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The Iconic Legacy of John DeLoreanBudget Buy Under $20,000: Chrysler 300 vs Dodge Charger
We’ve compiled the facts on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Find out what we think in our article here.
Stately Sedans Under $20K
Sedans are popular for small families and those that need rear seats without the need for the spaciousness of an SUV. They’re great for long trips or short jaunts to the grocery store. They’re great for picking up the kids from school and running errands.
We’re not talking about those sedans in this article. Instead, we’re talking about sedans that make a statement. They have refined looks that give them a stylistic edge over other run-of-the-mill sedans. There’s no denying the fact that these cars are for those who seek something more than just a car that gets them from Point A to Point B.
Not only do they have the looks, but they also have power. We’re talking about big V8 engines that were designed for speed and power. Sure, you can still pick up the groceries, but you’ll look and sound really good doing it!
We’re talking about the 2019 versions of the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger. Let’s take a look to see which one is the best buy for under $20k.
Specs
The 2019 Chrysler 300 Limited is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. There are also numerous 300s on the used market that are equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine which puts out 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. You may have to settle for one a few years older to stay under $20k, but they are definitely worth it (the 300C is a beast).
With the V6 engine, the 2019 Chrysler 300 gets 19 MPG city/30 MPG highway. If you go with one of the V8 engine options, you can expect that mileage to drop to 16 MPG city/25 MPG highway.
The 2019 Dodge Charger has a 3.6L V6 under the hood that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination deals out 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While these are also available in the Hellcat trim – a monster with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque – it is highly unlikely that you will see them dip below the $20k mark even if you’re a master negotiator.
You’ll see some slightly older models carrying the 5.7L V8 which is much more accessible. This engine puts out 370 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. With the stock V6, the Dodge Charger gets 19 MPG city/30 MPG highway. Going with a Charger with the 5.7L V8 will drop that to 15 MPG city/23 MPG highway.
Driving and Performance
The 2019 Chrysler 300 may be a big touring cruiser, but it handles quite well for its size. The steering feels light at slower speeds yet solidifies well when it is on the highway. The only downside is the lack of feedback to the steering wheel which shouldn’t be a surprise.
It is not a small car, however, and you can feel the mass when you take turns quickly. The stiff suspension does a great job of keeping it relatively flat though.
The acceleration of the V6 engine is peppy, and the 8-speed automatic transmission does a wonderful job of finding the right gear at the right time. It doesn’t hold a candle to the powerful V8, however.
Overall, the Chrysler 300 provides a smooth and powerful ride. It isn’t sporty, but then again, it wasn’t designed for that. It’s a big touring sedan and it fills that role unapologetically.
The Dodge Charger is also a bulky powerhouse. It handles well around turns for a big car and the low-speed steering feels light and agile. When on the highway, the steering feels a bit too light. It just doesn’t tighten up like you want it to at highway speeds.
The acceleration is right up there with the Chrysler 300. There is plenty of power on tap from the V6, and we can only imagine that the V8-equipped models have even more. The accelerator pedal is very touchy, however. It doesn’t take much pressure to make the car leap forward like Dom’s Charger on Fast and Furious. The only way to remedy the problem is to be very gentle when applying pressure.
Overall, the Dodge Charger gives you a smooth ride with more than enough power to make long highway runs enjoyable. We just wish it was more engaging since we really didn’t feel connected to it. The numb steering wheel prevents that from happening.
So far, our two cars are neck-and-neck. Let’s check out the interior and comfort to see which one comes out on top.
Comfort and Interior
The Chrysler 300’s big and bold exterior statement is reflected on the inside as well. It gives us what we want in a touring sedan with plenty of room, comfortable seating, and quality interior materials. It is tight and borders on luxury. Passengers have plenty of room in the cavernous interior which can’t be said for all sedans.
The Chrysler 300’s boxy appearance actually makes getting into and out of the rear seats much easier since there is no downward roof pitch. Putting a car seat in the back is easy as can be, and taller passengers won’t feel the need for more headroom.
