MPG-o-Matic 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD Review Summary: If you need to transport your entourage with a high level of comfort in distinctive style and under adverse weather conditions, the 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD presents an intriguing alternative to a conventional SUV or crossover. The 300C AWD’s powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine uses Multi-Displacement technology to shut off half its cylinders to conserve fuel under light loads, for a stated fuel economy increase of up to 20 percent.
The 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD is exclusively offered with a HEMI V8 engine. The 300C AWD’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8 delivers 360 horsepower (HP) and 390 foot pounds of torque, and is mated to a five-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. (The 300 Touring AWD Signature Series Value Package and 300 Limited AWD are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 250 HP and 250 foot pounds of torque.)
The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped Chrysler 300C AWD are 16 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG).
We traveled more than three hundred miles in our Dark Titanium Metallic 300C AWD review unit and surpassed the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 25.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 20 MPG combined in cool weather and mixed conditions.
Overall test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the fifties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the forties. The test vehicle was equipped with 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheels clad with Continental ProContact Self-sealing 225/60R18 tires and was delivered with just over 4000 miles on the odometer.
Interstate Mileage Testing:
- Adaptive cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, drivers seat heater on, windows up: 24.5 MPG
- Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, drivers seat heater on, windows up: 26.0 MPG
The 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD is equipped with a 19 gallon fuel tank. Although mid-grade unleaded gasoline is recommended, regular unleaded is acceptable. Trailer towers take note: the 300C AWD’s maximum gross trailer weight is 2,000 pounds.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 moves the 300C AWD’s nearly 4300 pounds ( 4280 curb weight) off the line with surprising swiftness.
This HEMI isn’t just about muscle. Multi-Displacement technology shuts off four cylinders under light loads to conserve fuel, for a stated fuel economy increase of up to 20 percent.
The central dash display provides a basic ECO indicator and an average fuel economy meter. When used conscientiously, these tools support a light-footed driving style.
The 300C AWD uses an active transfer case with front-axle disconnect. This delivers on-demand AWD while maintaining fuel economy. The front axle is only connected to the drivetrain when necessary.
It’s perhaps best said that the 300C handles like the a large American sedan that it is … there’s no mistaking this for a canyon carver. But out on the open road, all is forgiven.
The optional Adaptive Cruise Control takes a bit of stress out of highway driving, by automatically maintaining a safe following distance between cars.
Rearward visibility is limited, given the 300C’s profile, although the outside mirrors conveniently tilt downward when the transmission is placed in reverse, easing backing chores. While the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System is standard, we’d like to see an optional rearview camera offered, as well.
The 300C delivers a high level of driver and passenger amenities. This is a distinctive, elegant, and comfortable cruiser with plenty of room.
Heated front seats and manual lumbar support are standard, along with adjustable pedals. Driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirror memory are standard features.
The front seat provides 38.7 inches of head room, 41.8 inches of leg room, 59.4 inches of shoulder room, and 55.9 inches of hip room.
Our test unit was equipped with the Luxury Group II option package, which includes a 7 speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with a 368-watt amplifier and subwoofer, along with heated back seats, a wood/leather wrapped steering wheel, and California Walnut interior accents. Steering wheel audio controls are standard.
The optional media center provides navigation with 1-year of Sirius traffic, voice controlled UConnect Bluetooth, and glovebox-based USB iPod integration. Additional USB and auxiliary audio ports are located on the head unit.
iPod integration provides access to artists, albums, and playlists from the dash. An internal 30 GB hard drive provides music and photo storage. Digital music files can be loaded from a USB device or ripped from CDs.
The UConnect Bluetooth system can pull phonebook listings directly from a cell phone.
The 300C provides two 12-volt power outlets in the cabin: one at the base of the dash and one in the center console.
Rear seating is spacious, with 38 inches of head room, 40.2 inches of leg room, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, and 55.9 inches of hip room.
The trunk provides 15.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and ample area for larger items with the 60/40 rear seats folded down.
All-in-all, the 2010 Chrysler 300C AWD delivers distinctive style, an abundance of power, and plenty of comfort, with surprising efficiency. While the Multi-Displacement HEMI offers quite respectable fuel economy for a big powerful American V8, the Chrysler 300 is available with an extremely thrifty Mercedes-Benz diesel engine in Europe. We’re looking forward to the day when a fuel-efficient clean diesel Chrysler 300 finds its way to this side of the pond.
Parts Content Info
U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 74%
Final Assembly Point: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Country of Origin:
Engine – Mexico
Transmission – United States
– by Daniel Gray
