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 CDJR to see all the new Hurricane-powered models, plus the Hornet, which boasts the most power in its class.
The 2025 Compass Takes on a New Role
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 4×4 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 4×4 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.
What’s With the Ducks on Jeep’s Dashboards?
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.
We often think that the best way to travel is by air, even if it’s down to the Twin Cities from Duluth Airport.
However, Motor Trend argues that it may not be the best way to fly to your destination. Their suggestion? A Jeep Wagoneer.
The Motor Trend team decided to take a road trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco to prove this. That is about a 383-mile one-way trip between California’s two major cities. The writer and their family were just about to fly between the two cities – citing ticket costs, long lines at the TSA, and overpriced airport food – when the idea was to simply take a Wagoneer to make the trip instead.
Think of this test in terms of our usual long-distance driving. The Twin Cities is only 153 miles from the Twin Ports. An equivalent trip to the one Motor Trend took would be to Milwaukee – 392 miles away.
You can simply make the trip by settling into the Wagoneer’s three rows of seats and large cargo area to take more than the airline’s standard baggage allowance. You will love how quiet it is inside, so the kids can either nap or play with their devices. Some Wagoneer models can be equipped with UConnect Theater – our “in-flight entertainment” system.
In-flight snacks? Every row of seating has access to a multitude of cup holders. Since you’re on your own schedule, a stop at a gas station means you can get anything you want – not just peanuts and pretzels.
Every Wagoneer and Wagoneer L is powered by a 420-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane six-cylinder engine. It only takes one press of the pedal for a smooth takeoff. Of course, every landing is equally smooth with the Wagoneer’s powerful braking system.
A 26.5-gallon fuel tank also means a longer distance while paying less for fuel than an airline ticket. A Wagoneer with four-wheel drive can average up to 23 MPG – an estimated range of up to 609 miles. There is no need to fuel up between the Twin Ports and Milwaukee.
While the Motor Trend people set up their tailgate at Oracle Park in San Francisco, you can do the same in your Wagoneer at American Family Field. You’ll be so comfortable that you may end up listening to Bob Uecker calling the game instead on your UConnect 5 infotainment system.
If you are ready for a long-term traveling companion in a new Jeep Wagoneer, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience our family SUV today!
The Power of Six: The 2025 Ram 1500
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!
Forbes Enjoys the Hurricane-Powered Ram 1500 Rebel
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.
In addition to the praise for its exterior and interior styling, packaging, and capability, the Wagoneer can now add a significant safety accolade to its list. Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram proudly announces that the Wagoneer earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The IIHS has its own crash tests that differ from those of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the IIHS tests, the Wagoneer scored a “Good” (their highest rating) on these crashworthiness tests:
- Small overlap front
- Moderate overlap front (original test)
- Side
The moderate overlap tests stem from the recognition that vehicles usually do not impact a solid surface head-on. Instead, only part of the front of the vehicle will often impact another vehicle or barrier. With only part of the vehicle charged with protecting occupants in the cabin, this can be a significantly more challenging test for the vehicle. In the moderate overlap test, only 40% of the front of the vehicle impacts a fixed barrier at 40 mph.
The small overlap test is even more challenging, with just 25% of the vehicle’s width impacting the barrier at 40 mpg. In the case of the side impact test, the vehicle is stationary and is struck by a 3306 lb (1,500 kg) barrier moving at 31.1 mph (50 km/h) to impact the driver’s door at a 90-degree angle.
A “Good” rating is required in each of these evaluations to qualify as a TOP SAFETY PICK. In addition, headlights rated as “Good” or “Acceptable” must be standard equipment on all trim levels. The Wagoneer received an acceptable rating for its standard headlight system and a “Good” rating for models with the Auto High-Beam headlights, which are standard on the Series III trim and available on the Convenience Package on all others.
In addition, vehicles must deliver “Good” or “Acceptable” scores for pedestrian front-crash prevention. The Jeep Wagoneer’s standard pedestrian front-crash prevention feature – labeled “Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking” – achieved a “Good” rating, having performed equally well in IIHS test scenarios involving an adult crossing a street at night and a child emerging from behind an obstruction in daylight.
“This recognition validates the dedication of our engineers, who integrated state-of-the-art technology in every aspect of the Wagoneer’s design,” said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “The combination of a robust body structure and a comprehensive suite of over 120 standard and available advanced safety features, helps create a secure environment for drivers and passengers.”
This is just another reason to shop and test drive a Jeep Wagoneer at Benna CDJR to be your next family-adventure vehicle.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Jeep Wrangler vs. Jeep Gladiator: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?
- The HEMI® Is Back: Why Ram Brought Back the V8 in the 2026 Ram 1500
- Ram 1500 Reigns as MotorTrend 2025 Truck of the Year
- Chrysler Unveils Pacifica FAV Edition
- Wagoneer S and 1500 Ramcharger Among Newsweek’s Most Anticipated Vehicles for 2025