Brawny V6 and V8 power, tight handling, smart all-wheel-drive system, a lot of luxury features large interior, available long-wheelbase model, and a proven performance for the price: The 2009 Chrysler 300 sedan has it all and more. A 4-door, 5-passenger full-size luxury sports sedan, the 2009 Chrysler 300 is available in LX, Touring, Limited, 300C and SRT8 trim levels.
The Chrysler 300 receives a few significant updates for 2009. The 5.7-liter 300C now comes with variable valve timing (VVT) that increases the power and torque delivering an improved performance. The all-wheel-drive models get a novel new active transfer case that disconnects the front axle for better fuel efficiency and performance. A comfort-tuned suspension pleases those looking for a softer ride, while driving enthusiasts appreciate the new Chrysler 300C Heritage that features the same sport-tuned steering and suspension as the Dodge Charger R/T Daytona. The SRT8 now flaunts new grille, revised suspension tuning and additional standard equipment.
Power and performance
The RWD base Chrysler 300 LX is driven by a 2.7-liter V6 rated at 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. With a four-speed automatic transmission, the base model delivers 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.
The rear wheel driven Touring and Limited trims feature a 3.5-liter V6 good for 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque delivering 17 city/24 highway and 20 combined. The optional all-wheel drive system delivers 15/22/18 mpg. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the rear-wheel-drive 3.5-liter 300 sedans, while a five-speed automatic comes with all-wheel drive.
The Chrysler 300C is motivated by a 5.7-liter V8 with 359 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque good for 15/23/18 mpg regardless of rear- or all-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic is standard.
The 300 SRT8’s 6.1-liter V8 pumps out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy is rated at 13/18/15 mpg. The cargo capacity stands at 17.2 cubic feet.
Body and styling
The base Chrysler 300 LX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, eight-way power driver seat, 60/40-split rear seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Touring adds automatic headlamps, foglamps, a larger V6 engine, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, leather-trimmed wheel and shift knob, and satellite radio. The Comfort/Convenience Group with heated front seats, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals and auto up/down front power windows is optional.
The 300 Limited comes with 18-inch wheels, the Comfort/Convenience Group, a comfort-tuned suspension, trip computer, steering wheel audio controls and a six-speaker touch screen-operated stereo with six-CD changer and 30GB hard drive for digital music storage (known as Uconnect Tunes). When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Touring and Limited gains a larger fuel tank, 18-inch wheels (Touring), a five-speed automatic transmission and upgraded brakes.
The 300C features a strong V8 engine, auto-dimming and power-folding heated exterior mirrors, driver memory functions, power-adjustable steering column, upgraded leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, remote ignition, “Tortoiseshell” interior trim and a universal garage opener.
The 300 SRT8 is equipped with an even more powerful V8, Brembo performance brakes, special stability control calibration, unique exterior trim, a sunroof and an integrated rear spoiler. A power sunroof is standard on SRT8, available on 300 Limited and 300C.
Safety features
Advanced front multistage air bags that sense the severity of the impact and inflate with different levels of force are standard. Antilock brakes and stability and traction control are optional on Chrysler 300 LX but standard on all other trims. Front seat side airbags are optional on all regular Chrysler 300s, while full-length side curtain airbags are optional on all but the LX and standard on the SRT8.
The 2009 Chrysler 300 received a perfect five stars for driver and passenger protection during frontal impacts in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety certified it with a highest-possible “Good” rating in the frontal-offset crash testing.
