Jeep Midsize Cars

Are you experiencing trouble with your Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s high beams? Fret not, because Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued a recall to remedy this issue. This comes just after a month when the same vehicle was also recalled for issues surrounding its rearview camera.

At the onset, it seems like the Grand Cherokee L is nothing but a Grand Cherokee with an extra row of seats. Essentially, that’s pretty much true, but, it is much more than just that. The Grand Cherokee L rides on a new platform, comes with a whole lot of new tech features, and is arguably the most off-road capable SUV in the segment. The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee is a big hit, selling over 200,000 examples every year. So, instead of coming up with a completely new model altogether, Jeep decided to build on the Grand Cherokee’s reputation by offering a product with the same ethos, but a lot of distinct differentiation.

Launched under a new-generation design, the new Grand Cherokee features an all-new architecture, the option of three different 4WD systems, an entire suite of safety and security features, and — in the case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L – three rows of seating. Now, Jeep has released pricing for the biggest of the bunch, the Grand Cherokee L, and it starts from $36,995, not a bad price for a full-size SUV. If you want 4WD, you’ll have to add $2,000 onto the MSRP for a total of $38,995, but these are just entry level prices. Start moving up the trim line, and you’ll see prices start to increase substantially, with the L Laredo Altitude – one step above the entry level Laredo – starting at $40,195 or $42,195 with 4WD. Prices continue to increase incrementally up to the range-topping Cherokee L Summit Reserve that commands a whopping $61,995 with RWD and a V-6 or $65,290 for the V-8 model with 4WD.

Jeep has refreshed the Euro-spec Compass but it gives us a good preview of what to expect from the U.S.-spec model that will arrive later this year. The 2022 Jeep Compass comes with exterior and interior cosmetic upgrades, and some tech features inside the cabin. This compass also comes with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe. Trivia: This is the first Jeep launch in Europe after incorporating it into the Stellantis umbrella.

Instead of introducing a brand new model in the rather popular three-row SUV market, Jeep played it smart and decided to offer the Grand Cherokee SUV itself with an extra set of seats. Called the Grand Cherokee L, Jeep decided to capitalize on this 27-year old popular moniker instead of building a new vehicle from the ground up that may or may not have been successful.

Jeep has sold over 200,000 examples of the Grand Cherokee annually in the last four years, so there’s no reason why the three-row Grand Cherokee L won’t be a hit. But, is it just about extra seats, or does the Grand Cherokee L bring something new to the table?

This is not good news for Jeep. The 2019 Wrangler JL was recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and it tipped onto its side, not once, but twice. This led to the model receiving a “Marginal” rating for the driver-side small overlap front crash test. However, the SUV did well in taking care of the driver’s space to protect the legs and feet, and the dummy’s movements were well-controlled. Will this news affect the sales of the popular Wrangler JL?

The Jeep Comanche was a compact pickup truck that American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced in 1985. Based on the XJ-generation Cherokee, the Comanche was produced until 1992. Production of the small pickup truck moved under the Chrysler Corporation in 1987, when the giant purchased AMC.

A spiritual successor to the Jeep Scrambler, the Comanche was the brand’s last pickup truck until the Gladiator was revived in 2019. Despite not being as iconic as other Jeep models, the Comanche is slowly but surely becoming a classic. Prices have gone up in recent years as this compact truck is as rare as a Ferrari. Here’s a few things you did not know about the Jeep Comanche.

As much as we would have liked to see the likes of Dodge Durango SRT and Maserati Levante Trofeo join in on this drag race, we’ll have to settle for FCA’s other two high-performance SUVs. Which is not that bad, considering that what you’e about to see is a straight-line skirmish between the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV.

This year’s April Fools’ Day was packed with interesting and awkward car ideas, including a post by Jeep Middle East about a Jeep sedan. The joke included a rendering of a Chrysler 300 sedan with a Jeep Cherokee front fascia. Although it didn’t look half bad, it looked like a crazy idea coming from an SUV-exclusive manufacturer. But it is completely out of line? I think not, and I’m going to explain why a Jeep sedan could be a brilliant idea.

As the best selling SUV in history, the Ford Explorer gained an almost religiously devoted customer base that has kept the legend of the Explorer alive for three decades. However, another SUV, not necessarily placed to fight a direct fight against the Explorer, has a following that’s almost as strong - the Jeep Grand Cherokee. As the new Ford Explorer flashed its body at the NAIAS and attracts customers with its numerous benefits compared to basically any other similar SUV in the segment, I wondered if there’s any incentive to still choose the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee over the new 2020 Ford Explorer. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee has its roots planted in the year 2011 when it came to be. Of course, eight years on the market have left some marks on its skin. It isn’t as advanced, as aerodynamic, nor as convenient as some of its competitors. Yet, despite its aged appearance, the Grand Cherokee is like a really robust SUV geared more towards off-road and toughness than it is towards family values and convenience. That is actually the main character difference between the two.

