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The Dodge Charger is back and better than ever. Sadly, the V8s are gone, but in their place are some very intriguing motors that create a lot of muscle without much effort. You will be able to get the Charger in either two or four doors, in hatchback form, with an EV or a twin-turbo inline-6 in Standard Output (S.O.) or High Output (H.O.). Every model will come with all-wheel drive available. Once you read about the power outputs, you’ll understand why drivers are going to need it. The biggest news about the 2024 and 2025 Dodge Charger is the introduction of electric motors. The 2024 Charger Daytona will have 496 horsepower in R/T trim via a Stage 1 kit from Dodge Direct Connection and 670 horsepower with the Stage 2 kit Scat Pack. These kits will only be available for the first model year cars in 2024. Both cars have a 100.5 kWh battery with an estimated range of 317 miles for the R/T and 260 miles for the Scat Pack. Dodge says the Charger Daytona Scat Pack will reach 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. However, for 2025, when buying the R/T and Scat Pack, buyers must purchase the Direct Connection Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits. Without the kits, the power will be 456 horsepower for the R/T and 590 for the Scat Pack. “The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, while Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK models will give the Brotherhood of Muscle a gas option that produces better horsepower and torque numbers than the outgoing 5.7- and 6.4-liter HEMI engines,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “The next generation of Dodge muscle has arrived.” The Daytona R/T will ride on 18-inch wheels, while the Scat Pack will have 21-inch wheels. Both models have fully independent suspension, and an optional Track Pack adds adaptive dampers. For 2024, both cars will have Brembo brakes with 16.1-inch rotors. To help set both the R/T and Scat Pack apart on the inside, they will have different seating surfaces and screen sizes. The R/T will feature a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, whereas the Scat Pack will have a 16-inch screen. However, the R/T can be optioned with the larger screen. Both cars will have a 12.3-inch center infotainment display. A premium 18-speaker Alpine system and an augmented reality head-up display will be available to project a large field of view with virtual image distance. Buyers looking to get into a Charger with a gas motor will have to wait until 2025. The 2025 Charger will be called the Sixpack and is available in S.O. (standard output) and H.O. (high output). The only engine will be the amazing 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 Hurricane that will produce 420 horsepower in S.O. and 550 horsepower in H.O. Dodge Charger Daytona EV models will also have unique drive modes, which include Drag, Track, Drift, and Donut. Drift mode allows drivers to choose between three different slip angles, with torque being biased to the rear axle, and the front axle will maintain the slip angle. Donut mode will allow the Charger to spin only the rear wheels without the traction control trying to limit you. Daytona models will also feature a patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered exhaust system. This system will incorporate two passive radiators that will create Hellcat levels of sound. However, you can use Stealth Mode to avoid exhaust sound. For more information, contact a sales representative at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to learn more about the all-new Dodge Charger. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

The weather is heating up, and so are the spring specials at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We offer a great selection of vehicles that will surely be the best you could ever lease or buy. We take pride in providing our customers with the best sales and service. Whether you are looking for a Ram truck, Jeep Wrangler, or a Dodge Charger, we have what you need. 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4-DOOR SAHARA 4xe The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has everyone talking. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 is paired with an electric motor that produces a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Due to the battery motor, the Wrangler 4xe has 22 miles of pure electric range and about 370 miles total miles to a tank of gas. The Wrangler 4xe still has lots of off-road credibility, too. In fact, you can use all 22 miles of the electric range off-roading. We are offering the 2024 Wrangler Sahara 4xe to you for $426 per month for 36 months. 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 6'4' Box A Ram 2500 is a truck like no other. It is immensely comfortable and incredibly usable as an everyday work truck, with a choice of a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that puts out 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque or the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-6 that makes 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with the Hemi, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,730 lbs and 19,990 with the Cummins. No matter how you slice it, this work truck has style. For a 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie crew cab 4X4 6'4' box, we are taking up to $12,120 off the asking price to help you get into a truck that will serve you for years to come. 