Perhaps it is its visibility in WWII movies or M*A*S*H reruns. Or maybe it is because of Jeep’s close association with the USO. It could also be the fact that the company produces the best vehicles to see the best parts of this country. In any case, Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to announce that Jeep has been recognized for the 23rd consecutive year as America’s most patriotic brand.
Note that it didn’t say most patriotic automotive brand, but most patriotic brand overall. The accolade comes from Brand Keys, a branding research firm. Brand Keys surveyed more than 7,460 consumers, aged between 18 to 65 years old, balanced for gender and political affiliation, and had them assess 1,381 brands in 143 Business to Consumer and Business to Business categories, using Brand Keys emotional engagement measures. The assessments evaluated brand resonance for the single value of patriotism, and the Jeep brand was identified as the best for meeting today’s patriotism challenges.
“Patriotism is one of the most powerful values a brand can own. Jeep has primary ownership of that value, with a real emotional underpinning. Jeep has a history forged in the past and the present,” said Robert Passikoff, President and Founder of Brand Keys. “And if there’s such a thing as ‘patriotic DNA,’ it shows up in our Most Patriotic Brands emotional engagement assessments. In a more political and partisan marketplace, Jeep has been able to create a bond with all consumers, which is why Jeep shows up at the top of the list every year.”
Jeep’s recognition as America’s most patriotic brand is not just a title but a commitment. This is evident in Jeep’s 16-year partnership with the USO, where the brand has not only made donations but also organized collaborative events and provided support vehicles, showcasing its unwavering support for the military.
Jeep brand’s Military Incentive Program enables select military personnel to be eligible for military bonus cash to use toward select Jeep brand vehicles. Active, active reserve, retired military, retired military reserve, 100% disabled veteran, and honorably discharged veterans, within 12 months of discharge date, are eligible under the program.
“Being recognized as America’s most patriotic brand for the 23rd consecutive year is a testament to our passionate owners and enthusiasts who whole-heartedly embrace the outdoor adventure and freedom that our Jeep 4x4s offer, which is second to no other,” said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand North America.
There are countless ways to show your patriotism, but one of the most personally fulfilling is to enjoy a new Jeep model. The place to do that in the greater Superior Wisconsin area is at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Take a look at Jeep’s amazing lineup of SUVs and pickup trucks and feel the pride.
The Car Connection Compares Wrangler vs Gladiator
Comparison articles are common for automotive publications and websites, but you don’t often see a comparison of a pickup versus an SUV. The reason is apparent. Shoppers will likely know from the outset if they desire the non-height-restrictive, 270-degree cargo access, dirt and aroma-friendly aspect of an open bed, or the security of an enclosed cargo area. But, as in so many things, it can be different with a Jeep. The Wrangler and Gladiator have so many aspects about them outside of basic utility that Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram figures a comparison is in order.
Similarities
There are a lot of these. The Gladiator is basically a Wrangler with a 5-foot bed in the back. To accommodate the bed, the Gladiator stretches the Wrangler 4-door’s platform by almost 20 inches and is 30 inches longer overall. The passenger space is essentially the same, each providing the same impressive 38.3 inches of rear legroom and minimal, if any, differences in any other passenger space dimensions.
The JL Wrangler’s front end was changed to a shorter, rounded face to better accommodate a factory-installed front winch. The Gladiator continues with the previous JK Wrangler’s front styling, but the differences are primarily cosmetic and minor.
One Powertrain vs Four
Last year, Jeep sold three Wranglers for every Gladiator, allowing Jeep to make a business case for more Wrangler variations. The most significant differences are under the hood, where all Gladiators come with the 3.6-liter V6, which is shared across many Stellantis vehicles. It makes 285 hp and is novel in that it comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic is a $2,500 option. Fuel efficiency is not a calling card for either of these vehicles, and with the automatic, the Gladiator has an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined rating of 17/22/19. All three figures drop by one with the manual.
