2018 Chrysler 300 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.
As a sign of the change in the internal balance within Fiat-Chrysler, the once expansive Chrysler model list has now been reduced down to just two models: the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Chrysler 300 large sedan. It also represents a shift towards quality over quantity, as the new Pacifica has taken the minivan market by storm and the older 300 continues to make a strong showing among the large car segment.
The current Chrysler 300 dates back to 2011, though it saw a major mid-cycle redesign in 2015. There have been few changes to the car since then, mostly shuffling features between trim levels or including additional standard equipment on some models.
The 2018 Chrysler 300 comes in a fairly good variety of different models, and offers drivers a choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and two engine sizes as well. To help buyers out in their selection process, we have put together this trim level guide that compares each of the different available 300 models, pointing out their differences, the available optional equipment, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Compare the 2018 300 Touring vs Touring L Trims. What is the difference?
While even the base Chrysler 300 looks very upscale based on its exterior styling and quality interior materials, it actually comes in at a slightly lower price than most entry-level large sedans. And for that money, the 300 Touring actually packs a fairly good selection of comfort amenities and modern technologies into the base model.
An 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect infotainment system is standard on all 300 models, and comes with full support for Bluetooth, satellite radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The seats are trimmed out in premium cloth, and the driver’s seat also comes with power adjustments. A dual-zone climate control system, a rearview camera, and 17-inch alloy wheels are also all part of the standard equipment.
Aside from the optional all-wheel drive system, the Touring offers only a few optional packages. The Sport Appearance Package adds 20-inch wheels with Firestone tires, blacked out accents, a custom grille, and LED taillights. The Chrome Appearance Package does much the same, except that the accents are chrome instead of black, and it also includes heated side mirrors.
The Driver Convenience Package is the last option, and only includes 18-inch wheels with Firestone tires. Instead of appearance options, it adds a 4-wheel independent comfort suspension, LED fog lights, a universal garage door opener, and a remote starter. A wireless charging pad and an anti-theft tracker are both available as independent additions as well.
The Touring L significantly ups the base Touring model’s luxury quotient. It comes with a full Nappa leather trim, as well as adding heating and power adjustment to both front seats. It also rides on 18-inch wheels and includes a smart key system that lets you unlock the car and start it without having to take out the key. The Touring L also offers significantly more options in its packages than the regular Touring.
The appearance packages that dominated the Touring model are gone. Instead, the Touring L offers three different feature packages. The Driver Convenience Group adds a navigation system, LED fog lights, a remote starter, and a universal garage door opener. For a little more, the Value Package includes all of those features as well as a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.
The 300 Premium Group also includes all of the Driver Convenience Group equipment, but does not feature the moonroof. Instead, it adds a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alerts, front and rear parking assist, integrated turn signals and courtesy lamps for side mirrors, an auto-dimming function for the driver’s side mirror, and a 10-speaker Beats sound system with a 552-watt amplifier.
In addition to being a part of the Value Package, the panoramic moonroof is also available as a standalone option, though it is less expensive to get it as part of the Value Package than to add it to the Driver Convenience Group.
The Touring and the Touring L, despite their similar names, are very different models. Both offer an excellent value for their class, but the regular Touring focuses on the more on the styling and the basic large car functionality, while the Touring L focuses on providing drivers with comfort and luxury features.
Compare the 2018 Chrysler 300 Touring L vs 300S Trims. What is the difference?
The 300S is one of the two performance-focused models in the 300 lineup. While most of the other versions of the Chrysler 300 are focused more on calm drives with a luxury ambience, the 300S is more serious about what is under the hood. It uses the same 3.6-liter standard V-6 as the other 300 models, but its version is tuned up from 292 to 300 horsepower thanks to the addition of a cold air intake and a performance exhaust system.
It is also available with an optional 363-horsepower HEMI V-8, for anyone looking for even more power. The 300S also comes with a performance suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Otherwise, its standard options mirror those of the Touring L model.
It does offer a somewhat different set of optional packages though. Two optional appearance packages are available: the Alloy Package that adds dark bronze wheels and accents, and an S Model Appearance Package that adds black accents, premium LED fog lights, and a rear spoiler.
The other packages add equipment and technology features. The SafetyTec Plus Group includes a full set of safety technologies: adaptive cruise control, full speed forward collision warning with advanced brake assist, blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking assist, and upgraded side mirrors.