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4X4 5'7' Box The Ram 1500 is perfect for those who need or want a truck but don’t need something that tows a moon or hauls around an entire city in the bed of the truck. Instead, this luxury truck can do all the work you need while also not being oversized. The Big Horn trim features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, can tow up to 6,450 lbs when properly equipped, and gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. For $448 per month for 36 months, you can lease a brand new 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn with 4WD and four doors. What’s not to love? 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT AWD This is the final Dodge Challenger that won’t have an electric motor. The Challenger SXT features a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for ultimate control and all-weather drivability. We are offering the last great muscle car for just $545 per month with a total savings of $6,659. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or come down to the dealership to look at and ask about all of our spring specials. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And 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.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that is more than a people carrier. It is a safe, attractive, all-weather, and all-purpose vehicle that helps up to 8 passengers ride easily and comfortably. When Chrysler developed the minivan concept in the 1980s with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, they never stopped reinventing the segment, which is what makes the Pacifica so beloved by journalists and customers. Who Is U.S. News & World Report? U.S. News & World Report is one of the leading publications that ranks everything from the best colleges in America, the best universities around the globe, to the best hospitals, states, cars, and much more. They have been a trusted source since 1948. Every year, they give out their best of awards, and this year, they chose the Chrysler Pacifica as the Best Minivan for their 2024 Best Cars for Families Awards. A Word From U.S. News “The 2024 Best Cars for Families winners offer a number of safety features and a comfortable ride for all passengers, making them ideal for daily commutes or family adventures,” said Liz Opsitnik, Executive Editor, U.S. News. In order to decide the 2024 Best Cars for Families award, U.S. News & World Report looks at their Best Car Rankings, which uses safety data, quality, estimated reliability, passenger and cargo space, plus the overall consensus of automotive journalists. Engine & Mileage The Pacifica is available as either a gas-only or hybrid vehicle. The gas model features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pacifica plug-in hybrid has the same 3.6-liter V6 but with 260 horsepower and two electric motors producing 84 horsepower and 114 horsepower. With 520 miles of range, the Pacific hybrid is fast becoming the segment’s favorite minivan. In pure electric mode, the vehicle can go 32 miles before the gas motor kicks in. The Pacifica is also available with all-wheel drive. According to the EPA, the front-wheel drive Pacifica models can get 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. When AWD is equipped, that mileage drops slightly to 15 and 25. However, opting for the plug-in hybrid allows for 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined between city and highway. For mothers and fathers who need to keep an eye on their children in the backseat, the Pacifica features a FamCam interior camera that gives a view of children in rear-facing child seats. With Stow ‘n Go seating, the Pacifica is never hurting for available space, and the seats won’t get in the way when stowed. Behind the third row of seats, you will find 32.3 cu.ft. of cargo space. Folding the third row opens that up to 87.5 cu.ft., and folding the second row of seats gives owners 140.5 cu.ft. of cargo capacity. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has given the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica their coveted Top Safety Pick award. This means that the Pacifica is not only one of the best offerings for families, according to U.S. News & World Report, but is verified as one of the safest family vehicles on the market by the IIHS. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

All good things must come to an end. Jeep has announced that a special edition 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition will be the last of the 392 motors in the Wrangler. The final model will be limited to just 3,700 vehicles produced with extra goodies to make sure everyone knows that you have a 392 Final Edition. This will, without a doubt, be one of the most collectible Wrangler models ever produced. Extra Special Touches For 2024, the Jeep Wrangler 392 Final Edition gets a special Final Edition hood, front fender decals, bronze 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The Final Edition also adds a factory-installed 8,000 lb Warn winch, Mopar triple loop grille guard, Mopar heavy-duty rock sliders, an extra half inch of suspension lift, which gives the Final Edition 34.5 inches of water fording, and 11.6 inches of ground clearance. A More Unique Interior The interior of the 392 Final Edition also gets tweaked with black Nappa leather, Mayan gold stitching with Tupelo highlights all through the cabin, a unique shifter medallion, a swing gate plaque to show that this is a 392 Final Edition, a Mopar fold-out swing gate table, a Mopar Jeep 83-piece toolkit, and a Mopar brand air compressor. New Standard Equipment Now standard on the 2024 Wrangler 392 will be the Xtreme 35 tire package, acoustic front glass, thicker carpet with additional sound-deadening foam, heated seats and steering wheel, an integrated front camera for off-road use, and 12-way power-adjustable seats. A Word From Jeep “Jeep Wrangler 392 remains atop the mountain in terms of all-out performance, power