The Wrangler also has the same V6 and 6-speed manual as its standard powertrain, and being smaller, it is rated at 18/24/20 depending on the trim. However, the Wrangler has other options, starting with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, which has a similar 270 hp but greater torque of 295 lb-ft. It also bumps up the mpg a bit at 20/23/21. The efficiency champ is the Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid that takes the same 2.0-liter engine and pairs it with a 134-hp electric motor, producing a total system power of 370 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, which is a lot of torque for a relatively small vehicle. The 4xe is also rated at 20 combined mpg but includes 22 miles of electric-only driving, which is great if you can charge at home (no special charger required) and your daily commute is close to or less than that amount. Or, maybe, you want to go off-road without disturbing the nearby critters.
For those of the “too much is never enough” school of thinking, there is the 6.4-liter (392 cu.in.) V8 on the Rubicon 392 that puts out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft. It will cover the 0-60 in a flat 4 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds with the mpg penalty of 13/16/14, which assumes you are not drag racing.
Capability and Towing
The Gladiator’s long wheelbase makes it a more stable candidate for towing, with a maximum ability of 7,700 pounds. That is beyond the reach of any Wrangler. The Rubicon comes closest at 5,000 pounds, while other models are limited to 2,000 or 3,500 pounds.
Both models come standard with the part-time Command-Trac 4WD system, which includes a 2.72:1 low range. Selec-Trac is a full-time system that automatically reverts to two-wheel drive on dry paved roads. The most off-road capable system is Rock-Trac, which has a 4:1 low ratio and can be used in both full-time and part-time forms. The Gladiator is no slouch, but the Wrangler wins as the most off-road capable vehicle, thanks primarily to its shorter wheelbase and rear overhang. The 2-door Wrangler is better still for the same reason. Both models have Rubicon and Mojave trim levels. True to the terrain of the places they are named after, the Mojave is built for high speed over rough surfaces. The Rubicon’s forte is slow-moving over very challenging surfaces. Each can cross over into the other’s lane to a lesser degree.
What’s Inside
The Wrangler and Gladiator dashboards are not identical but similar in concept. They have a flat, upright presentation, large physical controls, and hard, easy-to-clean surfaces. Both offer a 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by the well-regarded Uconnect5 interface. 68 “Badge of Honor” trails are built into the navigation system, and more can be added.
Ultimately, it again comes down to how you plan to use your vehicle. Both are designed for play, but the Wrangler can generally play harder, while the Gladiator offers greater utility. Neither is like anything else on the road. To see the similarities and differences discussed up close, visit Benna CDJR and check out the Gladiator, Wrangler, and Wrangler 4xe for yourself.
It was 40 years ago when the Chrysler Corporation invented the modern minivan. That was long enough ago that some models even sported wood grain paneling on the side. It sparked a whole new genre in the automotive industry with several models from domestic and import manufacturers, but the Mopar Minivans always led the way. Such was its dominance that the Chrysler Pacifica is now the only domestic brand on the market. There are import competitors, but the Pacifica still leads the pack, and Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to pass on the fact that the Pacifica is the most awarded minivan on the market.
Innovation Large and Small
Throughout its seven-year design, the Chrysler Pacifica has garnered over 175 awards and accolades from industry reviewers. These awards recognize Pacifica’s constant innovation, from the practicality of its Stow-and-Go 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, which can transform from people carrier to full cargo carrier without the hassle of removing seats, to the reassurance of the FamCAM, which allows the driver to monitor an infant in a reverse-facing child seat.
The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is a testament to Chrysler’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Designed with the typical minivan usage in mind, the Pacifica PHEV can be charged overnight on a regular household outlet and then run on electricity alone for 32 miles. This is often enough to cover a day’s driving needs. With a total range of 520 miles and 30 combined MPG, the Pacifica PHEV offers the perfect balance of efficiency and versatility.
Any shopper near the Superior, Wisconsin, area will appreciate that the Pacifica is also available with all-wheel drive in its Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trim levels. This gives you the best of both worlds: extreme cabin space and flexibility with the all-weather traction optimization of an SUV or crossover.
