Chrysler 200 vs Chrysler 300 – Clash of the Chryslers
It wasn’t long ago that automotive experts were labeling Chrysler as a dying brand. That certainly isn’t true today. These sedans aren’t the “mid-life Chryslers” of the last decade. Chrysler is offering fresh takes on their classic sedans, and buyers are paying attention. The 300 is known as Chrysler’s flagship sedan, and the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is marketed as “America’s Import.” Today, we analyze the Chrysler 200 vs Chrysler 300 to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.
Chrysler 200 Overview
Engine: 2.4L I4
Horsepower: 184
Fuel Economy: 23 City/ 36 Hwy
MSRP: From $21,995
2015 Chrysler 200 Review
Design:
The words “all-new” are thrown around a lot in the automotive industry, but when looking at the 2015 Chrysler 200, those words resonate. The 200 is Chrysler’s mid-size sedan. Completely redesigned in the 2015 model year, the styling looks modern, unique and sophisticated. The inside of this car is just as beautiful. High-quality materials and well-arranged gauges and buttons make the cabin of the 200 very competitive. The interior design, although beautiful, doesn’t leave room for larger adults in the back seat like the 200’s big brother.
Performance:
Performance from the standard 4-cylinder engine is adequate, and those looking for more power can upgrade to a 3.6L V6 with 295hp. The base engine achieves a respectable 36 highway mpg
Safety:
In terms of safety, the 200 is nearly unbeatable. This car is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. If you pay for the top safety package, the 200 will come with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, forward-collision warnings, and the lane departure warning system.
Features:
Base features are acceptable, as the base model is equipped with keyless entry, LED interior lighting, USB jack, and an auxiliary jack. Interestingly, the Chrysler 200 completely removes a CD player from every trim. This is a step toward the future, but CD lovers should be warned. A fully loaded 200 will have a sunroof, AWD, heated mirrors, rearview camera, navigation, Chrysler Uconnect with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and more.
Chrysler 300 Overview
Engine: 3.6L V6
Horsepower: 292
Fuel Economy: 19 City/ 31 Hwy
MSRP: $31,695
Chrysler 300 Review
Design:
The 2015 Chrysler 300 is the 200’s big brother. This full-size sedan isn’t all-new, but the front and rear are both completely redesigned. The 300’s styling definitely resembles a luxury sedan. The cabin of this car is a nice mixture of classic and modern design. The materials are mostly black plastic in the base model. Upgraded trims are more luxurious with higher quality leather materials and more dynamic designs with metallic accents and wood trim. You won’t have to pay extra to enjoy leather upholstery, as leather-trimmed seats come standard in the 300. This car leaves plenty of room for five adults.
Performance:
Those wanting a big sedan with comfort and power should consider the Chrysler 300. The base engine and standard RWD handles the big car quite well, but a beefy 363hp 5.7L HEMI V-8 is available for those wanting an extra punch of performance. Like other sedans of this size, fuel economy suffers compared to most 2015 vehicles. A lackluster 19 city mpg will disappoint those trying to avoid the pump.
Safety:
The Chrysler 300 has a reputation for safety. In every model year since 2011, this car has achieved IIHS’s top rating, “good”, in all crash-test categories. Features are similar to those in the 200, with available adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warnings, Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking, and more.
Features:
The base 2015 Chrysler 300 is very well equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, voice command with Bluetooth, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Uconnect access, remote USB port, Sirius XM and more. Upgraded trims add shift paddles, performance tires, natural wood trim, premium leather, electronic adjustable pedals, navigation, and more. At any trim, the 300 is sure to please the tech-savvy driver.
Chrysler 200 vs Chrysler 300 Winner:
Base model: Chrysler 300
An impressive suite of base features give the 2015 Chrysler 300 the award for best base model Chrysler. The base 300 will give you the big American luxury sedan experience at a reasonable price.
Upgrades: Chrysler 200
The fully loaded 2015 Chrysler 200 has many of the features the fully loaded Chrysler 300 has, at just a little over half the price. It’s hard to opt for the fully loaded Chrysler 300 with such a steep price increase.
Overall winner: 2015 Chrysler 200
The 2015 Chrysler 200 provides the best overall value and will fit the needs of most drivers. This car has been redesigned beautifully. It breaks the cookie-cutter Chrysler exterior design in all the right ways. This car is flexible. It could easily be your next sporty commuter or family sedan. The 200 does offer a little less than the 300 in features, size, and power, but makes up for this with a significant price cut. In the Chrysler 200 vs Chrysler 300, we find that the value and flexibility of the 2015 Chrysler 200 make it the most competitive 2015 Chrysler car.