and unmatched capability. These are game-changing strengths that our most impassioned Jeep enthusiasts asked us for, and that the competition was unable to match," said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “To celebrate the existence of this powerhouse, we’re sending the raucous, 392-powered Wrangler off in style with this special Final Edition, limited to just 3,700 units globally.” Engine & Performance The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has a 6.4-liter V8 that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and can get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and then fly through the ¼ mile at 13 seconds flat. All power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Final Edition Pricing & Availability The MSRP for the Final Edition will be $99,995, not including a $1,895 destination and handling fee. Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can take your orders for this one-of-a-kind vehicle right now, so hurry while you still can. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

There are countless crossover models and quite a few SUVs, and then there is the Wrangler. The Wrangler stands apart as it has always been designed with off-roading ability as the highest priority while still offering everything needed for an on-road vehicle.  The Wrangler had some very significant updates for the 2024 model year, and since they may not be evident at first glance, Benna CDJR wants you to know what they are. Slightly New Face Wrangler owners are as unique as their vehicle choice.  To start, they don’t really want the Wrangler to change that much in appearance.  So, while the face of the Wrangler has been updated, it is still instantly recognizable as a Wrangler with the trademark 7-slot grille and round headlights. The new shorter front fascia allows for more flexibility in front bumpers, including one on the Rubicon X, which can accommodate a factory installable 8,000-pound capacity Warn winch with up to a 100:1 crawl ratio. Enhanced Capability The Rubicon X also has a new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that allows for tire upsizing by customers and up to 5,000-pound maximum towing. The axle design consists of a wheel hub assembly that is separate from the axle shaft, with a spindle bolted to the axle tube that supports the wheel hub via a pair of wheel bearings. The result is that the vehicle weight is transferred to the axle tube rather than the axle shaft itself, so the axle shaft is subjected only to torsional loads, with its sole function being to transmit power to the wheel hub. It also means the Rubicon X 4-door with the 2.0-liter or 36-liter powertrain now comes with standard 35-inch tires, a first for the Wrangler. New for the Willys grade is a Tru-Lok rear locking differential, steel rock rails, trailer tow, heavy-duty electrical group, and larger 33-inch tires (replacing previous 32-inch tires). The Willys 4xe also adds the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1. All Wranglers are convertibles in one way or another. The most straightforward means of open-air driving comes from the Sky One-Touch power top, which is now standard on the High Altitude model. This nearly full-length power cloth sunroof opens the cabin skyward with a simple button push. A Big New Touchscreen and Other Upgrades Standard on all new models is a revised dash featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen.  Behind the screen is the critically acclaimed Uconnect 5 infotainment system augmented by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Giving you something new to look at on that big screen is the factory application of Trails Offroad, which offers comprehensive off-road trail guides for the 62 Jeep ® Badge of Honor trails across the country. Though there are no Badge of Honor trails in Wisconsin or Minnesota as of yet, Michigan has the South Marble Head Loop and Holly Oands ORV Park. The inclusion of Badge of Honor Trails is standard, but a subscription offers Trail Offroad’s complete catalog of over 3,000 off-road trails, all of which can be followed on the big touchscreen. Two New Models The Wrangler model line also expands for 2024. The Rubicon X enhances the already capable Rubicon with the aforementioned 35-inch tires, steel bumpers, and an integrated off-road camera. Also new, the Sport S 4xe brings a lower entry price point for what is already the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the US. Newly available on all 4xe models is the Jeep power box that allows the 4xe battery to power external devices with four 120-volt outlets and 30 amps of total output. The Wrangler remains a unique vehicle with a rich past. It is more refined than it has ever been, but still keeps rugged capabilities that could hold it back from a luxury category.  But that is the sacrifice for having a whole world of non-paved surfaces to explore that other crossovers and SUVs can only view from a distance. If that sounds like the ride for you, check out the many Wrangler grades and configurations at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