New Campaign Celebrates Inspiration from Families
Chrysler credits its industry-leading awards and overall success with the Pacifica to its owners’ constant intense consumer research, examining how they use their vehicles and what could make the experience better. Chrysler celebrates this research with its new “Thanking Our Parents” advertising campaign, which features three different spots focusing on three different kinds of families.
“Boy Mom” highlights the challenges of a mother of four boys under ten. “Empty Nest” shows two parents dropping off their youngest at college and then enjoying the space and features of the Pacifica for themselves. Finally, “Dog Mom” expands the traditional family definition to include pet parents as it observes one young woman keeping her very large St. Bernard happy as they travel.
All three spots focus on the theme that Pacifica is observing consumers like these and creating features to accommodate them, which has earned it unequaled industry recognition.
Explore the Best Minivan on the Market
Crossovers and SUVs may be the choice of many, but you still won’t find a better vehicle to accommodate family living and long road trips than a minivan, and the best one on the market is named “Pacifica.” Come to Benna CDJR and see what impresses the experts so much about the Pacifica. If you buy one, perhaps you can inspire Chrysler Pacifica’s next big idea.
Though Jeep previously had 4-door SUVs, the 1984 Cherokee broke out of the niche market of hunters, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts and into the mainstream. Adding the second set of doors made it a practical family vehicle. The Grand Cherokee followed in 1992 and changed the market again by adding luxury and refinement to the formerly rough-and-tumble segment, with upper trim levels becoming the Jeep brand’s first real luxury offering. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe changes expectations again by adding the sophistication of a plug-in drivetrain to the mid-size SUV segment. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has prompted many questions, which this Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram post will address.
How is the Grand Cherokee 4xe Powered?
The Grand Cherokee 4xe replaces the regular model’s 3.6-liter V6 with a powertrain similar to that in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 combined with two electric motors. The smaller motor/generator replaces the alternator, adding 44 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque. The second, larger motor is mounted to the transmission, producing 134 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. The motors are fed by a 17.3-kWh battery, which in turn is charged by plugging into the grid and brake regeneration.
Is the 4xe More Powerful Than Other Grand Cherokee Models?
The 4xe is significantly more powerful than the V6-powered Grand Cherokee models. Its total system power of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque greatly exceeds the V6’s 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft.
What is the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s Electric Range?
The EPA estimates that The Grand Cherokee 4xe can operate on just an electric current for 25 miles with a full charge. If this is less than your daily routine and you can charge at home, the Grand Cherokee can run as an EV for much of the time. Jeep has pointed out that a Grand Cherokee 4xe has completed the famous 22-mile Rubicon trail entirely in its EV driving mode.
What Kind of Drivetrains Are Available?
All Grand Cherokee 4xe models are equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® Active On-Demand 4×4 system with Selec-terrain® Traction Management system. Trailhawk and above models feature the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System.
Is the Grand Cherokee 4xe the Most Efficient Grand Cherokee Model?
The purpose of the Grand Cherokee 4xe is to provide greater power while retaining efficient operation. Whether it is more efficient than V6 models depends on the length of each trip. The EPA rates the model at 56 MPGe (MPG equivalent based on power usage) when using both EV-only mode and then hybrid mode when the range has been exceeded. Independent of its EV range, the model is rated at 23 combined mpg while the rest of the Grand Cherokee line is rated at 26.
How Quick is the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Car and Driver tested a Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe and clocked a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds before reaching the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds with a trap speed of 100 mph. The quarter mile is 2.1 seconds quicker than that of V6-powered models. They also noted that the 0-60 time is 0.3 seconds quicker than that of the former V8-powered Grand Cherokee model.
How Much Can It Tow?
The Grand Cherokee 4xe model’s maximum towing rating is 6,000 pounds, which is just 200 pounds less than that of the V-6-equipped models.
How Long Does it Take to Charge?
The Grand Cherokee can be charged with an ordinary wall socket. A full charge from zero will take 8 to 15 hours. A Level 2 home charger should fully charge the battery in approximately 2.5 hours.
