2012 Chrysler 200

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is available in four trim levels and two powertrain options. Its prices start from $18,995 for the base trim level and go all the way up to $26,980 for the range-topping ‘S’ trim level. It competes with the Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, and Hyundai Sonata in the affordable midsize sedan segment.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is available in four trim levels that are named LX, Touring, Limited, and S. The base LX trim level comes with a price tag of $18,995 while the range-topping S trim level retails at $26,980. The LX trim level brings in basic features and amenities inside that don’t really account for much and hence feels barebones and less equipped with features. The Touring trim level seems to bring some modern features and elements inside the Chrysler 200 and seems to be the right option to go for if you are looking for a Chrysler 200 with a tight budget. The S trim level tops the range and comes with some premium features and creature comforts along with a powerful V6 engine while the lower trims come with an inline-4 engine.

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The Touring trim seems to be the one to go for if you are in the market to purchase a Chrysler 200. It brings in some useful and practical features on top of the standard features that come with the LX trim level and comes with a naturally aspirated inline-4 engine that seems to have a decent amount of power and punch to it. Another impressive thing about the Touring trim is the fact that it is priced at $21,565 which is quite affordable if you plan on purchasing a sedan under the $25,000 mark.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 comes with a 2.4 L naturally aspirated inline-4 motor that produces a decent 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.4 L inline-4 is the standard engine unit that comes with the LX, Touring, and Limited trim level versions while the S trim level gets a powerful 3.6 L naturally aspirated V6 that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Although the V6 might seem to be a better option in the lineup, it is available only with the S trim level that is priced around the $27,000 bracket. 

The smaller 2.4 L inline-4 engine comes mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox which shifts through the gears smoothly but the shifts aren’t quick enough. The larger 3.6 L V6 on the other hand gets a 6-speed automatic transmission which seems like a better option.

All trims of the Chrysler 200 come with an FWD drivetrain option. The Chrysler 200 with the base engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile distance from a standstill in 16.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 129 mph.

The Ford Fusion seems to be the quickest car in the segment as it goes from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the Hyundai Sonata gets the most powerful engine in the segment that produces 198hp and 184lb.-ft of torque and additionally, has the highest top speed of 131 mph, but its performance in the acceleration test feels underwhelming. The Chrysler 200 proves to have a handsome price tag in comparison with its rivals and has enough power to go through the cityscapes, similar to the Chevrolet Malibu. 

Fuel economy and range aren’t in the Chrysler 200’s list of positive attributes. The Chrysler 200 manages to offer a combined fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon which is the lowest in the segment. It offers 21 and 30 MPG in the city and highway respectively which might seem a normal fuel economy for a sedan in its class but compared to its rivals, these numbers definitely smaller than what its rivals offer. As expected, with the V6 trim, combined efficiency falls further down to 22 MPG

The fuel tank on offer has a capacity of 16.9 gallons which again, proves to be one of the smallest tank capacities in its class meaning that the 2012 Chrysler 200 fails to provide a better fuel range than the rest of the cars. It offers a combined fuel range of 405.6 miles which definitely is the smallest range in its class.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata with its 18.5 gallons tank capacity and a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG offers the best range of 518 miles, which compared to the Chrysler 200’s 405.6 miles combined fuel range has around 110 more miles on offer. On the other hand, both the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu average higher efficiencies of 25 and 26 MPG, respectively, and even with almost similar fuel-tank capacities perform better when the range is concerned. 

The 2012 Chrysler 200’s interior is pretty crude if you consider buying the base LX trim level as it comes with only the basic interior features and creature comforts on offer. The overall interior layout looks regal and has a modern touch to it with the clock in between the HVAC vents on the dashboard adding a regal touch to the interior for sure.

The base LX trim comes with basic features such as manually adjustable front seats with height adjustments and a manual air conditioning unit. The seats are wide and comfortable and have manually adjustable lumbar support as well. Opting for the higher S trim level will get you 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and air conditioning with auto temperature control.

