Chrysler's 200 is a midsize sedan that was completely redesigned for the 2015 model year. It is available only in a 4-door body style with front- or all-wheel drive and shares some components with the Dodge Dart. Competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.
For trim levels are offered: LX, Limited, S and C. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower. Available on all but the LX is a 3.6-liter V6 engine rated at 295 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic is standard in either case. Front-drive is standard with all-wheel drive being optional on V6 models.
Prices start as low as $21,995 for the LX and climb to $17,785 for the top-of-the-line C with the Platinum package. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control and front-, front-side, side-curtain, and front-knee airbags. A rear-view camera is standard on all but the LX. Additional safety features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and intervention and forward-collision warning with automatic braking.
Key features of the LX include keyless ignition, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt-telescope steering wheel, split-folding rear seats and 17-inch wheels with wheel covers. Limited adds Uconnect package plus alloy wheels and 6-speaker sound system. The S adds sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, additional sound deadening material and glass, paddle shifters and upgraded interior trim. The C drops the sport suspension and 18-inch wheels but adds dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and 8.4-inch Uconnect screen.
The Chrysler 200 has a $995 destination charge and is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
With the 200, it's really a tale of two engines. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is simply adequate for the task. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a leisurely 9 seconds. The engine has below average passing punch and sometimes sounds gruff and unrefined in hard acceleration. On the other hand, the 3.6-liter V6 provides outstanding acceleration -- running to 60 mph in a scant 6.5 seconds. It's smooth and refined and has great passing power.
Both engines mate fairly well to the 9-speed automatic. It's not the smoothest shifting transmission but it's more than adequate and provides a good balance between economy and performance. Front-drive models suffer from modest wheel slip in hard acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system does a good job of delivering power to the wheels with the most traction and is certainly a welcome feature in this class dominated by front-drive sedans.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the 4-cylinder are 23 city/36 highway. The V6 rates 19 city and 29 highway. As you might expect those numbers are at the extremes of the class. The four is one of the most efficient engines while the V6 one of the least efficient. Real-world driving with the four will likely net about 24 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the highway. Driven with a gentile throttle foot, you can boost the four's overall average north of 30 mpg.
Road manners are comfortable rather than confident and that is no surprise. The 200's base suspension does a fair job of soaking up pot holes and expansion joints without adding undue secondary motions but it allows a fair amount of body lean in quick maneuvers and some brake dive in hard stops. Opt for the 200S, with its larger wheels and tires and sport suspension, and you'll find that the driving feel grows more athletic without too much impact harshness. The S doesn't turn the 2oo into a sport sedan but it does add a level of composure and confidence that a driver will come to appreciate on twisty roads.
The steering is well assisted and tracks true on the highway but can feel over-boosted and a little artificial at around-town speeds. Brakes have ample stopping power but the pedal suffers from a mushy inaccurate feel that makes it hard to modulate.
Wind and road noise are well isolated -- even at extralegal speeds. Engine noise can be a problem with the 4-cylinder but that's only in hard acceleration. The V6 emits a sporty growl in hard acceleration as it should. Both engines are quiet highway cruisers.
Chrysler designers and engineers get huge kudos for the 200's interior design. It's fresh, functional and modern. From the multi-feature steering wheel to the shift dial to the available 8.4-inch touch screen everything seems to have a proper place in the cohesive design. Materials seems a cut above as well.
Drivers face a simple set of dials for vehicle and engine speed with a programmable center display in a design that's become an industry standard. The center stack is dominated by the Uconnect screen that's flanked by traditional dials and buttons for the radio and climate control.
Front seats are supportive and heavily padded. They aren't exactly sporty but will certainly be comfortable on longer drives. Leg room is good but head room is a trifle tight -- as is ingress/egress -- both thanks to the low roofline.
Rear seats are nicely padded as well but aren't quite as roomy as most others in the class. That said, there certainly adequate for two adults and three in a pinch. The low roof eats into head room and causes the same entry/exit problems as the front seat.
Interior storage abounds with lots of clever aver open and covered bins throughout. There's an especially nice hidden pocket beneath the center console that's great for phones and small handbags. With 16 cubic feet of trunk space, the 200 has more than enough room to store two large golf bags or a week's worth of groceries. In addition, the rear seats fold to expand cargo space.
With its redesign in 2015, the Chrysler 200 became a competent entry into the midsize sedan class. It balances style, comfort, economy, features and price in such a way that it appeals to a great number of buyers. Because the 200 competes in one of the most competitive market segments, there are plenty of choices and good discounts. Feature-for-dollar that are few vehicles that can match the Chrysler 200.
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