If you are looking for the critic’s choice in full-size pickup trucks, you will find it here at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. It was the 2021 MotorTrend “Truck of the Year.” Interestingly, it was awarded “Luxury Car of the Year” by Cars.com and has been named Car and Driver’s “10 Best” for the last five years. Now Autoblog has weighed in, calling the 2024 Ram 1500 a “ Class Leader” and “ a step ahead of the rest.” Smooth Operator In its Ram 1500 review, Autoblog wasted no time before praising Ram’s coil spring suspension, stating it “ dramatically improved the handling, trailering control and most obviously, the ride quality. It rides much smoother than rivals, especially when the bed is unloaded.” They return to the suspension later in the article, stating: “The Ram 1500 continues to be so refined that it can feel like you're driving a large crossover rather than a pickup. Thanks to its five-link coil spring rear suspension, its ride quality is buttery smooth and betters all its competitors.” Looks Good, Works Great They also took time to praise the interior. While they describe the flagship Longhorn as “downright luxurious,” they were equally impressed with the layout of the bare-bones Tradesman model. They implied the interiors continue to better the competition as you move up the model hierarchy: “For instance, the rich gray cloth upholstery in a Big Horn test truck contributed to a far more premium environment than what we found in a comparable Ford F-150 XLT trim level.” Beyond aesthetics, they give kudos to the easily configurable front center console and its clever storage solutions. The same praise goes to the practical usability of the available RamBox bins that provide storage within the bed walls. Practical usability also describes the well-thought-out Uconnect touchscreen as “ one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.” This statement applies to the Tradesman’s 5-inch touchscreen, the 8.4-inch screen, or the 12-inch vertical screen on top-level models. The Crew Cab gained attention for its generous 45.2 inches of rear legroom, which is “about 2 inches better than the Silverado Crew Cab and F-150 SuperCrew, and 3.6 inches better than the Toyota Tundra Crew Max.” Such room allows the rear seatbacks to recline for improved rear seat comfort, a feature you can’t find on Ford and GM models. Smart and Powerful The standard 3.6-liter V6 is considered more than adequate and features eTorque, a mild 48-volt hybrid system that adds electrical assistance in acceleration while refining the start/stop system operation. The V-6 produces 305 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque while providing 35 mpg on the highway. The optional 5.7-liter V8 also benefits from the eTorque system, producing 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Highway mpg is 23 or 22 with 4WD. Still available for this year is the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 on the Ram TRX with an astounding 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Autoblog summarizes their review like this: “Despite being challenged by newer rivals, the 2024 Ram 1500 remains our favorite in the class. Its sophisticated ride and classy interior give it a leg-up over the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. If you are even remotely considering a new pickup truck, you simply have to visit our Benna store and review the award-winning Ram 1500 for yourself.

A significant part of the automotive future is the electric vehicle, and with more automakers producing EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the technology is advancing quickly, and customers are benefiting from all the new choices. Chrysler has wasted no time in creating a concept that is exciting to everyone with its unique styling, excellent features, and the promise of advanced technology. Welcome the Chrysler Halcyon Concept. All-Electric Future Chrysler will be bringing their first electric vehicle to market in 2025, with an all-electric brand of cars coming in 2028. The Halcyon Concept uses the brand’s STLA Large platform, which incorporates both 400-volt and 800-volt electric architecture and will have a range of 500 miles. The Concept has an interior that is made up of 95% sustainable materials with Chrysler logos made from crushed and recycled CDs. Interesting Features One interesting feature that the Halcyon borrows from the Dodge and Chrysler minivans is the future of Stow ‘n Go, allowing the rear seats to fold into the trunk area for maximum cargo capacity. It was a genius idea for the minivan world, and it can only be even more brilliant for an EV that already has more space than an internal combustion engine car. A Word From Chrysler “The Chrysler Halcyon Concept creates a level of serenity that fully represents the Halcyon name. The Halcyon showcases innovative and sustainable mobility solutions that embrace technology and offer value to customers while delivering Harmony in Motion,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler Brand CEO – Stellantis. “The Chrysler Halcyon Concept brings to life a fully electric tomorrow through new technology suites from Stellantis that integrate with simple and pure aerodynamic design and a seamless, connected and immersive cockpit experience.” Special Design and Interior It has a wide-open cabin that allows for lots of natural light, and it also has supreme safety with nearly 360 degrees of visibility. The interior also features a beautiful 15.6-inch center console-mounted infotainment touchscreen that can be used in either portrait or landscape orientations. The Halcyon will also have a fullscreen head-up display that will share all the relevant driving information you need. Each Halcyon Concept EV will be powered by artificial intelligence, allowing you to talk to the car and ask or request pretty much anything, whether it be news, changing the temperature, or asking for directions. With all of this technology, there will be no need for an instrument cluster. All-New Battery Tech By far, the most impressive new technology will be the use of truly visionary Lyten 800-volt lithium-sulfur EV batteries that do away with nickel, cobalt, and manganese, meaning the Halcyon Concept and other future Chrysler EVs can be as much as 60% more environmentally friendly with their carbon footprint. The Future Is Bright Even though it may be a concept car, the Halcyon is showcasing the future that Chrysler is planning for their customers, and it looks to be a very bright one indeed. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Since the Jeep Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a successor to the first-ever mass-produced four-wheel drive passenger vehicle, the Jeep CJ, the American public can’t get enough. Whether it’s a special edition or just a base model, the Wrangler is one of the best-selling off-road vehicles ever. It has genuine chops for going over the mountains and through the hills. In August of last year, Jeep announced the sale of their five millionth Wrangler, which turned out to be a 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition. Cars.com Best SUV Of 2024 As a do-it-all SUV, the Wrangler has been named by Cars.com as their Best SUV of 2024, which shows that the latest updates and upgrades to the off-roader have increased its usability. A Word From Cars.com “For 2024, Jeep has made the Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid variant, even better, thanks to key updates that improve their capability and comfort,” said Cars.com’s editor-in-chief. “The 2024 Wrangler is versatile, capable and a deserving winner of our Best SUV of 2024 award.” All-New For ‘24 The 2024 Jeep Wrangler receives an optional full-float Dana rear axle, a 100:1 crawl ratio, a Warn winch with an 8,000 lb capacity, plus a towing increase to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The interior gets optional 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen, plus standard side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. A Word From Jeep “The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate adventure vehicle and the icon of the brand,” said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America. “Since Wrangler’s introduction, the Jeep brand has sold more than 5 million around the world, setting new levels of 4x4 capability with each new generation. The new 2024 Wrangler raises the bar once again, combining more capability, technology, comfort and safety features with the freedom to choose from four different powertrains, including our electrified 4xe, the best-selling PHEV in America.” Engines & Transmission Buyers can choose between the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that outputs 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, or the Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.  The well-loved 4xe plug-in hybrid is available with a battery pack accompanying the 2-liter turbo inline-4 that has a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, as well as a range of 370 miles with up to 21 miles of pure-EV range. While the V6 can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, all other engines use the 8-speed auto as the only available gearbox. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. 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. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

We frequently discuss cargo figures, which are always expressed in cubic feet. While it is easy to picture a single box that is 12 inches wide, tall, and deep as a single cubic foot, it is a little harder to visualize 37.7 cubic feet. If you visit our Benna dealership, you can get a better idea of the space, but making that numbers-to-stuff transition can be challenging when shopping at home. Fortunately, the automotive enthusiast site Autoblog has a regular feature that fills the cargo spaces of crossovers, sedans, and other cars with relatable things, giving you a better idea of what those cubic feet figures mean in the rear world. To compare apples to apples, the Autoblog editor always starts with the same six pieces of luggage.  This starts with two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26” long x 16” wide, and 11” deep); added are two kind-of-pushing-it airline carry-on rolling suitcases (24L x 15W x 10D) smaller carry-on (23L x 15W x 10D), and “my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit” (21L x 12W x 12D). With the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the author points out that there is no real storage space under the cargo floor as in some other models. This is because there is a full-size spare underneath, which is a welcome sight for anyone who doesn’t like limping on a compact spare or, worse, trusts their fate to compressed air and a can of goo. As this was the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid, a triangular bag formed around the spare held the charge cord, which the tester described as “brilliant packaging.”  Most PHEVs don’t have a designated and practical location for their charge cord. Getting back to the luggage, these bags are often used to test compact and sub-compact crossovers, and the mid-size Grand Cherokee had no trouble accommodating the six luggage pieces.  He then added a 38-quart Coleman cooler, a Graco Pack n Play playpen, and the box for a Pockit fold-up micro stroller. With these additions, he found there was still some room left over while keeping the rearview mirror operable. The Autoblog editor also made note of Grand Cherokee’s reclining rear seatbacks, which means that the gain in rear seat comfort comes at the expense of cargo space.  He used the seatback angle that best accommodated his child's car seat as a guide for the seatback angle setting. This is a nice feature to have whenever the cargo space behind the seats is not optimized. You will obviously have your own luggage group and other desired travel items. If you want to bring those along when you test drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee or any other of the crossovers and other models here at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, please feel free to do so.

