2012 Chrysler 300 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Chrysler 300 review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 300, and includes Chrysler 300 safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Chrysler 300 is large four-door sedan that straddles two different markets. Basic Chrysler 300s compete with models like the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, and Toyota Avalon. Move up in price, however, and the 300 is transformed into a value alternative to luxury cruisers like the Hyundai Equus and Lexus LS, or into a credible threat to premium sport sedans from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.

Just one year after receiving significant upgrades, the 2012 Chrysler 300 returns with a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport shifting mode for models with a V6 engine, a new Beats by Dr. Dre audio system is offered on the more expensive 300 variants, improved Uconnect Touch with hands-free text messaging capability and voice control for the navigation system, and a new color vehicle information center screen. The lineup is expanded to include all-wheel-drive models equipped with a V6 engine, new sport-tuned 300S and more luxurious 300C Executive Series models, and Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division unleashes the new 300 SRT8.

For 2012, the Chrysler 300 is sold in 300, 300 Limited, 300C, 300C Executive Series, 300S V6, 300S V8 and 300 SRT8 trim levels. We’ll tackle this mountain of information by discussing the luxury-themed models first, and then switch gears to discuss the performance-oriented models.

Every Chrysler 300 is equipped with the types of features you would expect to find on a full-size sedan. Key features include automatic headlights, LED running lights, LED brake lights, LED cabin lighting, and LED instrument lighting. Dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter and humidity sensor, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button ignition, a vehicle information center with a trip computer, and a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat are also standard. In the way of entertainment, the 300 features Uconnect Touch technology with an in-dash touchscreen with an SD card slot, a USB port, an auxiliary audio input jack, and an iPod controller.

The 300 Limited is more luxuriously equipped; heated front seats, a premium sound system, Bluetooth hands-free calling, remote engine starting, and a reversing camera are standard on this model. Chrysler also zoots up the exterior, adding extra chrome trim, bigger and shinier wheels, and fog lights. While this might not seem like much of an upgrade, it’s instructive to note that the 300 Limited is offered with a far longer menu of options than a standard 300. Luxury, Sound, and SafetyTec option packages really boost the 300’s feature count, and buyers can choose a standard or panoramic sunroof, a voice-activated Garmin navigation system, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system. Beautiful 20-inch wheels are also available.

The Chrysler 300C is the next rung on the trim level ladder. It comes standard with a powerful V8 engine, a performance braking system, Nappa leather, real burled Ash wood trim, and a power rear window sunshade. Front seat occupants are treated to 12-way power, heated and ventilated seats, and heated and cooled cupholders, and the driver benefits from power adjustable pedals and a memory system for multiple driver settings. Rain-sensing wipers, SmartBeam auto-dimming headlights, and heated rear seats are also standard, along with Uconnect voice-command technology and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service. Selected options include a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, a power sunroof, a SafetyTec Package containing impressive new collision-avoidance technologies.

Designed to be the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever produced, the Chrysler 300C Executive Series is designed for people who like leather. In addition to the Nappa leather covering the seats and, in this model, the armrests and door bolsters, the 300C Executive Series is dipped in Poltrona Frau “Foligno” Italian leather for the dashboard, upper door panels, and center console sides. Two-tone heated and ventilated front and rear seats, Berber carpeting with Nubuck trim, and low-gloss Natural Pore Mocha or Pore Gray genuine wood trim are also included. On the outside, the Executive Series gets platinum chrome detailing and a mesh grille design.

Switching gears to the performance-oriented 300 models, for 2012, Chrysler introduces the 300S V6, 300S V8, and 300 SRT8.

The new Chrysler 300S V6 sets itself apart from the 300 Limited with a standard Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, polished 20-inch wheels with black painted pockets, a touring-tuned suspension, quicker steering with heavier effort levels, die-cast paddle shifters, black chrome and body-color trim elements, Piano Black and matte carbon cabin décor, and 12-way power sport seats. Among the many options for the 300S V6, an optional Luxury Group significantly upgrades the car’s content level. See the next paragraph for details.

The 300S V8 is equipped with a Hemi 5.7-liter V8, performance brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. Inside, premium Nappa leather seats, heated rear seats, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, power adjustable pedals, and memory for the driver’s settings serve as upgrades over the 300S V6. Additional features include a power rear window sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, SmartBeam headlights, a ParkView reversing camera, LED ambient cabin lighting, and special trim detailing.

If maximum performance is the priority, choose the 300 SRT8. Highlights include a massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8, an adaptive damping suspension with Auto and Sport modes and a lowered ride height, performance steering, vented and slotted rotors clamped by Brembo calipers and cooled by brake ducts, four-inch wide dual exhaust outlets, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The cabin is decorated with a flat-bottomed heated steering wheel with contoured palm rests, genuine carbon fiber trim, Nappa leather sport seats with suede inserts, and a Performance Pages reference display. A one-day pass to the SRT Track Experience driving school is also included with purchase. Optional Black Chrome and Premium Leather Interior Packages include exactly what their titles imply, and the SRT8 can be equipped with a stunning 900-watt Harmon/Kardon audio with GreenEdge speaker and amplifier technology.

