Blog

Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram is proud to tell you that Ram and Jeep’s toughest off-road pickup trucks will be well represented in the 2024 Rebelle Rally, with participant vehicles including both the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO and 2025 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. The Rally will run from October 10-19 and cover over 1,500 miles of California and Nevada desert. The 2024 Rebelle Rally will be the ninth annual running of this first and only all-women navigation off-road rally. The Ram Team A team of two journalists will run the Ram 1500 RHO. The team's driver is Kristin Shaw, an accomplished freelance journalist who writes for the automotive and aviation fields. Her articles can be found in notable publications such as Popular Science, Car and Driver, I nsideEVs, Edmunds, Forbes, Road & Track, A Girls Guide to Cars, Motor1, Airport Improvement magazine, and many more. Team navigator Jill Ciminillo is also an experienced automotive writer, managing editor of Pickup Truck+SUV Talk, and contributing editor to Consumer Guide Automotive. She is also a popular podcaster and YouTube personality. The two call their team the Brute Squad, and this is the team’s third Rebelle Rally (but their first time in a Ram 1500 RHO). The truck is powered by the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, the most powerful from the Stellantis Hurricane engine lineup. The Hurricane High Output engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, which makes it the strongest Ram 1500 ever. Its horsepower and torque are greater than any other naturally aspirated V-8 or boosted six-cylinder engine in the light-duty segment, and it offers more horsepower per dollar than any other premium off-road full-size pickup. “The Ram 1500 RHO is right at home in the Rebelle Rally, and we’re proud to support Team Brute Squad in this year’s event,” said Chris Feuell, Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Our trucks are tested in the toughest environments, and this event is a unique way to showcase how RHO reinforces North America’s leading off-road truck lineup.” The Jeep Team The veteran team of Nena Barlow and Teralin Petereit will drive the Jeep Gladiator. Barlow operates Barlow Adventures, which offers four-wheel-drive training, Jeep SUV rentals, and guided trips throughout the southwestern United States. Petereit is a nurse from Utah who has embraced off-roading as a hobby, navigating numerous trails and competitions over the years. Barlow and Petereit are among the most accomplished Rebelle Rally veterans. They have competed in a combined 14 rallies with 12 podium finishes. They have been teammates for three of those rallies. Their Jeep Gladiator Mojave is the only model in the Jeep lineup to wear the Desert Rated badge. It features a reinforced frame and axles, strengthened iron steering knuckles, and an enhanced suspension with segment-exclusive FOX hydraulic jounce bumpers. “We’re honored to represent the Jeep brand once again,” said Barlow. “The rally is tougher than ever, but we don’t have to worry about capability in our Jeep Gladiator Mojave. We never hesitate to chase the toughest checkpoints and that’s a huge advantage. And this is seen repeatedly by how many Jeep SUVs are in the rally and on the podium.” Unique Rebelle Rally Challenges The event poses a challenging role for the navigator as she must navigate this eight-day rally without GPS, cell phones, or any other navigation devices. Instead, she must find their way by combining elements of headings, hidden checkpoints, time, and distance using only a map, compass, and roadbook. There are also no personal support crews, so whatever they need on the route, they must take with them. It is particularly challenging even by Rally standards. Benna CDJR wishes both teams the best and invites you to visit our location to sample the vehicles that have the confidence of these two teams to complete in this challenging event.

The latest all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona debuted to the public at the 2024 MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge during the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona features two models: the Scat Pack with 670 horsepower and the R/T with 496 horsepower. The Daytona Scat Pack can rip the pavement into submission on its way to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. The History of the Woodward Dream Cruise With its roots dating back to 1848, the Woodward Dream Cruise has always occurred on the legendary Woodward Avenue that spans from Ferndale to Pontiac, Michigan. Even though there weren’t cars back in the mid-1800s, there were buggies and carriages that people used to race along the wide streets, which saw even more widespread racing action starting in 1958. These days, old and new Dodge cars and trucks street race for money and bragging rights. A Special EV Exhaust System As the next generation of the Charger, the Scat Pack and R/T will have a unique and proprietary Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system that will give the Charger EV a glorious and unmistakable sound that can make anyone worried about a muscle car with an electric motor sold on the way of the future. Engine Options This is obviously the first time the Dodge Charger has ever been electrified. However, multiple engines will power the new car, including the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 Hurricane High Output engine called the Sixpack H.O., which will develop 550 horsepower, or a Standard Output (S.O.) version of the Hurricane, which will produce 420 horsepower. All models will be built in the Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant. Special Driving Modes Scat Pack models will receive various modes, allowing owners to customize their driving experience on the fly. A Drift mode will enable drivers to change between three different slip angles: a Donut mode, Line Lock, Launch Control, and Race Prep. Race Prep is meant for drag or track racing and pre-warms the battery to give optimal performance for a period of time. Owners will also be able to use Performance Pages to access information with lap timers, g-meters, various gauges, and power information. At Krusen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services around. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our excellent sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own. We look forward to serving you soon.

