Chrysler 300 vs Dodge Caliber

Since its arrival three years ago, the Chrysler 300 has been the company’s flagship sedan, and as such, it is available with a long list of luxury features and amenities. Even though this generation is now showing its age, the 300 stands up well to competition from Europe and elsewhere, and it offers a performance SRT8 trim that makes it downright rowdy.

Thanks to its roots as a DaimlerChrysler-era car and the fact that it shares a platform with a Mercedes E-Class of the era, the 300 has a composed rear-drive platform and lively handling that makes it feel and drive like a smaller car.

The Chrysler 300 is aimed at car buyers that are looking for a luxurious car that won’t break the bank, as base trims start at under $25,000. There are five trims in all: Base, Touring, Limited, 300C, and Hemi-powered SRT-8. The price tops out at just over $40,000, which undercuts comparably equipped European luxury sedans.

Engine choices start with a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6 in the base trims. From there, a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 is available, as are a 340-hp 5.7-liter V8 in the 300C and a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 in the SRT-8. Either a four-speed or a five-speed automatic transmission is available.

The Caliber joined Dodge’s lineup last year as a practical successor to the Neon and started winning a few hearts with its reasonable price tag and comfortable interior. Optional all-wheel-drive makes the Caliber a viable crossover alternative for buyers living in places where the weather gets nasty, but the specs may not be enough.

Useful hatchbacks are a rare breed on the market today, as many buyers are opting for SUVs from Jeep, Hyundai, and Honda, so the Caliber enjoys somewhat limited competition. The Toyota Matrix and Nissan Versa are closest to going toe-to-toe with the Caliber, but it’s the Toyota that dominates the segment. The Caliber is less refined and less efficient than the Matrix, but the price will be much better for many buyers’ budgets.