A 3.6-liter V6 engine comes standard on the 300, 300 Touring, and 300S V6. It develops 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, delivered to the rear wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. The 300S model includes die-cast paddle shifters for manual control over gear changes. As this review is written, the EPA offers no fuel economy ratings for the 2012 Chrysler 300 V6 models.

A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is installed in the 300C, 300C Executive Series, and 300S V8 models. A sophisticated engine, the V8 is equipped with variable valve timing, Interactive Decel Fuel Shut-off technology that cuts fuel delivery to the engine when coasting, and Fuel Saver technology that runs the engine on four of its eight cylinders when cruising. Don’t worry. The Hemi hasn’t gone green. It makes a solid 363 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 394 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, and put the power to the pavement through a five-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2012 model were not available as this review was compiled, but in 2011 it was rated to return 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with standard rear-wheel drive.

A 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is crammed into the 300 SRT8, developing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. At 2,900 rpm, this car is making 80 added lb-ft of twist over the car it replaces, making it feel significantly more energetic at lower speeds. It also features Fuel Saver Technology and an active valve exhaust system, and Chrysler claims a 21-percent highway fuel economy improvement, saying the SRT8 will get up to 23 mpg. A five-speed AutoStick automatic is standard, equipped with Normal and Sport modes. Official EPA fuel economy ratings are not available as this review is written.

Chrysler offers an optional all-wheel-drive system on the 300, and expands availability to V6 models for 2012. Because it completely disconnects from the front wheels when it’s not in use, fuel economy is preserved as much as possible. The EPA has not rated the AWD models as we write this report. In 2011, the AWD V8 was expected to get 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Chrysler endows the 300 with more than style, panache, and power. Safety is high on the priority list, too, and as such the sedan is equipped with seven airbags (including a driver knee airbag), traction control and stability control. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are also included, fortified by ready-alert brake support and rain brake support features. A reversing camera is standard on all models except the base 300.

A SafetyTec Package is offered on all 300s except the base model, and it equips the Chrysler with adaptive headlights, active cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, front and rear parking sensors, and more.

If you’re unable to avoid a collision, know that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) called the essentially identical 2011 Chrysler 300 a Top Safety Pick for its top-rated performance in frontal-, side-, and rear-impact injury protection scores, combined with an impressive roof strength test result. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the recently revamped Chrysler 300 as this review is written.

Similarly, reliability data is scarce. J.D. Power and Associates thinks the 300 will provide slightly better than average levels of dependability over time, but Consumer Reports offers no predictions as we publish this review.

According to Chrysler, the new 300 SRT8 will accelerate to 60 mph in less than five seconds, blast through the quarter-mile in less than 13 seconds, attain a top speed of 175 mph, and stop from 60 in 120 feet. All while carrying five adults in comfort, and providing 16.3 cubic-feet of cargo room in the trunk. Awesome.

Lest it sound like a big, fat check from Chrysler landed in our bank account, we’ll complain about the new 300 SRT8 before we slobber affection all over it. The plastic used to panel the lower parts of the dashboard and the door panels is too glossy and low-rent for an otherwise brilliantly executed sport sedan like this one. Oh, and this car gets terrible fuel economy if you use it as God and Detroit intended.

Now that the griping is out of the way, you absolutely owe it to yourself to drive the new Chrysler 300 SRT8 if you’ve got around $50,000 burning a hole in your pocket and you’re planning to spend it on the same boring black, gray, or silver BMW 535i or Mercedes-Benz E350 that every other newly minted VP is driving to tell the world that they have, indeed, arrived. Simultaneously beautiful and brutal, the 300 SRT8 is a machine of intimidation in a cutthroat business climate, comfortable and elegant when you want it to be, explosively powerful and athletic when you need it to be. A Chrysler 300 SRT8 tells colleagues, fellow motorists, even that complete tool that’s dating your daughter that you are not a person to be trifled with.

Thundering down the freeway, the 300 SRT8 provides instantaneous response to requests for more speed. On twisty back roads, it provides extraordinary grip and indefatigable brakes. Around town, its adaptive damping suspension soaks up pavement irregularities with ease. And inside the cabin, you’re enjoying comfortable heated and ventilated sport seats, premium materials (for the most part), and a superb Harmon/Kardon audio system.

Yeah, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 might be a little rough around the edges, but we’d spend our money on this before getting anything with leatherette (read: vinyl) upholstery that requires an extra $720 bucks just for metallic paint.

It is safe to say that we’re huge fans of the 2012 Chrysler 300. This is one of the best “American” cars you can buy today, even if Fiat is running the show and the assembly line is in Canada. It looks great, drives beautifully, and is available in a range of models from a safe and stylish family car to a lavishly outfitted luxo-cruiser to a muscular sport sedan. It represents real value no matter which one you get. Let’s hope future Chryslers take their cues from the excellent 300.

By Christian Wardlaw