What Trim Levels are Available for the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Jeep has a complete model line of five trim levels for the Grand Cherokee 4xe. They are:
- 4xe $60,490
- Anniversary Edition $63,485
- Trailhawk $66,185
- Overland $73,480
- Summit $74,670
- Summit Reserve $79,150
If your commute or daily driving routine is less than 23 miles, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is a great way to have a comfortable, versatile, powerful, and capable Jeep SUV and essentially say goodbye to gas stations and hello to efficient, emission-free driving. Even if you drive over 23 miles every day, you will find your refueling stops to be infrequent. Yet, you will never have to plan your road trips around charging stations. Pay a visit to Benna CDJR and see how the Grand Cherokee 4xe can bring the wonders of electrification into your life.
Twister Sequel Stars Ram Truck Again
1996 was a good year for movies, and one of the most successful titles of that year was Twister, about tornado-chasing scientists in Oklahoma. Its box office was only second to the alien invasion CGI spectacular Independence Day. Twister starred Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as our scrappy hero storm chasers and Cary Elwes as the well-funded nemesis storm chaser. Benna Chrysler Dodge Ram would like to point out that an unofficial central character of the film was the red 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 that our heroes used for their chasing. Now, “just” 28 years later, comes a Twister sequel called simply Twisters. None of the original cast returns, but a Ram truck again stars as the hero storm-chasing truck.
Based on the trailer, the new film pits the educated elites against our blue-collar storm chaser guys with cowboy hats and thick accents. Plus, there is a brilliant blonde “city girl” former storm chaser who clearly falls in with the local dudes. In keeping with the hero’s underdog status, their ride is not a new truck. It’s an early 2000s 20-year-old Ram dually looking more like a truck carrying the camera and film crew rather than in front of the lens with an extensive external roll cage, lights, and lots of downhome tornado wrangler stuff. But the truck also has a black primer hood to keep it looking humble. One Speed Racer-like modification is internal drills in each corner to fasten the truck into the ground when things get a bit breezy.
In the first movie, the Ram truck’s bed carried a device called “Dorothy” that released hundreds of little sensors that were swept up into the tornado to provide valuable information. This time around, these tornadoes are really mean and not content with knocking down billboards and flattening trailer parks. Reno, Nevada, gets beat up, and a refinery blows up along the way. So, the goal is nothing as wimpy as mere education. This time, they are going to kick some tornado tail, or rather “disrupt” the tornado and save everyone.
Other more contemporary Ram trucks also appear in the trailer, including a Ram 1500 TRX and (keeping it in the extended family) an early 80s Jeep J10 pickup that is literally taken by the wind. An equipment-laden Toyota 4Runner also does some chasing, only to meet a bad end. This is middle America, after all, so no Toyota is going to save the day.
As much as we at Benna CDJR, who sell new Ram trucks, would like a shiny new Ram truck to be the hero like last time, there is something to be appreciated about a 20-year-old Ram getting the job done. Twisters opens on July 19th.
This Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram post is about two things you would not think go together but do. The Gladiator, the world’s most off-road capable mid-size truck, is now available in Tuscadero. Tuscadero is a metallic hot pink exterior color that adds a bold and distinctive look to the rugged truck. This exciting combination is a result of the feedback and requests from Jeep customers.
A Surprising Hit
Tuscadero debuted in 2021 as part of a collection of vivid limited-edition colors for the Wrangler, including Gobi, Gecko Chief, and Nacho. The response was overwhelming, with over 30,000 Jeep customers placing orders for a Wrangler in Tuscadero. Due to popular demand, Tuscadero is making a limited return on both the Gladiator and Wrangler and will be available at Benna DCJR and other dealerships this summer. Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive color!
“Our passionate Jeep fans asked for this limited-run color on Gladiator. We heard them,” said Bill Peffer, Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “Now Gladiator is both the only pickup to deliver open-air freedom and the only pickup available in Tuscadero.”
Tough Truck, Audacious Color
The color will be available through the end of the 2024 model year as an $895 option on Gladiator Sport, Mojave, and Rubicon, with likely expansion to additional trims. Another new color, Anvil, a clear coat gray reminiscent of U.S. Navy ships, has also been added.
