2016 Chrysler 200 Road Test & Review

Hopefully, this new Chrysler 200 will see lots of rental fleet duty so people will get an opportunity to see just how good this sensuously shaped sedan really is. We also hope this will translate into sales for Chrysler, because this version of its mid-size sedan is the best ever.

Unquestionably the loveliest Chrysler model of the modern era—and quite possibly one of the best-looking of all time—the 2016 Chrysler 200 is sleek of line, enjoyable to drive, and boasts a delightful interior treatment.

In other words, the new Chrysler 200 stands head and shoulders above the model it replaces in the storied automaker’s lineup.

For the 2016 model year, Chrysler 200 pricing starts at $22,495.

Exterior Styling

Superbly crafted, and possessing a gracefully straightforward style, the 2016 Chrysler 200 is very easy on the eyes. Mildly mimicking the four-door coupe look many of today’s premium models have adopted, the sleekly tapered lines of the Chrysler are nicely accentuated by a delicate grille and headlight treatment up front.

Seen in profile, the gracefully arching greenhouse is wonderfully aerodynamic, while simultaneously adding an air of elegance far above the price point of the Chrysler. In other words, the 200 looks considerably more expensive than its sub-$25,000 starting price. The windscreen enjoys a very steep rake, which makes the four-door look even more svelte.

From the rear, you’ll note the tail spoiler slyly molded into the trunk lid, along with the premium look of the LED light-pipe accents in the taillights. When seen in just the right light, the rear ¾ view reveals considerable surface detailing—again, just the sort of touch lending an air of costliness to the look of the car.

Taken as a whole, Chrysler’s design team managed to incorporate the best elements of modern design trends, while infusing them with a signature look. In the process, they imparted the 2016 Chrysler 200 with a singular air of distinction.

Interior Styling & Details

Nicely complementing the thoroughly modern exterior appearance of the 2016 Chrysler 200, the interior treatment is rife with beautifully executed modern details.

The center stack is a floating design, with a rather large partially hidden storage area behind it. A particularly nice touch is the removable liner of the storage area, which makes cleaning it very easy. The liner also features a rendering of the Detroit skyline, lest you confuse the sleek Chrysler with an import.

Enhancing the warmth of the environment is interior LED ambient lighting. Rounding things out is Chrysler’s Uconnect telematics system, which is supported by an 8.4-inch touchscreen in the “S” and “C” trimmed models. We particularly like the exposed edges of inlaid trim panels, reminiscent of the iconic Eames chair.

At 16 cubic feet of capacity, the Chrysler 200 also presents a reasonably sized trunk.

Trim Levels & Standard Equipment

For the 2016 model year, Chrysler is offering the 200 in four trim levels: LX, Limited, S, and C.

Standard equipment for the new Chrysler 200 includes seventeen-inch alloy wheels, body colored exterior mirror housings, body colored exterior door handles, automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED taillamps, active grille shutters, keyless entry and start, a tilt and telescoping steering column, an electric parking brake, and a rotary e-shift dial for the automatic transmission.

On the basic models, you’ll also find rich cloth upholstery, a 60/40 split folding rear seat; steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system and cruise control, as well as an electronic vehicle information center.

The Chrysler also features two 12-volt power outlets, as well as power windows, mirrors, and door locks.

Key Optional Features

Depending upon the trim package you select, optional offerings include one-touch power windows, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heat and A/C outlets in the rear center console, Bluetooth audio streaming and telephony, and six speakers for the audio system.

If you’re more into luxury than sport, opting for the 200C will get you leather upholstery for the seats, power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, remote start, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, illuminated door handles and footwells, and illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors.

If you’re more of a performance-oriented driver, but you also appreciate a comfortable car, you will most likely be happiest with the optional S package. The 2016 Chrysler 200S offers a nice compromise between all-out performance and comfort.

On the sporty side of the ledger, the 200S comes fitted with dual exhaust tips; heated folding exterior rearview mirrors, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather wrap for the steering wheel, and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission. The 200S also gets a sport suspension system and a sport shift algorithm for the automatic transmission.

Yes, there are a number of sport sedans out there capable of outrunning it, but if you’re looking for a nice dose of style; a handsome, well-equipped interior; and a good measure of driving enjoyment—all at a reasonable price—the 2016 Chrysler 200S may well be what you’re after.

Safety Equipment & Crash Test Ratings

In the safety equipment category, the 2016 Chrysler 200 is fitted with the usual features expected of a car in this category. These include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and driver and front-passenger knee airbags. A rearview camera is standard across the board—except with the entry-level LX trim package.

A host of the latest in hi-tech driver assistance features includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as optional features with every trim level save the LX. If you go with the top of the line 200C, you’ll find those features bundled into the SafetyTec package, which also gets you lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking if the driver fails to respond to an imminent collision.

In crash testing, NHTSA says the Chrysler 200 is a five-star car—as it aced all tests. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety lauds the 200 as an exceptionally safe automobile, awarding it top scores in all testing. Further, because the latest collision mitigation features are included, the 2016 Chrysler 200 qualifies as an IIHS Top Safety Pick +.

Powertrains & Fuel Economy

Under the skin, the 2016 Chrysler 200 shares the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform also underpinning the Dodge Dart and the new Jeep Cherokee. Power comes from a choice of either a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 173 ft-lbs of torque; or a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower and 262 ft-lbs of torque.

Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive can be had with the V6, while the inline four can only be had with front-drive. For added stability, the all-wheel drive system employs front to rear torque vectoring and a fully disconnecting rear differential.

Fuel economy with the 2.4-liter four is rated at 28 miles per gallon combined. With the V6 and front-wheel drive, the EPA says you can anticipate 23 mpg combined. Going with the V6 and all-wheel drive drops the efficiency number to 22.

Performance

We drove the 2016 Chrysler 200 with both the four-cylinder and the V6, and found each engine to be more than up to the task of moving the new sedan. Drivers primarily concerned about fuel economy will find the four more than adequate as a power supply for the mid-sized sedan. It winds smoothly, delivers power in a very linear fashion, and is respectably up to the task of motivating the Chrysler.

Basically, if you never drive the 200 with the V6, you’ll find the four quite acceptable power-wise. While the 200 isn’t fast with it per se, the engine is more than competent at fulfilling its assignment.

Generating more than enough pull to make merging into fast-moving highway traffic a breeze, the four does everything most people will ever need it to do. Yes, it could be a bit smoother at high revs, but it works.

As good as it is though, once you’ve driven the V6, the four starts feeling a bit soft in comparison. With more than enough power for any situation you’ll encounter, sluggish and this engine aren't even on speaking terms. Plus, the nine-speed automatic transmission helps it return decent fuel economy.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the new Chrysler 200 is light years better than the car it replaces. Handsome exterior styling, very pleasant interior treatments, and a broad range of equipment choices make the Chrysler 200 an especially good choice in the highly competitive mid-sized sedan category. This car genuinely deserves to be a sales success.

Of course, it does compete against the industry’s heaviest hitters (Camry and Accord), so the lovely new Chrysler has a pretty tough go ahead of it. Regardless, though, we’re definitely fans.

Pros & Cons

Beautiful styling, handsome interior, all-wheel drive, a powerful V6 engine, reasonable fuel economy, exceptionally reasonable pricing, a high degree of style and distinction.

Sleek styling compromises interior volume; while adequate, the four-cylinder engine could be more aggressive.