The Chrysler 300 has used several engines across its history, spanning gasoline V6s and V8s and even a diesel option in select years. In the latest models, the lineup centered on a 3.6-liter V6, while earlier sportier trims wore larger Hemi V8s and, at times, a diesel option.
Engine lineup through the years
The following engines have powered the Chrysler 300 over its production run. Availability varied by model year and market, so not every engine appeared in every version of the car.
- 3.5-liter V6 — early generations (roughly mid-2000s to around 2010)
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 — modern standard powerplant (from about 2011 onward)
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 — offered on higher trims during the late 2000s and early 2010s
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 — SRT performance variant (roughly 2012–2014)
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 — diesel option available in select years and markets
Note: Not every engine was available in every model year or market. In the final years, the lineup shifted toward the V6, with V8s largely phased out in most trims and regions, and the diesel option being discontinued in many markets after the mid-2010s.
Current and recent powertrains
As the Chrysler 300 neared the end of its production run, most trims relied on a single mainstream gasoline engine, with the 3.6-liter V6 serving as the backbone. High-performance V8 variants that appeared in earlier generations were no longer offered on the 300 in the final years, and the diesel option was not present in those later models.
3.6-liter Pentastar V6
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the default powertrain for most recent Chrysler 300 models, paired with an eight-speed automatic. It accommodates rear-wheel drive and, depending on the year and trim, can be paired with all-wheel drive as well.
Legacy V8 and diesel options
Historically, the Chrysler 300 also offered several other powertrains on certain trims and years:
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 on select trims during the late 2000s–early 2010s
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the high-performance SRT variant (2012–2014)
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 in some markets during the mid-2010s
These engines were not consistently available across all years and were largely phased out for the later production run in most markets.
Summary
The Chrysler 300’s engine options have evolved from older V6s and V8s to a more streamlined modern setup centered on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in its final years. A diesel option appeared in select years, and high-performance V8s were offered only on earlier SRT-era variants. If you’re evaluating a specific model year or trim, verify the exact engine configuration, as availability varies by year and market.
Engines to watch for include the 3.5L V6, the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L Hemi V8, the 6.4L Hemi V8, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, with the latest models typically using the 3.6L V6 as the standard powertrain.