Built on an extended Wrangler platform, the Gladiator was designed from the beginning to be the most off-road capable pickup in Jeep’s history. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Rubicon models boast an 11.1-inch minimum ground clearance, a payload of 1,725 pounds, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. It is also the only pickup available as an open-air vehicle with three types of removable roofs, removable doors, and a drop-down front windshield. It is, in short, the only pickup that can pull off a Tuscadero exterior, which even Jeep describes as “audacious.”
Surprisingly Sophisticated
Despite its rugged capability, the Gladiator is also notably refined. It has a best-in-class 12.3-touchscreen, run by the well-regarded Uconnect5 operating system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. New for 2024 on Sport S and above are forward collision warning, advanced cruise control, and, for all models, second-row side curtain airbags—a truly unique feature on an open-air capable model.
It is also worth mentioning that the Gladiator was also ranked No. 1 for new-vehicle quality among midsize trucks in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Come to Benna CDJR to see the Gladiator in Tuscadero, Anvil, or any of its other eight exterior colors.
2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane Engines For The Win
Thirty years ago, the Dodge Ram 1500 had a radical redesign. A large, imposing grille with the brand’s traditional cross-hair design was upfront. The fenders on each side were significantly lower and housed the headlights, giving the front end the appearance of a semi-tractor. Many called it the big-rig look. In addition to boosting Ram sales, the look inspired the styling of its rivals. They didn’t copy the big-rig looks so much as they tried to out-macho each other. Now, almost every full-size Ford, GM, or Toyota truck looks ready to either devour or just beat up whatever is in front of them.
Ram has already stepped away from the trend it started, trading brutality for refinement, and the design tweaks of the new 2025 Ram 1500 further that direction. And yet, the truck is tougher than ever, thanks in part to a new family of engines replacing the former Hemi V-8s. Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram invites you to read this brief rundown on the new 2025 Ram 1500.
Outside, the changes are few. The grille and headlights have been finessed for a more integrated appearance, there are new grille mesh treatments on certain models, and the lower front appearance has been de-cluttered. The refined look visually represents the critically acclaimed ride quality of its double control-arm front and five-link solid rear axle supported by coil springs. This arrangement has put the Ram 1500 on Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for multiple years in a row, among other accolades. But let’s begin with the significant changes under the hood.
Smaller Engine, Greater Power
All Ram engines will now have six cylinders. The current 305-hp Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 continues to be the base engine. Above that, everything has changed. Replacing the former 5.2-liter V-8 is the Hurricane aluminum 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six. The engine produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That is 25 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the 5.7-liter V-8 it replaces. The two turbos spool up quickly as each only has three cylinders to fill, so the peak torque arrives at a very accessible 3,500 rpm. Paired to the engine is the familiar 8-speed Torqueflite automatic. Despite the added power, the EPA combined estimate for the powertrain with 4WD is two more miles per gallon than the V-8 at 24.
At the top of the Ram 1500 engine hierarchy is the High-Output Hurricane, which remains at 3.0 liters but increases turbo boost from 22 to 28 psi to produce 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft. The engine also features forged aluminum pistons, revised ignition coils, and upgraded fuel injectors to handle the increased power. The smooth 8-speed Torqueflite transmission handles this engine as well.
New Tech and New Heights of Luxury Inside
Like the exterior, the interior design is refined rather than redone. Formerly an upgrade, the 8.4-inch touchscreen is now standard, with touchscreens measuring 12 inches or more available on other models. The big screens are positioned in a portrait format and are powered by the latest version of the intuitive Uconnect system. All models have wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM. Ram positions convenient physical controls on each side of the screen for temperature, fan speed, defrost, and other functions.
Now at the top of the 1500 range, the Tungsten model transforms the 1500 into a full-fledged luxury vehicle with an open bed in the back. While lower models already offer leather, the Tungsten takes it up a notch with quilted leather seats that are heated and ventilated, complete with massaging. The center features a 14.2-inch touchscreen, and the front passenger gets their own 10.25-inch touchscreen to control the 23-speaker 1,228-watt Klipsch-branded audio system. These interior upgrades truly elevate the 2025 Ram 1500’s luxury and comfort.