Motor Authority reviewed the flagship of the 2025 Ram 1500 model line, and it is hard to find a more succinct summary than theirs:  “ Anyone looking for the nicest full-size pickup truck money can buy should just head to their local Ram showroom.” This Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram post tells you more of what they had to say. As Luxurious as It Gets Inside As mentioned, the Tungsten is at the top of the Ram 1500 model line.  Step inside, and only the size of the cabin indicates you are in a truck.  As they put it: “Most of the cabin’s covered in thick leather or soft-touch materials. The door uppers, seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and even the grab handles all feature beautiful accent stitching. GM, Ford, and Toyota should be taking notes.” They take further note of the 24-way power adjustable front massaging, cooled, and heated seats, and the 14.4-inch touchscreen.  Despite the screen’s size, a complete set of hard controls remains for the climate system.  They did comment that the head-up display did not seem compatible with polarized glasses before mentioning the novelty of the 10.3-inch screen for the front passenger.  They summarize the cabin by stating, “The 23-speaker Klipsch audio system with 1,375 watts of power and 24 channels is easily the best sound system I’ve heard in a truck. It even places speakers in the front seatbacks.” Nice But Not Showy Exterior Motor Authority points out the contrast between the Tungsten’s interior and exterior. Drawing a contrast to the GMC Denali, they state that it looks nicely finished but isn’t overbearing and doesn’t scream, “L ook at how much money I spent!” Hurricane Power Like all Ram 1500s, the Tungsten is powered by a six, rather than eight-cylinder engine.  However, we are talking about the High Output  Hurricane Inline-6 that produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.  As they mention, the only more powerful light-duty truck engine is in the Ford Raptor R, which is, as they say, “an entirely different animal.” Nobody is going to jump a Ram 1500 Tungsten, though they do mention that drifting is an option. Riding on Air Instead, the Tungsten is about getting the job done in comfort.  The truck rides on an air suspension.  Not only does this pull off lowering the vehicle when Park is selected to make entering and exiting easier, but it also self-levels the truck when given a heavy load while not being so over-sprung to take the load that the truck is harsh when it is gone.  Ram has a winner with the 4-wheel independent suspension on all of the 1500 models, and it definitely isn’t going to mess that up on its top truck. No Hands It is not surprising that the Tungsten comes with the Stellantis Hands-free driving system. Like similar systems from GM and Ford, it enables genuine hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The Tungsten is available solely with the Crew Cab and 5’7” box with a 4x4 drivetrain.  The starting MSRP is $87,320, and there isn’t too much to add. It is within spitting distance from the GMC Denali Ultimate or Ford F-150 Platinum, both of which, according to Motor Authority,  don’t quite reach the luxury levels of the Tungsten.  If you are thinking of a new pickup truck, we invite you to visit Benna CDJR to sample the entire award-winning Ram 1500 model line, including the King of the Hill Tungsten.

Spend any time in the deep woods of New England, with winters that anyone from the Superior, Wisconsin area will find familiar, and you will know why Jeeps are a staple. Thus, Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) is pleased to announce that the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) has named the Jeep Grand Wagoneer the Best Premium Full-size SUV for the second year in a row. The New England Motor Press Association was founded in 1987. Since then, it has coordinated professional media coverage and created content covering the auto industry specifically for the 14.5 million vehicle buyers living in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. NEMPA's media members appear in national and regional print, radio, TV, and online outlets and have a strong social media presence. From November through March, NEMPA journalists test the latest vehicles in New England's harsh winter weather. At a Spring annual event at the NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Massachusetts, the New England automotive journalists that make up the NEMPA membership gather and select winners in multiple vehicle categories. One of the biggest of those categories, in all senses of the word, is the Premium Full-Size SUV category. “For the second year in a row, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer outperformed its peers during winter testing with a spacious, high-quality interior, clever use of displays and a smooth air suspension,” said Clifford Atiyeh, President, NEMPA. “While we miss the HEMI ® V-8, the new turbo Hurricane inline-six is even more powerful and purposeful in this flagship Jeep.” Mr. Atiya refers to the new Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine, which produces 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. It is the standard engine for the entire Grand Wagoneer lineup. "The Jeep Grand Wagoneer embodies both capability and luxury," said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America. " Its advanced four-wheel-drive systems, cutting-edge technology and premium cabin come together to create a unique driving experience. We're especially grateful for the recognition from the New England Motor Press Association members, as it reinforces the Grand Wagoneer's ability to excel in even the harshest winter conditions." We may be the full set of Great Lakes away from New England, but as mentioned, the conditions can be strikingly similar. Visit Benna CDJR to experience the large, powerful, capable, comfortable, remarkably luxurious, and award-winning Grand Wagoneer for yourself.

