Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to announce that Jeep’s flagship models, both the 2023 Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L, respectively, were chosen as the Official Winter SUV of the Year and Best Premium Full-Size SUV at the annual New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) winter vehicle competition. The Grand Wagoneer has now earned the Official Winter SUV of the Year title for the second year in a row, which is every year since its introduction. The 2023 Grand Cherokee also received a class win for New England’s Best Mid-size SUV for the second year in a row.
Who is NEMPA?
NEMPA Journalists write for the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Every year from November through March, they put numerous new models through a rigorous test in New England’s harsh winter weather. They then meet for a one-day testing and scoring event at NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Massachusetts, and announce their winners for the year.
“The Grand Wagoneer topped our votes for NEMPA Winter SUV of the Year and overwhelmingly won its class,” said Clifford Atiyeh, president of the New England Motor Press Association. “There is nothing more lavish, spacious, capable off-road, or plusher on the road than the Grand Wagoneer and its extended L model. The turbo inline-six and independent rear suspension make a large and capable SUV feel nimble and confident.”
Jeep has an extended Wagoneer line that includes both the Wagoneer and longer wheelbase Wagoneer L, Grand Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer L. Unlike the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, both Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models share their respective sizes as well as many mechanical components. The Grand Wagoneer models have a more powerful engine and land fully in the luxury vehicle category with their features and amenities.
Grand Cherokee is Awarded Best Mid-size SUV Again
As mentioned, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also declared New England’s best Mid-size SUV. This continues the Grand Cherokee’s legacy as the most-awarded SUV in the industry.
“The last-generation Grand Cherokee was a NEMPA favorite for many years,” said Atiyeh. “The latest Grand Cherokee builds on the Jeep brand’s success with more luxury and space. That it’s priced competitively against premium German and Japanese SUVs while offering Jeep’s legendary four-wheel-drive capability—even as a plug-in hybrid—makes the Grand Cherokee a winner.”
New England Opinions Matter
There are multiple regional automotive journalist associations across the country, but NEMPA particularly resonates with the Jeep brand as it represents New England’s harsh winters and varied terrain, much like we find here in northern Wisconsin. These, of course, are the very conditions Jeeps are designed to conquer.
“We know from experience that New England winters can be the most extreme with snow and treacherous driving conditions,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “To have the respected members of the New England Motor Press honor the Grand Wagoneer and the Grand Cherokee, and name the Grand Wagoneer the Official Winter SUV of the Year two years running, validates that our Jeep team continues to deliver the most capable SUVs both on-road, off-road and in the snow.”
It is currently on the opposite side of winter as of this writing, but the season will return to Superior soon enough. If you want to see what has so impressed these Journalists for two years running, pay a visit to Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and take a close look at some of the most impressive SUVs on the planet from the brand that started it all.
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