“Tougher and more refined” defines the new 2025 Ram 1500 model lineup, and Ram is betting that it is exactly what you want in your next or first pickup. See all the details and experience the new Hurricane engines for yourself at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Superior, WI.
Benna Chrysler, Dodge Jeep Ram is thrilled to share that two of its esteemed brands, Ram and Dodge, have been honored with prestigious awards from Kelley Blue Book and its Consumer Choice Awards. Ram has been recognized as the Best Overall Truck Brand, while Dodge has been lauded as the Best Car Styling Brand for a non-luxury brand, an award it has won five times in the past six years. These accolades hold immense value as they are a testament to the exceptional quality and design of our vehicles, as acknowledged by the consumers themselves.
The Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards are a true testament to the popularity and customer satisfaction of these two automotive brands. These awards are based on the data from their comprehensive Brand Watch study, which engages over 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually through KBB.com. The study delves into the factors that drive purchase decisions, revealing brand and model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers. This consumer-driven source makes these awards even more significant and meaningful.
Ram: Best Overall Truck Brand
The award comes at a good time for Ram as it prepares the launch of an extensively updated 2025 Ram 1500, which includes the debut of its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine family. This model line is expected to surpass the performance of the brand’s previous V-8 offerings and includes a version to be rated at 540 horsepower. Other features to arrive with the 2025 truck include a 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and even an available 10.25-inch front passenger display, all using the latest Uconnect5 operating system. Other available features include a Head-up Display and the ability to use a smartphone as a key.
Also on its way is the 2025 Ram 1500 REV full-size all-electric pickup, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2024. The truck, which intentionally resembles the conventional Ram 1500, is expected to have a standard 168 kilowatt-hour battery for an estimated range of 350 miles. Dual motors will produce 654 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque across all rpm. The truck will have a maximum payload capacity of 2,625 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. Expected for the following year is an available 229-kilowatt-hour battery for an estimated range of 500 miles.
Dodge: Best Car Styling
Dodge reclaims this award in the same year it says farewell to its Charger and Challenger muscle car lines. Those consumers will not be disappointed by the return of the all-new Charger Daytona, which will be the world’s first EV muscle car upon its arrival. The car will be available initially as a 2-door coupe and later as a 4-door sport sedan, both carrying overt muscle car lines from Dodge’s past while looking thoroughly modern. The Charger Daytona will be a multi-energy model lineup, and following the EV introduction, a gas-powered version of the same will feature the Hurricane engine lineup. The 4-door body style will arrive at about the same time as both EV and gas drivetrains. Ram and Dodge are both part of the Stellantis brand family, which includes Chrysler and Jeep, each with its own exciting models. You can see them all at the appropriately named Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store.
Jeep Wagoneer vs Chevrolet Tahoe
The Jeep Wagoneer dates back to 1962, long before the term SUV existed, and it continued largely unchanged for 30 years. The market for such a vehicle was very small back then, and the Wagoneer found itself a niche market of Field & Stream subscribers and people who visited their country homes on the weekend. After it was gone, Jeep resurrected the Wagoneer name briefly a couple of times, but it wasn’t until 2022 that Jeep brought the Wagoneer back to fill its original category as a full-size three-row SUV. In terms of sales and name recognition, its biggest competitor is the Chevrolet Tahoe, which first appeared just a few years after the original Wagoneer left. In this post from Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we compare the 2024 Wagoneer to the Tahoe.
Wagoneer vs Grand Wagoneer
Jeep created a little confusion when it introduced both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The Grand Wagoneer is on a whole different level in terms of luxury and is meant to compete against luxury-brand models, but its size is identical. However, there are longer versions of both models called the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L, which are Suburban-sized. The Tahoe is simply a shorter version of the Suburban.