As this is being written in late August, the political campaigns are ramping up, and there is much discussion of crowd sizes, where attendance of 14 - 15K people is considered a successful event. Keep that in mind as Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) tells you about the ninth annual RoadKill Nights in Pontiac, Michigan. Sponsored by Dodge, the event attracted over 40,000 people on the first night and 50,000 across both nights. The event included the debut of the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, which wowed the crowds with its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system. Fans could avail themselves of Dodge Drift Rides and Dodge Hornet Rally Rides, as well as a chance to catch all the action in the $25,000 World Burnout Championship. However, the main event was undoubtedly drag racing, which attracted over 100 competitors. The Dodge Direct Connection Grudge Race was a particularly special part of that event. This involved seven drivers dropping the recently available Direct Connection Hurricrate engines in their build projects in a quest for ultimate Dodge bragging rights. The Hurricrates are stand-alone versions of the Hurricane turbocharged Inline-6 engines making 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, literally out of the box. The winner of the event was Morgan Evans, who dropped his Hurricrate into a 1987 Dodge D-150, which defeated the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon driven by Garrett Reed in the final round. “We worked so hard over the last two months, and I can’t believe we got here and we ended up winning. The truck worked incredibly, and I couldn’t have asked it to do better,” said Evans. The rest of the drag racing was split into Big Tire (over 275mm width) and the Small Tire (275mm width and under) categories, each of which saw competitors battle for bragging rights and cash prizes on the first-ever drag strip at M1 Concourse in Pontiac. “For nearly a decade, we've brought the ultimate car culture celebration to life at MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, and this year we introduced some thrilling firsts,” says Eric Schwab, MotorTrend Group's Group SVP, Head of Revenue, Operations, and Partnerships. “For the first time, drag racing took place inside the M1 Concourse, offering walkable pits and enhanced viewing areas that brought fans closer to the action than ever before. With these new experiences, along with the worldwide debut of the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, we welcomed over 40,000 fans for an adrenaline-fueled weekend, proving once again that Roadkill Nights continues to set the bar for action-packed automotive excitement.” All in all, it was a fantastic celebration of horsepower, and it made clear that Dodge's phasing out of Its Hemi engines in no way ends its muscle. You can see that for yourself by visiting Benna CDJ R to see all the new Hurricane-powered models, plus the Hornet, which boasts the most power in its class.

