The V-6 powered Chrysler 300 typically uses an eight‑speed automatic transmission in modern models, while older V-6 configurations relied on a four‑speed automatic.
Specifically, Chrysler transitioned from a four‑speed auto in the pre‑2011 lineup to an eight‑speed automatic once the 3.6‑liter Pentastar V6 became standard around 2011. This mirrors industry shifts toward better fuel economy and smoother shifting. Variations can occur by market and trim, but the eight‑speed automatic is the norm for newer V‑6 300s.
Transmission options by generation
The following overview outlines how the transmission evolved alongside the V6 engine across the Chrysler 300's generations.
- 2005–2010: V6 models (3.5L/3.7L) generally used a four-speed automatic transmission.
- 2011–2020: The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8‑speed family), improving efficiency and shift quality.
- 2021–2023/24: Continued use of the eight-speed automatic with refinements for smoother shifts and better fuel economy.
Concluding: If you want the exact transmission on a specific Chrysler 300, check the VIN plate or owner's manual for your year and trim, because there can be variations by market and production run. Generally, modern V‑6 Chrysler 300s use the eight‑speed automatic; older models used four‑speed automatics.
Summary
In short, the contemporary V‑6 Chrysler 300 uses an eight‑speed automatic transmission, while earlier V‑6 configurations relied on a four‑speed automatic. The shift to the eight‑speed began around 2011 with the adoption of the 3.6L Pentastar V6.