The second-row seats are 60-40 split-bench seats with an armrest in the center. The Chrysler 200 seems to be the most spacious car in its class with respect to second-row space and that definitely is an attractive attribute of the Chrysler 200. Not only is the Chrysler 200 spacious, but it also has a smooth and comfortable ride quality that complements its spacious interior to give you one of the most comfortable traveling experiences in its segment. The S trim level has leather upholstered second-row seats on offer.

The trunk capacity is the smallest in its class and that definitely is a drawback on the Chrysler 200’s part. With only 13.6 cubic feet of cargo space, it really could have had better cargo capacity compared to most of its rivals.

The Chrysler 200 might have the largest interior capacity, but its smaller trunk volume makes it a less preferable choice compared to the Ford Fusion that has 16.5 cubic feet of trunk capacity on offer. In terms of passenger space, while all sedans can seat five passengers each, the Hyundai Sonata provides unparalleled legroom for the front seat occupants. However, it does restrict space for the rear seat occupants a tad bit. The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu provides proportionate space for both rows and feels like a more practical option with its sizable boot capacity. 

Some of the notable interior features are:

• Leather Seats
• 8-Way adjustable driver seat
• Heated front seats
• Split rear seat
• Luxury floor mats
• Leather steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2012 Chrysler 200’s Infotainment unit?

The base LX trim level of the Chrysler 200 comes with a few infotainment features such as a 4-speaker audio system, mp3 player and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The higher S trim level on the other hand offers some intriguing infotainment features such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit as well as a 6-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, Uconnect voice control module, Bluetooth audio, and phone connectivity as well as SiriusXM satellite radio.

Some of the notable infotainment features are:

• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Satellite Radio
• Removable antenna
• USB port
• Steering mounted audio controls

The 2012 Chrysler 200 has a striking yet subtle exterior styling that makes it look like a premium sedan. Its flowing front fascia along with the chrome grille and bi-function halogen projector headlamps add a striking look to it while the side profile seems pretty decent and modernistic.

The rear fascia gets a chrome strip along with the LED tail lamps on either end. The standard set of wheels are 17-inch and opting for the higher trim levels will provide you with an 18-inch set of wheels as well. The Chrysler 200 has the right dimensions for a midsize sedan that lets it provide the best interior space in the segment despite the fact that it has one of the lowest wheelbases in the segment.

The Chrysler 200 is one of the heaviest cars in the segment with a curb weight right above the 3,400 lbs. mark. This allows the Chrysler to be stable and smooth on the roads with the help of the softer suspension system and the lower wheelbase makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces. It is also one of the longest sedans at 191.7 inches, however, its wheelbase of 108.9 inches is shorter than the 2012 Sonata and Malibu that sport wheelbases of 110 and 112.3 inches. While it is also the widest option on offer, it is the shortest in overall height. The 2012 Ford Fusion is the closest competitor to Chrysler in terms of overall dimensions, while the other competitors are marginally taller.

Some of the notable exterior features are:

• Black finish grille
• All-season Touring tires
• Black windshield moldings
• Fog Lamps
• Tinted windows
• Front & rear solar control glass

For 2012, the Chrysler 200 gets an overall safety rating of four stars out of five as per the NHTSA safety ratings and similar safety ratings from other agencies like the IIHS as well. The Chrysler 200 is a structurally sound car and has some standard safety features that come along with it which further add to its safety quotient. The safety features that come with the Chrysler 200 include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Advanced multi-stage front airbags, and internal trunk release.

Some of the notable safety features are:

• Post-Collision Safety System
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Engine Immobilizer
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Auto-delay off headlamps
• Anti-theft alarm system

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is a bargain compared to what the other cars in the segment cost and is certainly one of the best options in the segment when it comes to interior space, quality, ride comfort, and safety quotient.

The Chrysler 200 is one of the cheapest cars to buy in its segment and is definitely worth the money. Though the base trim level doesn’t have much to offer, opting for the higher trim levels according to your budget and needs will definitely be recommended to get the best out of the Chrysler 200.