The 300S Premium Group also includes the upgraded side mirrors, blind spot monitors, and parking assist, but it also includes a navigation system and a panoramic sunroof. The parking assist, upgraded side mirrors, and blind spot monitors are also all a part of the 300S Premium Group 2, which also includes Xenon headlights with automatic leveling, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a powered steering column adjustment, and a full memory function for the steering wheel, driver’s seat, and exterior mirrors.
The last package option is the Beats Audio Group, which consists of just the 10-speaker Beats sound system and subwoofer. The navigation system and the moonroof are both available as individual upgrades as well, and the seats can be updated to a leather-and-suede ventilated front seats with performance bolsters.
For drivers who want some serious power, the available V-8 HEMI that the 300S offers is a great deal, as it puts a lot of power into this car compared to its price point. It can also be upgraded with some nicer features compared to the Touring L, which does not offer ventilated seats, or a powered steering column. However, comfort-focused drivers may want to take a look at the Limited trim instead, which offers those amenities at a lower price point.
Compare the 2018 300S vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?
The Limited is the luxury trim for the Chrysler 300, which means that it comes with a very good set of standard features and optional equipment. It comes standard with the perforated leather seats with rear seat heating and front seat climate control that were optional on the 300S, as well as the powered seats and steering column with memory and a heated steering wheel. A navigation and sunroof are also standard features here, as well as a six-speaker sound system. The interior of the Chrysler 300 Limited is trimmed out in Black Olive Ash Burl bezels, giving it a very upscale appearance.
The options on the Limited are focused on offering more technology, convenience and luxury to the car’s occupants. The Light Group adds bi-xenon headlights with automatic leveling. The SafetyTec Plus group is the same as on the 300S, adding upgraded side mirrors, forward collision warning with automatic braking and adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Harman/Kardon Audio Group adds a 19-speaker high-end sound system by that manufacturer.
For most buyers likely to consider the Chrysler 300, the Limited is a much better option than the 300S. It starts at just a bit over $1,000 more than the 300S, but comes with equipment that requires several packages on the 300S, each costing close to twice that. For the luxury and comfort features, as well as the safety technology, the Limited is the better deal for the money. It doesn’t come with a V-8 option though or a performance suspension, but almost no one is going to miss it.
Compare the 2018 300 Limited vs 300C Trims. What is the difference?
The top of the Chrysler 300 line, the 300C is also focused on performance just like its 300S counterpart. The 300C comes with the same basic equipment as the standard Limited model, though its Nappa leather upholstery is also quilted and its wood accents are natural-pore mocha. It also includes a luxury steering wheel design and xenon headlights, though it does not have the navigation system or the moonroof standard. Its main distinguishing feature is its standard V-8 engine however. As a downside to that, it is available in rear-wheel drive only. No all-wheel drive is available on this model.
As with the Limited, the 300C comes with a fairly decent list of standard equipment, so its package options are fairly limited. The SafetyTec Plus and the Harman/Kardon audio packages are available on the 300C, and are the same as their Limited versions. The other available package is the Sun, Sound, and Nav Package, which combines the Harman/Kardon package with a panoramic moonroof and the navigation system. The moonroof and the navigation are also standalone options, as is the anti-theft system and the wireless charging port. The 300C can also be upgraded with a selection of leather interior accents.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 Chrysler 300 is an excellent vehicle, providing a very high quality luxury driving experience for a fairly low price. Its trim design can mostly be divided into two groups: the main line focused on comfort and luxury, and the performance line that can be equipped with the V-8 engine. The former all offer impressive value for the money, including the Touring, Touring L, and Limited.
Of those, the Touring L is our favorite, as the Touring is missing the leather interior that is key to a luxury experience, while the Limited is a runner up simply because it is more expensive and does not add as much as the Touring L does for the money. Those whose budget fits the Limited should opt for it instead though, as it is still a very good value. The sport models are less impressive, simply because they can’t back up their V-8 power with good driving dynamics.
Even with the upgraded suspension, the Chrysler 300 feels very much like a land yacht, especially with 363 horsepower. They can be a good choice for a specific kind of enthusiast, but otherwise are mostly just louder and more expensive versions of the main trim lines.