As for infotainment, the screen is vibrant and easy to read. All controls are where they should be, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Navigation and a 9-speaker audio system were options so be sure to keep your eye out for them when looking at the used market.
The Dodge Charger also offers a very roomy interior. While the seats aren’t as comfortable as the Chrysler 300, they are bearable for long trips. The materials are high-quality but are not nearly as tight and refined as the Chrysler 300. It is certainly a livable sedan though, make no mistake about it.
The driver’s seat feels as if it is mounted just a bit too low which can make it difficult for some people to enter and exit the vehicle. In addition, the sloping roof makes it hard for adult passengers to get in and out without nearly hitting their heads. This can also make it a bit tough for parents to install a car seat for their little one. The legroom and shoulder room is ample, however, so it won’t feel awkward or uncomfortable once you’re seated inside.
The controls are laid out very well and there is no need to search for a button on the control panel. Dodge’s Uconnect system is one of the best in the industry and allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Navigation and a 19-speaker (yes, that’s nineteen) are optional and added to the original price significantly. If you find them, they are great additions to a great sedan.
Both offer comparable trunk space with the Dodge Charger providing 16.1 cubic feet of space and the Chrysler 300 providing 16.3 cubic feet.
Perhaps one of the issues that plague both models is rear visibility. The big, bulky roof pillars severely limit the visibility out of the rear window on both models.
If the interior was the tiebreaker, then the Chrysler 300 would win out. It is just more user-friendly for everyone – passengers included.
Trims and Features
The 2019 Chrysler 300 can be found on the used market in four trims: Touring, S, Limited, and C.
The Touring trim is the base model and features heated mirrors, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 8.4-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and ignition, and two USB ports.
The S trim is more sport-oriented than other trims and comes with everything the Touring trim has plus 20-inch wheels, heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, remote start, paddle shifters, sport-tuned suspension, and LED fog lights. The 5.7L V8 was also an option for this trim.
The Limited trim gives you everything that the S trim offers with additional features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and heated rear seats.
The 300C trim comes standard with everything from the Limited trim plus 20-inch wheels, heated and cooled front cupholders, upgraded steering wheel and leather upholstery, and adaptive headlights.
The 2019 Dodge Charger was available in five trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat.
The SXT is the base model. It comes with a 3.6L V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, a 60/40-split folding back seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The AWD version comes with LED foglights, heated mirrors, upgraded upholstery, 19-inch wheels, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and an upgraded six-speaker sound system.
The GT trim is equipped with everything that the AWD SXT provides plus 20-inch wheels, suspension upgrades, and styling enhancements.
The R/T comes with everything the GT has but adds the 5.7L V8 engine.
The Scat Pack trim has everything from the R/T trim plus a 6.4L V8 engine, Brembo high-performance brakes, heavy-duty engine cooling, and a limited-slip rear differential.
The SRT Hellcat is the top-of-the-line Charger. It comes with everything you get in the Scat Pack trim plus a supercharged 6.2L V8 (707 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft.) and upgraded steering and suspension.
The Verdict
This is a tight competition! With both of our examples being so similar, it comes down to the finer details.
The Chrysler 300 stands out above the Dodge Charger in most areas. The handling is tighter and more centered at highway speeds and the interior is more luxurious. The lack of a sloping roofline allows passengers to enter and exit without having to worry about hitting their heads.
The Dodge Charger’s steering feels a bit too loose at highway speeds, and we don’t like the sloping roofline when it comes to backseat passengers getting in and out.
Both models suffer from poor rear visibility thanks to the thick roof pillars. The rearview camera will get a lot of use in either vehicle.
Perhaps what stands out the most about Dodge Chargers is the fact that they can be found with several engine options: two different V6 options and two different V8 options. If you’re all about power, then the Dodge Charger might just be the ride to look for. Keep in mind, however, that trims such as the SRT Hellcat most likely won’t be found at sub-$20k.
The Chrysler 300 is more practical and provides plenty of power. Both V6 and V8 versions can be found for less than $20k. Overall, it is a more comfortable ride for everyone – especially if you’re going on longer trips.
If you’re wondering how you should finance your next used car, check out our car-buying tips here.
