The Chrysler 300 has been offered with several engine options over its production run, including gasoline V6 and V8 options as well as a diesel in select years. The core choices are the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 for SRT models, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that appeared in certain years. In modern years, the base engine is the 3.6L V6 with an eight-speed automatic, and more powerful variants use the larger Hemi V8s.
Across its history, the Chrysler 300’s powertrain lineup evolved to balance performance and efficiency. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 became the standard modern engine, often paired with an optional mild-hybrid system in later years. The high-performance SRT variants used larger Hemi V8s, and a diesel option was briefly available in some markets and model years. Here is a rundown of the main engine options you might encounter when evaluating a Chrysler 300.
Gasoline powertrains
Below is a concise inventory of the gasoline engine options that have powered the Chrysler 300 across its production run, noting typical power outputs and the trims where they appeared.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eight-speed automatic transmission (with optional mild-hybrid eTorque on later models). Typical output around 292–300 horsepower and 260–295 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8. A larger V8 option used on higher trims, delivering roughly 370 horsepower and about 400 lb-ft of torque (varies by model year and tuning).
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (SRT models). The performance option, producing about 470–485 horsepower and roughly 475–490 lb-ft of torque.
The lineup above reflects the most widely seen gasoline configurations across the modern Chrysler 300 generations. The 3.6L V6 with eTorque became the core modern choice, while the V8s were reserved for sportier or high-performance variants. The SRT and other performance-focused trims pushed the engine into the higher-output territory, while the 3.6L remained the everyday option for most buyers.
Diesel option
In select years, the Chrysler 300 offered a diesel option through a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 sourced from VM Motori. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic and aimed at improved highway efficiency and torque for sustained cruising. Output typically hovered around the mid-200s horsepower with substantial low-end torque, though exact figures varied by year and market.
Diesel availability on the Chrysler 300 was limited and did not span the entire production run. Buyers interested in a diesel should verify the exact model year and regional availability to ensure the option was offered on the specific car they are considering.
Hybrid/mild-hybrid note
In the later years of the modern 300 lineup, a mild-hybrid system known as eTorque was integrated with the 3.6-liter V6. This system provides a small electric assist during takeoff and helps with idle stop/start efficiency, contributing to marginal gains in fuel economy without a full hybrid setup.
eTorque-equipped 3.6L models combine traditional gasoline power with a belt-driven motor generator, and the arrangement continues to be a feature of the core 300’s powertrain in the final years of production.
Summary
In short, the Chrysler 300 has been offered with a range of engines over its lifespan: a base 3.6L Pentastar V6 (often with eTorque), a 5.7L Hemi V8 for higher trims, a 6.4L Hemi V8 for SRT performance variants, and a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 in select years. The exact engine and power output depend on the model year and trim level, with the newer mainstream models centering on the 3.6L V6 and older or performance-oriented trims providing the larger V8 options. The 300’s production concluded after the 2023 model year, ending its run with these engine choices in place.
Closing summary
The Chrysler 300’s motor lineup centers on a versatile V6 foundation, supplemented by increasingly capable V8 options for performance variants and, for a period, a diesel option. If you’re shopping, check the specific year and trim to confirm which engine and features (like eTorque) apply to that car.