2015 Chrysler 200 Expert Review

The Chrysler 200 sedan is new from the ground up this year. The 200 Convertible, which is based on the previous-generation 200, will likely live on unchanged for the 2015 model year.

Vehicle Overview

Out with the old and in with the new -- the 2015 Chrysler 200 is (thankfully) all-new this year. Gone is the embarrassing 200 that has graced rental lots for years, and in comes this svelte new sedan inspired by 1950s concept cars and an Eames chair (seriously). The 2015 Chrysler 200 comes standard with a 2.4-liter I-4 making 184 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic -- a first for the segment. A Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 producing 295 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque (also mated to a nine-speed auto) is optional. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, while all-wheel drive is optional on V-6 models.

With the 2015 update, the Chrysler 200 finally earns some praise. In our First Drive of the 2015 200, we found the volume 2.4-liter to be perfectly capable of hauling the sedan around." [The 200] Limited managed to scamper spryly through the twists and hills between Healdsburg and Highway 1 in northern California's wine country, cornering hard without squealing and mostly absorbing minor bumps with an upscale suppleness," we wrote. The V-6-powered models were a pleasure to drive as well. The sporty V-6-equipped 200S was faster, if a bit heavier than the base model. "The general chassis demeanor inspired enough confidence to get me going faster than the brakes seemed happy with," we wrote, "The chassis remained neutral, resisting all my best attempts at Finnish flicking the thing into a rear-end slide."

In addition to the new sheetmetal, the 2015 Chrysler 200 also has an all-new interior. Inspired by a comfortable Eames chair, the 200's interior features a rotary dial shift knob, supple materials, soft-touch plastics, and Easter eggs hidden throughout the cabin. The new 200 is also available with tons of tech, including Chrysler's latest infotainment and active safety features.

UPDATE: Higher trim levels are available with additional safety aids such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Front-drive 2015 Chrysler 200 models have a five-star overall safety rating while all-wheel-drive variants have a five-star side crash and four-star rollover rating (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS gave the 2015 200 a Top Safety Pick+ designation, earning a Good score on five categories (Good is the highest possible score) and offering Superior frontal crash prevention (front crash prevention awards include Basic, Advanced, and Superior).

UPDATE: Two new interior colors have been added for the 2015 Chrysler 200, Ambassador Blue leather in the 200S and Mocha Brown leather in the 200C.

Two new interior colors have been added for the 2015 Chrysler 200, Ambassador Blue leather in the 200S and Mocha Brown leather in the 200C.