Some of us can remember when using a vehicle’s connection to the outside world consisted of turning a knob that both turned on the system and controlled the volume and pushing another button that brought in a pre-set radio station. It was laugh-out-loud limiting compared to today, but it sure was easy to use. By popular demand, today’s systems are vastly more complex. In addition to radio, they can tap into several other content sources, help us safely converse on our smartphones, and either through the smartphone or on its own, help us find where we are going. Those are just the basics. Most can help you adjust settings for various systems; some may provide in-car performance data or pitch and angle information for off-roading, and the list goes on from there. It is such an essential part of the driving experience enthusiast site Autoblog decided to rate the best infotainment systems independently of the vehicles they were in, and Benna CDJR is happy to inform you that they judged the UConnect system used on all Stellantis models as the best overall system. Ease of Use is Praised While Autoblog immediately states that “Declaring one infotainment system the best over any other is an inherently subjective matter.” After test-driving countless vehicles, they feel confident in judging some systems better than others. They state that the one system all of their editors can agree is excellent is UConnect.  The system was praised for its simplicity of use, which they deem most important when having operating controls on a touchscreen while driving. An essential point to UConnect’s ease of use is the permanent bottom menu with touch control icons that take you to all major systems, such as media, navigation, smartphone interface, and others. They point out that radio station changing is straightforward, which can often be a multi-step process on some systems and, as mentioned above, used to be performed by pushing a single button. Works Well in all Applications Stellantis is also praised for making this system easily adaptable to whatever screen the vehicle offers. So it works just as well with the Ram 1500’s 12-inch vertical screen as it does the 10.1-inch horizontal display on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Uconnect 5 is declared more attractive than UConnect 4 (found on the outgoing Dodge Charger and Challenger) but retains the same ease of use. They conclude: “UConnect is flexible, easy to operate and aesthetically pleasing. It’s high-tech, but doesn’t slap you upside the head with unnecessary features and complications, and it’s our favorite infotainment system of all.” The Uconnect system is present on all Stellantis models, so you can be assured that whichever vehicle you prefer at Benna Crysler Dodge Jeep Ram will have the award-winning UConnect system.

MAMA stands for the Midwest Automotive Media Association, and they are well aware of how the acronym reads. They even purposely describe their award winners as “favorites,” as in “Mama’s favorites.” This fall, they named seven “favorites,” each in a different category. Benna Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram is pleased to tell you that the innovative Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe is MAMA’s Favorite Off-Road Vehicle. All seven categories will be finalists for the MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle title for 2024. About MAMA The Midwest Automotive Media Association was formed 33 years ago and now comprises 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the US and Canada. As part of their job, the automotive journalists individually test drive vehicles for their respective media organizations. Once in the spring and twice in the fall, they gather to view vehicles together and compare notes. They convene at the MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest to vote on the category winners. New Awards Previously, MAMA only issued awards for Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. Those awards are now two out of seven award categories. The change reflects the great diversity of vehicles that cannot be contained to the definition of family or luxury vehicles. This includes performance vehicles, off-road vehicles, pickup trucks, and EVs. Candidate vehicles must be new, redesigned, or significantly changed. The seven category winners were selected from over 100 possible candidate vehicles. “With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Wrangler 4xe: Electrifying the Trail While the MAMA jurors did not explain why they selected the Wrangler 4xe or the other category winners, we can make a strong guess. “4xe” is Jeep for plug-in hybrid. Thus, the Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe combines its 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 17.3 kWh battery and electric motor for a total system power of 375 horsepower, controlled by an 8-speed automatic transmission. MPGe is rated at 49, and you have 22 miles of EV battery use after a full charge, which you can do overnight from a regular household socket. Jeep is installing solar-powered charge stations at the trail heads of key off-roading trails in the US so you can fully charge your 4xe before silently forging the trail. When the EV miles expire, you simply drive the 4xe as a standard gas-powered engine; no recharging is necessary. The Wrangler 4xe model line includes five grades, of which the Rubicon X is at the top, with features like front and rear locking differentials and an electronic sway bar disconnect system. Inside, you will find Nappa leather seats, an Alpine Audio system, and a native navigation system. On February 8th at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, during a MAMA-hosted breakfast, MAMA will announce which of the seven finalists will be awarded MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle for 2024. Since these finalists are, by definition, models representing very different categories, they will be judged by what they offer to their respective categories, not against each other. But if you enjoy off-roading, you already have your MAMA’s favorite, which you can explore and test drive at Benna Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram.

