A combined 21 MPG won’t top any fuel efficiency charts, but for the 2016 Chrysler 300 AWD with the 3.6L V6, it’s a reasonable balance. This car isn’t usually purchased by those focused solely on minimizing their gas consumption. It’s a car for drivers who want a comfortable, spacious sedan with some American style and the added security of all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is a factor, certainly, but it’s balanced against the 300’s other strengths.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway reflect what you can expect driving a fairly large sedan with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The city MPG suggests the engine works harder to move the 300’s weight from a standstill. The highway MPG, however, is respectable and achievable, largely because of the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient range at cruising speeds. Expect figures closer to the 27 MPG estimate on longer road trips, but remember that aggressive driving will always reduce fuel economy. Drivers who prioritize highway driving may want to review all Chrysler fuel economy data to seek better MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chrysler 300 AWD 3.6L to be $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual cost will depend on your driving, where you drive, and the price of gasoline in your area. $2,100 gives you a benchmark for comparing the 300’s costs against similar vehicles. Review the 300 MPG across all years to get a better sense of potential costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Owners of the 2016 Chrysler 300 AWD often report numbers close to the official estimates, but tire pressure, maintenance, and even the grade of gasoline can affect the MPG. Slightly lower numbers are common in colder climates, where engines use more gas to warm up. Also, all-wheel-drive systems can engage more frequently. However, careful driving and consistent highway speeds can yield slightly higher MPG than the EPA estimates.

How it compares

The 2016 Chrysler 300 AWD V6’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. For example, the 2016 Ford Taurus SHO, with its strong 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive, gets a comparable 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. A 2016 Toyota Avalon, though only available in front-wheel drive, achieves a better 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway with its 3.5L V6. The Nissan Maxima from the same year only provides front-wheel drive, but posts fuel economy of 22/30MPG city/hwy.

The choice often comes down to priorities: is accepting a slight fuel economy penalty worth it for the 300’s styling, spacious interior, and available all-wheel drive? The competition offers similar performance, though few combine style and fuel efficiency. The 300 was available as a V8 model with much lower mileage, so consider the engine before buying.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 3.6L V6 in the Chrysler 300 responds well to smooth acceleration and consistent speeds. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, as these actions force the engine to consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady pace to keep the engine efficient.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. This simple check can improve fuel economy.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives to maintain a consistent speed. This helps the engine operate more efficiently, especially on flat terrain.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo increases the engine’s workload. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat.

Regular maintenance is important for fuel economy. Ensure the engine air filter is clean, the spark plugs are in good condition, and the engine oil is at the proper level. These checks can maintain the engine’s performance.