The biggest physical difference, on the other hand, is the fact that the 2020 Ford Explorer is a three row SUV. The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a two row SUV. Only the next generation of the Grand Cherokee (to be revealed in a year or two), will have two different layouts - it will be offered with two or three rows. Yet, regardless of their main differences, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2020 Ford Explorer are roughly similarly priced.

The iconic Jeep Gladiator made a comeback after several decades and it’s already a popular topic among truck enthusiasts. A true work horse in base trim, the Gladiator can also be order with premium features and loads of accessories through Mopar. Now, you can also add Katzkin leather via a package that Jeep just showcased at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

Chrysler is running with a very small portfolio of cars right now – two, to be precise. However, this is set to change as the brand will soon be expanding its line up. As reported by Allpar, Chrysler will rebadge the Jeep Grand Commander, making it the third model in the brands embarrassingly small lineup.

Essentially a Wrangler with a five-foot bed, the Gladiator rides on a custom body-on-frame that’s longer than the SUVs. The truck also shares drivetrain components with the Wrangler, including the Pentastar V-6 engine. A diesel mill, already available in the Ram 1500, will be offered in 2020. The Gladiator stands out among its competition thanks to its open-air configuration, unique on the market, and impressive payload and towing capabilities.

The Jeep Gladiator is a new pickup truck based on the latest-generation Wrangler. As the first Jeep-badged truck in almost three decades, the Gladiator made its public debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Originally believed to arrive with the Scrambler name, the pickup truck revives a nameplate first used in the 1960s.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has flagged the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee after both SUVs scored an overall rating of “poor” in the agency’s recent crash test examination. According to results of the passenger-side small overlap front crash tests, both SUVs showed a high risk of injury to a front passenger with potentially fatal ramifications.

Discontinued in 2010 after only five years on the market, Jeep’s seven-seat SUV, the Commander, makes a comeback in 2018. But unlike its predecessor, which was a global model, the new SUV is only available in China. Production also shifted to the Asian country, while the nameplate was updated to the Grand Commander. The midsize hauler was unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show.

The new SUV is heavily based on the Grand Cherokee design-wise, and it appears to be focused more on hauling people rather than off-roading. While the Grand Commander won’t make it to the United States, a three-row SUV will be offered here, but under the Wagoneer name. Jeep plans to build both Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, which will be based on the body-on-frame platform of the latest Ram 1500 truck.

Does the Grand Commander provide hints as to what we will get from the Wagoneer? It’s difficult to say given that the latter is still a couple of years away, but let’s take a closer look at the China-spec SUV for now.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the family of Anton Yelchin have finally settled the lawsuit that was filed by the latter over the unfortunate and untimely death of the Star Trek actor. A report from Reuters reveals that the case was wrapped up in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, putting the rest a legal battle that had been ongoing for the last 20 months.

The Jeep Wrangler is arguably one of Ameria’s most iconic contributions to the auto industry. Its go-anywhere capability is second-to-none, and the launch of the new-generation JL Wrangler in 2017 was seen as the start of the next chapter of the SUV’s long and storied history. The JL Wrangler’s arrival also opened the doors for tuning companies to start working on programs for the off-roader. It certainly didn’t take long for one company to do it because Bruiser Conversions has already performed a successful engine swap on the Wrangler.

Jeep has a long history of producing Super Bowl commercials that resonate with its owners. The automaker’s commercial for Super Bowl LII follows along that same blueprint. There are no celebrities trying to fit inside the SUV to make a pitch. There are no witty lines and slapstick comedy routines. There are, however, plenty of beautiful shots of America’s roads and expansive highway systems. There’s also a brooding voiceover that emphasizes the importance of roads in today’s world and the need to, on some occasions, look past them.

Jeep has announced the pricing for its refreshed 2019 Cherokee mid-size SUV. The reshaped Cherokee debuted earlier this month at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and wears a more traditional front end that is more likely to appeal to a wider audience. It also has slightly more cargo space and comes with Jeep’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in addition to its carryover 2.4-liter I-4 and 3.2-liter V-6 engines. Its nine-speed automatic and Active Drive 4WD system have been improved for efficiency, as well.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s base price actually drops $300 in the base Latitude trim to $25,190. Every other trim level, however, sees an increase in price. The Latitude Plus increases by $300 and the Limited trim increases by $680. The two range-topping trims, the off-road-ready Trailhawk and the luxurious Overland jump by $2,425 and $2,280, respectively. That puts the 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk starting at $34,515 and the Overland in FWD at $36,275.

Jeep has streamlined its 4WD costs, with Active Drive I costing $1,500 on all trims except for the Trailhawk, which has its 4WD price baked into its base MSRP. The Trailhawk gets Cherokee’s most advanced 4WD system, Active Drive Lock.

Further adding to a price increase, Jeep added an extra $100 to its destination charge, bringing it to $1,195 for all trim levels.