Of the nine Jeep model lines, the most iconic is clearly the Wrangler. While the Wrangler name dates back to 1986, the model itself traces back to its birth as a rugged, go-anywhere general-purpose vehicle for World War II. The Wrangler is such an essential model to Jeep that there are eleven grades within the model line, combining 2- and 4-door models. Five of those eleven grades are 4xe models, which is Jeep-speak for plug-in hybrid. Nowhere else in the industry will you find five grades of a plug-in hybrid model within a model line. Sitting on top of the Wrangler 4xe lineup is the Rubicon X. Motor Trend took a Rubicon to a unique off-road event to see where this flagship plug-in hybrid off-roader fits in the scheme of things. The Rebelle Rally The venue for the Rubicon X 4xe test drive was the Rebelle Rally. That is no typo, as the cleverly named Rebelle Rally is a women-only off-road competition. The event starts in Mammoth Mountain, California, and heads south through Ridgecrest and Johnson Valley, finally finishing in the Glamis Sand Dunes. This year was the largest turnout yet, with 65 teams. Along with the expected Wranglers and Broncos were crossovers such as Tellurides and Pilots. Being a rally, there are a series of competitive sections with normal driving to get from one to the next. The key issue is that there is no use of GPS or navigation systems. All navigation is performed with paper maps, compasses, and road books. Avoiding getting lost is a more significant challenge than avoiding getting stuck. Motor Trend editor Monica Gonderman and navigator Emily Benzie were not official competitors in their borrowed Rubicon X. They still chose to forgo the electronics to get the full experience. The Most Comfortable Wrangler Gonderman is quick to state that the Rubicon X was up to the task. The “more premium take on the Rubicon," in the words of the Jeep Brand, the Rubicon X 4xe is a Rubicon with all the creature comforts in the Wrangler parts bin. This includes 12-way power-adjustable, heated Nappa leather front seats with power 4-way lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, Alpine ® Premium Audio System, and the navigation system they weren’t allowed to use. Only Soft Inside The Wrangler 4xe powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an electric motor integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission that is fed by a 17.3-kWh battery pack. Total system power is 375 horsepower and a whopping 470 lb-ft of torque. That last figure equals the torque produced by the mighty Rubicon 392's 6.4-liter V8. The 4xe can carry out daily duties with 21 EV-only miles, and its EPA-estimated MPG-e future is 49. In contrast to its efficiency credentials, the Rubicon rides on a nearly 33-inch 285/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, providing plenty of sidewall for its 17-inch machine-finished wheels. Steel bumpers are front and rear, with the front accommodating an optional winch the feature vehicle had but did not have to use. It Works Beautifully Gonderman reported that the Rubicon X 4xe was clearly up to the task. “Deep down, driving the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe felt like cheating. The Wrangler did the hard work while we remained comfortably ensconced in its leather seats. It never made us get our Merrell Moab 3 Mid x Jeep boots dirty. It made easy work of the desert, turning potential challenges into easy-peasy stress-free situations.” Again, there are five grades to the Wrangler 4xe. So, while the flagship Rubicon X 4xe starts at about $71K, the starting MSRP for the model line is $50,695. This range, plus the 4xe’s capability, has likely made it the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the US. If you are drawn to the unpaved two tracks, come to Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and see the Wrangler 4xe for yourself.