Midsized sedans are the largest-volume, most-competitive car segment in the auto industry. So when a major automaker conducts a redesign of their family sedan, the competitors are eager to benchmark against this new standard. Except for the case of the 2015 Chrysler 200, which although vastly improved from its unforgivably lousy predecessor, still trails the rest of the pack by a large margin.
The new model's klutzy handling, thrashy base engine, and cramped packaging combine to make this the segment laggard.
We tested two versions of the 200, a lower trim four-cylinder and a more loaded-up V6. Both landed at the bottom of their respective categories. More stylish than the outgoing model, the 200 adds available features not often seen in the class, like real wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, and all-wheel drive. But that's not enough to gloss over a lack of refinement and other flaws that left every tester feeling underwhelmed and frustrated.
Most trim levels come with an underpowered 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Matched with a new, nine-speed automatic intended to optimize performance and fuel economy, the powertrain delivers a commendable 30 mpg overall. But it also proves that more gears aren't necessarily better, with rough and indecisive gear changes and hesitant downshifts. The optional, more powerful and polished 3.6-liter V6 makes for a smoother powertrain. It returns 25 mpg overall -- about average for the category.
Driving the 200 feels like you're wallowing in a larger car, with a ride that's an unfortunate combination of floaty and rough, at all the wrong moments.
The car's sleek styling is arguably more progressive than some competitors, but given the vanilla predilections of the segment, that's not saying much. And function follows form, at a cost in practicality -- something that won't win any points with buyers used to the ease of access, visibility, and all-around utility of more accommodating choices like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The interior feels tight, with a cramped driving position. The low roofline and shallow rake of the rear window pillar cruelly restrict head room. And poor rear-seat packaging means three-across seating is a challenge.
As for driver controls, the slick center display and electronic dial shifter lend an innovative and modern look. The interior feature that Chrysler really got right is the large Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen infotainment system. But that's not available on lower trims, which come with smaller screens and tiny fonts that require too much concentration away from the road.
Many will applaud Chrysler because this redesigned 200 is so much better than the disappointing sedan it replaced. But that sentiment isn't enough to justify spending your hard-earned dollars, especially in a segment full of excellent and established competitors. It's still the worst of the lot.