The 2025 Compass has relatively few changes for the 2025 model year, but its role in the Jeep lineup is the most significant change. This post by Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram explains further. With the discontinuation of the Jeep Renegade after the 2024 model year,  the Compass Is now the entry model for the Jeep lineup. Fortunately, it fills this role nicely with a starting MSRP of just $25,900.  In addition, there will be no Cherokee model for 2025, so the next step up from the Compass will be the Wrangler and then the Grand Cherokee. To fill the space, the Compass is available in four trim levels: Sport Latitude Limited Trailhawk Among the 2025 changes, the Latitude model gains the following standard features: Heated seats Heated steering wheel Remote start The only other change for 2025 is an exterior color known as Joose, which will be available later in the model year to accompany the current colors of Red Hot, Silver Zynith, Diamond Black, and Hydro Blue. The Compass is a compact crossover, the country's best-selling vehicle segment. Of the two Jeep models in this segment, the Compass was the right one to retain. It seated five, like the Cherokee, but had more significant cargo space both with the rear seat up (36 cubic feet) or with the seats folded down (60 cubic feet). At the same time, it was smaller on the outside, with 10 inches less overall length. The Compass is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.  It is paired with an 8-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels via the Jeep Active Drive 4x4 system. The standard Select-Drive system features Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes. Any Jeep all-wheel drive system is going to be pretty adept off the pavement, but it is the Trailhawk model that is the most off-road focused model with: Jeep Active Drive with Low 4x4 class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio One-inch factory lift, Skid plates Aggressive off-road tires Jeep signature red front and rear tow hooks 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree break-over angle, and 34-degree departure angle Hill-descent Control Up to 19 inches of water fording Up to 2,000-lb. towing capability (when properly equipped) If you are looking for a compact crossover with good power and a bit more off-road cred, not to mention Jeep’s signature styling cues, check out any of the several Compass models in the Benna CDJR inventory.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe works on two types of energy sources: Gasoline and electricity. Using the 4xe’s rechargeable battery pack, your Grand Cherokee can run an estimated 25 miles on a full charge. The turbocharged gasoline engine is not used at all; it is just pure electric propulsion, including instant torque. Running on battery power makes sense when coming to the Twin Ports area. Even if you’re detouring away from the Blatnik Bridge construction, you can still go from Superior to the Duluth Airport without using one drop of fuel. The actual battery range can vary by weather and climate. Cars.com recently tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe during a “mild winter day” and got 21.9 miles of range out of the battery. It is true that colder temperatures could affect battery range. The same is said about hot days, too. When your battery pack runs down to almost empty, the 4xe system switches to the turbocharged gasoline engine. You may have a few drops of electrons left, and some more could be recoverable through regenerative braking. There may be occasions when you start off using the electric motor and then switch to the gasoline engine without any interruption. The switch between the two power sources is very seamless. Recharging is easy. It can take up to a Level 2 charge either at home or at a public charging station. You can install a Level 2 charger for your home. A wall-mounted Free2Move or Jeep brand charger is available through Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You could also get a wall-mounted charger from another source. There are plenty of electricians in the Twin Ports area who can assist you in installing your own home charger. If you’re looking for a charging station, Jeep has you covered. You will find them in downtown Duluth and on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Jeep website, as well as other apps, can assist you in finding a spot to charge up the Grand Cherokee 4xe when you are away from home. Of course, you can take your Grand Cherokee 4xe off-road. Your battery pack is protected from water up to 24 inches of wading depth. If you are ready to join the plug-in hybrid revolution, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s ability to run on gasoline or electricity.

First, we adopted the “Jeep Wave” – a way for fellow Wrangler and Gladiator owners to acknowledge each other on the road. Now, we’re giving rubber ducks to each other? You might have seen this before. Perhaps your dashboard is full of rubber ducks. How did this “ducking” start among Jeep owners and fans? The story goes back to 2017, when a Canadian Jeep owner named Allison Parliament bought a bunch of rubber ducks. She would place those rubber ducks on random Jeeps, which was her way of bringing joy to her fellow Jeep owners. A friend of Parliament suggested she set up a Facebook page dedicated to those who received rubber ducks on their Jeeps. That page took off with many photos and posts, and it has spread across the Jeep owner’s community. The idea of “ducking” really took off during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The number of “ducked” Jeeps rose by extraordinary numbers. For some rubber duck givers, it became a passion of theirs to do so. In fact, some have used the act of “ducking” for special causes. Recently, the friends of two teenage automotive enthusiasts near the Twin Cities started ducking their Jeep friends in honor of their passing from an automobile accident. Placing a rubber duck on a Jeep can go a long way. Someone having a bad day will see one on their Jeep, and it will turn their whole day around to a happy day. “Ducking” is still a thing here in the Twin Ports and across Minnesota. We have a huge Jeep ownership and following. You will find Jeep enthusiasts either “ducking” or have been “ducked.” Just look at the dashboard of any given Jeep – from new Wranglers to classic CJs – and you’ll see a row of ducks just sitting there with pride. Parliament passed away this past June from undisclosed natural causes at her home in Canada. Her DuckDuckJeep movement continues in her name for the many causes you have taken up by placing a rubber duck on any given Jeep. When you buy a Jeep, you join a community and a movement. If you want to join the movement, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to get your own Jeep. Rubber ducks are not included, but we know a few places in the Twin Ports area where you can get a bunch of them to give out to other Jeeps.

