2012 Chrysler 300: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chrysler 300 is not a redesign. Its biggest change is a much broader trim range, led by the new 300S and 300C Luxury Series and the returning SRT8.
About the 2012 Chrysler 300
2nd generation Chrysler 300 (2011-2023), second model year of the redesign and part of the early pre-refresh phase before the 2015 update.
For 2012, the Chrysler 300 is Chrysler's bold full-size sedan that mixes classic American presence with a quieter, more upscale cabin than many shoppers expected from the brand. Chrysler markets it as attainable luxury: roomy, rear-wheel-drive based, comfortable on long drives, and offered with either an efficient V6 or a character-rich V8. Its main appeal is getting big-sedan style, strong road presence, and premium-feeling features without stepping into a European luxury badge.
For 2012, the 300 stretches from a quiet, comfortable V6 sedan to several more distinct versions. The 300S has black exterior accents and a Beats audio system, while the 300C Luxury Series adds a leather-wrapped cabin and richer materials. The SRT8 is the performance standout, with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, an adjustable suspension, and larger Brembo brakes.
What changed, by category
2012 Chrysler 300 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 6.4 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Auto, 5-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 8-Spd / Auto, 5-Spd w/AutoStick | Auto, 5-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 8-Spd | Auto, 5-Spd w/AutoStick |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | 16–19 mpg | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 25–31 mpg | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 292 hp | 363 hp | 292–363 hp | 465 hp | 292 hp | 363 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 394 lb-ft | 260–394 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 394 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.1 in | 40.1 in | 40.1 in | 40.1 in | 40.1 in | 40.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Chrysler 300 a redesign?
No. The 2012 Chrysler 300 is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2011, so its main updates are new trims and expanded equipment rather than a full redesign.
Which Chrysler 300 trims joined or left the lineup for 2012?
The 2012 lineup added trim names 300, 300S, 300C Luxury Series, and SRT8, while the prior Base trim left the range. The 300S, Luxury Series, and returning SRT8 gave the car distinct sport, premium-luxury, and high-performance versions.
Which 2012 Chrysler 300 V6 trims gained AWD?
The V6 Limited and 300S gained AWD for 2012. This expanded AWD beyond the V8-powered 300C and let shoppers pair four-season traction with the V6.
What changed about the 2012 Chrysler 300's transmission?
The 8-speed automatic spread further through the V6 lineup for 2012. It became standard on the Limited and V6 300S and joined the rear-wheel-drive 300's transmission lineup.
What is special about the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8?
The SRT8 returned as the 2012 lineup's performance model. It has a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8, a suspension that adjusts its firmness, larger Brembo brakes, navigation, and performance information displays.