Just days ago a leaked document from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggested the next-generation, 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL would have a 368-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The world gasped and Jeep fans melted at the thought of a Wrangler having more power than a Ford Focus RS. Sadly, it seems FCA either had a type-o or is now trying to cover up this leaked information. Those same documents regarding VIN identification have now been resubmitted with edited information. The 2.0-liter’s horsepower is now listed as “Not Rated.”

The way I see it, there are three possibilities. First, some engineer or clerical worker deep inside Chrysler’s headquarters didn’t have their morning cup of Joe and fudged the numbers. Perhaps it was an honest mistake and it was supposed to read 268 horsepower or something. That’s a likely scenario. Second, some engineer or clerical worker forgot to censor the horsepower specs for Jeep’s new 2.0-liter “Hurricane” four-cylinder and is now in hot water with Sergio Marchionne and Mike Manley. Oops. Third, FCA is playing us – and hard. It’s very possible Jeep is leaving clues for us to find just like Dodge did with the SRT Demon. And if the Hurricane truly makes 368 horsepower, who could blame them? That’s a massive amount of power from such a small engine. Only the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and CLA45’s 2.0-liter turbo-four makes more horsepower (375) from the factory.

The good news is we won’t have to wait long. Jeep is scheduled to debut the new 2018 Wrangler JL at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show in late November with vehicles arriving in dealerships in December. The initial launch will consist only of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, with the classic two-door Wrangler following in February of 2018.

What scenario do you think is going on? Did someone make a type-o? Was the info accidentally leaked? Is Jeep trolling us by teasing high-horsepower specs only to redact the information? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

News of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler is still trickling in, but thanks to an official document sent by Fiat Chrysler to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we now know the horsepower rating for the new 2.0-liter “Hurricane” turbocharged four-cylinder. Turns out, the Hurricane isn’t some lowly four-banger nobody will want. Actually, the engine kicks out 368 horsepower, making it one of the most potent turbo-fours on the market.

That’s right; the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL will have an optional 2.0-liter turbo-four with more horsepower than a Ford Focus RS and Porsche 718 Boxster S. In fact, only the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and GLA45’s 2.0-liter turbo-four with 375 horsepower is more powerful. Unfortunately, FCA’s document didn’t divulge the Hurricane’s torque figure, but we’d bet on at least 320 pound-feet. Also unfortunate, is the rumor suggesting the Hurricane will be limited to an automatic transmission, preventing Jeep folks who row their own from having high-horsepower fun. Then again, we’ve never had a complaint with FCA’s use and programming of the ZF eight-speed automatic, so even the automatic Wrangler JL should be fun to drive.

The other bit of powertrain news is the confirmed return of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 but slotted as the base engine. The same documents show the V-6 producing the same 285 horsepower. While that’s a bit disappointing, Jeep could be saving an update for the V-6 until after the current-generation Wrangler JK ends production sometime late in 2018. Jeep will keep the JK in production, likely named the Wrangler Classic or something, in order to supplement sales of the JL. At launch, the new JL will only be available in the four-door Unlimited trim, with two-door models coming in February of 2018. Retaining the current V-6 would be more cost-effective than updating the outgoing JK to use the updated V-6. Jeep could then position an updated V-6 as a mid-cycle perk sometime towards 2020. Of course, that’s just speculation.

What do you think? Would you buy a 368-horsepower Wrangler JL? Let us know in the comments below.

Over the course of the last year, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has purportedly delayed the redesign or release of at least 12 current or new vehicles in North America.

Citing suppliers familiar with the company’s plans, Reuters is reporting that the large number of delays could possibly stem from the automaker’s desire to defer billions of dollars in investments while it searches for a new partner. FCA chief exec Sergio Marchionne has said in the past that he favors consolidation, which would save on capital put toward the creation of overlapping engines and vehicles. Last-minute design and engineering changes are also among suspected explanations for the delays.

The list of program postponements mentioned by the sources is long. It includes the redesigned Ram 1500 delayed from mid-2017 to November 2017, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler delayed from early 2017 to July 2017, the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee delayed from 2017 to 2018, the Jeep Patriot/Compass replacement delayed six months from an original launch date in the spring of 2016, the redesigned Dodge Dart delayed from mid-2016 to 2019/20, the redesigned Charger delayed from mid/late 2018 to 2019, the redesigned Challenger delayed from mid/late 2018 to 2019, and the redesigned Chrysler 300 delayed from mid/late 2018 to 2019. 

The supposed delays contradict a five-year, $50 billion plan outlined in May of last year, which also included boosting annual global sales to 7 million by 2018, up from 4.75 million sold last year. 

FCA declined to comment on specific model delays, instead telling Reuters that the 2014 plan was “a five-year snapshot” of the company’s strategy going forward. 

“Those plans need to be flexible and fluid, with the potential to add some vehicles, pull some forward and extend the life cycle of others. We look at these programs on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis,” the company said.

Continue reading for the full story.