For years, the word ”HEMI” has been all you need to describe the Ram 1500. The V8 engine stands for towing, hauling, and superior power in our pickup truck. Not anymore. The 2025 Ram 1500 has something completely different underneath its hood – two less cylinders. Six-cylinder power has always been a part of the Ram 1500’s power choices. This is different. The Ram 1500 has a choice of two twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines on most models. They call them the Hurricane. We say two because you have a choice of a 420-horsepower version that does the job in every way. However, bigger tasks and challenges are reserved for the 540-horsepower High-Output version found on models such as the RHO and Tungsten. Edmunds.com had a chance to drive a Tungsten with the High-Output Hurricane engine. They clocked the 2025 Ram 1500 as configured at 4.7 seconds from 0-60 MPH with a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 104.7 MPH. They claim that these times are much faster than a HEMI V8-powered Ram 1500. In comparison, Edmunds.com stated that the timing for the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten is as fast as “ performance cars like the new Nissan Z and Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition.” Being quick and fast is not exactly how you measure a pickup truck and its driveline. It is flattering, but the true measure of a 2025 Ram 1500 is how it hauls – and tows.  Equipped with the High-Output Hurricane engine, it can tow up to 9,920 pounds with a payload of up to 1,520 pounds. It also puts down 521 pound-feet of torque to handle those limits. The Tungsten trim is new for 2025. It is a higher level of pickup truck luxury that spoils you with fine leather seats, the highest level of technology, safety, and engineering unmatched in any pickup truck in its size class. Add the benefit of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine, and you have one exceptional pickup truck! The High-Output Hurricane engine is also standard on the new off-road conqueror – the RHO. Plus, it also powers the Limited and Limited Longhorn trim levels. Most of the 2025 Ram 1500 models are equipped with the 420-horsepower version of the Hurricane twin-turbocharged engine. When you are ready to upgrade to the new Hurricane engine under the hood of the 2025 Ram 1500, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience the new power of our famed pickup truck today!

When the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid first debuted in 2017, there were plenty of doubters. Could a plug-in hybrid work with families on the go? Years later, that answer is “yes.” After all, it is the first plug-in hybrid minivan sold in America. This was confirmed by Inside EV, where they claimed how much they love this combination of electric and gasoline power that is rechargeable. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid works on two types of energy sources: Gasoline and electricity. The Pacifica’s rechargeable battery pack can run an estimated 32 miles on a full charge. The V6 gasoline engine is not used at all. Just pure electric propulsion, including instant torque. Running on battery power makes sense when you’re commuting in the Twin Ports area, getting groceries, or doing some shopping around town. It even makes sense when you're taking the kids to sports practice or music lessons without using one drop of fuel. Inside EV also found that there is one way you can drive without using gasoline. On the e-shifter knob, turn it into the L position, and it will put the electric motor into a maximum regeneration mode. When your battery pack runs down to almost empty, the hybrid system switches to the V6 gasoline engine. You may have a few drops of electrons left, and some more could be recoverable through regenerative braking. There may be occasions when you start off using the electric motor and then switch to the gasoline engine without any interruption. The switch between the two power sources is very seamless. Recharging is easy. It can take up to a Level 2 charge either at home or at a public charging station. You can install a Level 2 charger for your home. A wall-mounted Free2Move is available through Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You could also get a wall-mounted charger from another source. There are plenty of electricians in the Twin Ports area who can assist you in installing your own home charger. If you’re looking for a charging station, Jeep has you covered. You can find them in downtown Duluth and on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Other apps can assist in finding a spot to charge the Pacifica Hybrid when you are away from home. If you want a minivan that can run on both gasoline and electricity, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid today!

Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram spent the past few decades building the reputation of its Hemi V8 engines. Now, they are largely gone and have been replaced by the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-6 line of engines. “Hurricane'' is a great name, but are these engines really viable replacements for the iconic Hemis? Forbes sent its automotive editor to the annual Mudfest in Shelton, Washington, to determine just that, with a Hurricane-equipped Ram 1500 Rebel model. This Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram blog post chronicles what he had to say. The Hemi is Dead, Long Live the Hurricane The name “Hurricane” not only invokes a powerful force but also references the spinning force of the two turbochargers, which is central to the engine’s power output. There are presently two versions of the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-6, and the Rebel Forbes sampled has the lesser-powered engine. Nonetheless, the engine produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly more power than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 it replaces, rated at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Forbes estimates that the Hurricane-equipped Rebel can go from 0 to 60 in about a second less than the V8. However, there are some trade-offs. The maximum towing capacity is slightly reduced from 11,200 to 11,160 pounds, and the maximum payload is down by 200 at 1,950 pounds. As Forbes points out, “Only a few users load these trucks up to the maximum, but it is a reduction.” They also note that the Ford F-150 still outperforms in towing and loading but lacks the Rebel's civility and quickness when not towing. Ram’s Rear Suspension Shines as Always Part of the Rebel’s civilized nature can be attributed to Ram replacing rear leaf springs with a multi-link coil suspension 15 years ago. Ever since, Ram 1500s have been praised for their vastly better ride and handling than their competitors. The Rebel tested was also equipped with the $1,995 air suspension, which can raise and lower the Rebel according to need. On the open highway, it will lower the truck so that it can punch a slightly smaller hole in the air to save fuel. When the pavement ends, which is where you want to go in a Rebel, it can raise the truck’s ground clearance to 10.7 inches. Forbes says: “Neither the multi-link rear nor the air suspension can entirely disguise the fact that this is a heavy machine over six feet tall, but these systems really do make a difference in how it rides and responds. It’s smoother and more precise than its full-size domestic competitors. It isn’t too loud on pavement either, despite its all-terrain tires.” The Rebel has its 10th anniversary in 2025, and Ram even has a Rebel X edition to celebrate it. It isn’t quite as gonzo as a Ram TRX or F-150 Raptor, but with a starting MSRP of $64,660, it is about $16K less than the Ford and twice that less than its brutal sibling. It is still built for the rough stuff with 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, Bilstein off-road suspension dampers, a steering ratio reduced from 16.3 to 17.8:1, a 1-inch lift before the air suspension, as well as skid plates and tow hooks in the necessary places. A Diamond in the Rough Mudfest is not a Ram-designated site but rather an event where several manufacturers bring their products to prove themselves on the varied terrain. There is a standard off-road course to challenge crossovers and another “extreme” course for dedicated off-road vehicles like the Rebel. Forbes notes that company reps accompany you on the Extreme course. At one point, the Ram rep made the course even more challenging by having the author stop the Rebel on its way up a slippery hill, thus losing all its momentum. In 4WD-low, the Rebel simply resumed its climb and crested the hill without drama. Forbes sums up the 2025 Rebel: “It’s clearly a capable crawler and dune basher.” Yet, they also point out that the Rebel does not beat you up on the way home, so you don’t have to pay all week for your fun on the weekend. When compared to Ford’s offerings, the Rebel seems to split the performance difference between a choice like a (similarly priced) Ford F-150 Tremor and the V6 F-150 Raptor. In fact, if you max out the options on the Rebel, you wind up at the Raptor’s starting point. More than anything else, this strangely refutes any idea that the Hemis took the fun with them when they left. The Hurricanes start a whole new, entertaining era. Take your own test drive of the Hurricane-powered Rebel or other Ram trucks at Benna CDJR.

It's no secret that Jeep's parent company, Stellantis, has been phasing down its Hemi products. The often HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger and Charger saw their last year in 2024. The Chrysler 300 ended the year before, and Ram trucks are having their Hemi V8s replaced by the very capable Hurricane Turbocharged V6 engines. So, among the many reactions to the news that the HEMI V8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392 was not to be continued, surprise was probably not one of them. Defiance and protest were, however. Thus, Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to announce that, literally due to popular demand, the Wrangler 392, with its unique V8 power, will continue for the 2025 model year. “When news broke in March that Jeep Wrangler 392 was roaring off into the sunset, the comments, coverage, and conversation showed us that the Jeep community isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the V-8-powered Wrangler,” said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America. “Jeep brand listened and will continue the 392 Final Edition into the 2025 model year.” The “392” refers to the engine’s displacement in cubic inches. That translates to 6.4 liters of HEMI V-8 producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.  That makes the Wrangler 392 good for a 0-60 mph run in 4.5 seconds and reaching the quarter mile in 13 seconds flat. The model also features 11.6 inches of ground clearance and is capable of 34.5 inches of water fording. The model features a Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case, heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 392 Final Edition will continue with most of the standard equipment that was included in the 2024 392 Final Edition, including: Standard 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch Half-inch suspension lift Heavy-duty rock sliders Mopar fold-out swing gate table Black Nappa leather-trimmed seats Exclusive hood and fender vent decals Specially monogrammed shifter medallion and swing gate plaque Standard Xtreme 35 Package with bronze 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires The 2024 Final Edition model’s Mopar triple loop grille guard and Mopar Jeep 83-piece toolkit remain exclusive to that year and thus will not be included in the 2025 model. Jeep will start building the 2025 Wrangler 392 Final Edition in the first quarter of 2025.  In late 2024, orders can be made at Benna DCJR for what is likely to be the last Wrangler 392 models. In the meantime, we invite you to look at the not-quite-as-powerful but very capable Wranglers currently in the Benna CDJR  inventory.