well spread out in FCA’s product range, which develops 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. The sporty 300S gets eight extra ponies.
The two powertrains are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that works like a charm, feeding power to the rear wheels as standard. An all-wheel drivetrain is available to face the winter season, but it can only be matched with the V6. Which reduces the HEMI V8’s appeal even more in the northern region of the United States and Canada.
City/highway/combined fuel economy ratings are pegged at 19/30/23 mpg for the 300 RWD with the V6 engine, and 18/27/21 with AWD. In Canada, the numbers are 12.4/7.8/10.3 L/100 km with RWD and 12.8/8.7/11.0 with AWD.
The 2020 Chrysler 300’s price ranges from $30,040 to $51,470 in the U.S. and from $43,095 to $58,920 in Canada. It competes with the Acura TLX and the Lexus ES, although the former has a much sportier character.
Why You Should Buy a 2020 Chrysler 300
- The 300 is part of a dying breed of large, American sedans that provide great ride comfort over long distances.
- The available 5.7L V8 engine is a unique feature that isn’t offered anywhere else aside from in the Dodge Charger, for those who are still interested in some good old-fashioned Detroit muscle.
- The 2020 Chrysler 300’s full-size dimensions make for good interior space up front. Trunk space, rated at 16.3 cubic feet or 462 litres, is fairly large as well.
- It’s no spring chicken, but the Uconnect 4 infotainment system benefits from a reactive, 8.4-inch touchscreen and big button zones that are easy to poke while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, too.
- Uplevel trims of the 300 boast perforated Nappa leather seating, while a leather package for the dashboard and door panels adds a great touch of luxury.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2020 Chrysler 300
- Consumers who like to buy the latest gadgets likely won’t be too interested in the 300 sedan. It’s old.
- Fuel consumption with the V8 engine isn’t good, which will surprise no one. It’s better with the 3.6L V6, but its competitors are more efficient.
- Although the interior seating trim choices are appealing, the dashboard’s materials aren’t up to what we expect for a sedan in this price range, and some trim pieces didn’t perfectly line up in our test car. It’s far from being offending, but it could be better.
- For such a big car, rear-seat accommodations aren’t as generous as they should be.
- The 2020 Chrysler 300’s resale value isn’t great.
- Although enticing cash purchase rebates and low-interest financing are available on the 300, the lease rates are high, which makes this option much less favourable.
Final Word
If the 300’s future in uncertain, just like the Chrysler brand that’s selling it, it remains a solid, comfortable and refined car that offers a somewhat retro touch, but with modern-day features. For those who are still interested in this type of sedan. Leasing is usually recommended for vehicles with low resale value, but not in this case. A 2020 Chrysler 300 should be purchased with a hefty cash rebate.