Big News Smaller Engine Hood
The biggest news for the 2024 Wagoneer is that its 5.7-liter V-8 has been replaced by the new Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6, the sole engine across the model line. The Hurricane significantly out-powers the V-8 with 420 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. It also outpowers Tahoe’s standard 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft 5.3-liter V-8. Adding insult to industry, it also outpowers the Tahoe’s optional 6.2-liter V-8, which produces an identical 420 horsepower but falls short in torque with just 460 lb-ft. Conversely, the Tahoe’s available 3.0-liter turbodiesel bests the Hurricane with 495 lb-ft of torque but has significantly less horsepower.
When comparing standard engines, the power differences are apparent in acceleration, with the Wagoneer showing 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds compared to 7.5 for the Tahoe. It also makes itself known in towing capacity, which is up to 10,000 pounds for the Wagoneer compared to 7,800 lb for the standard-engined Tahoe, rising to 8,400 lb. with the optional diesel engine.
The Wagoneer is also a little less thirsty with an EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg rating of 16/19/23 for a 4WD mode versus 15/20/17 for the 5.3-liter V-8 4WD Tahoe. Combined with a larger fuel tank, this results in an estimated range of 610 miles in the Jeep versus 480 for the Chevy. However, the Tahoe’s optional turbo diesel takes the efficiency crown with 20/26/22. Of course, diesel is also 11% more expensive than regular gasoline on average in Wisconsin.
You wouldn’t select either of these models for a run on the Rubicon Trail, but for the occasional excursion off-pavement and our abundant snow, 4WD is a $3,000 option for both models. If you need a two-speed transfer case, it is standard with 4WD on the Tahoe but comes to the Wagoneer via a Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package that contributes to its large towing capacity mentioned above.
The Great Indoors
Both models specialize in vast interiors, with a seating capacity of eight, or seven if one opts for 2nd-row captain’s chairs. Adults will be perfectly fine in the 3rd row, though the Wagoneer’s 3rd-row legroom of 36.6 inches is 1.7 inches over the 3rd row in the Tahoe. With all the seat backs up, the Waggoner’s 27 cubic feet of cargo space is one cubed foot over the Tahoe’s. That turns around when you start folding seats, and when turned into 2-seaters, the Tahoe has 123 cubic feet compared to 117 for the Wagoneer.
The Wagoneer shares its dashboard layout with the Grand Wagoneer, while the Tahoe shares its with the Silverado pickup truck. The result is a decidedly more luxurious dashboard in the Jeep.
The Wagoneer has a higher starting MSRP, which is close to the Tahoe LT, and one upgrade from the base LS. As such, both moth models are similarly equipped. Both have 10-inch touchscreens, onboard navigation systems, wireless smartphone compatibility, leather seating, and power adjustments for the driver and front passenger. There are trade-offs. For example, ventilated front seats are standard on the Wagoneer but need another upgrade for the Tahoe. While the base Wagoneer has a 10-speaker audio system, the Tahoe LT has a Bose®-branded 9-speaker system.
Of course, both models have trim hierarchies that add more features as you go. But overall, you will still get a better drivetrain and nicer interior with the Wagoneer. Visit Benna CDJR for a Wagoneer test drive and see if you don’t agree.
The midsize pickup truck has undergone a significant transformation in the past few years, with newly designed models from Ford, GM, Toyota, and Nissan. Yet, none of these new trucks has anything close to the character of the Jeep Gladiator, and of course, none of them are convertibles, either. Jeep’s pickup can do everything you need in a pickup while giving you a fun experience in every drive that those conventional trucks cannot approach.
As of this writing, the 2024 Gladiators are still fresh in the Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inventory, having started production in February 2024. These new models come with a host of new standard features, all without a price increase. Some of the notable additions include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Unconnect 5 operating systems
- First- and second-row side-curtain airbags (uncommon in a convertible.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Forward collision warning (Sport S and above),
- Advanced cruise control with stop (Sport S and above)
- Trails OffRoad, Jeep Adventure Guides built into the UConnect 5 Nav system (on Nav-equipped models)
Gladiator trims include Sport, Sport S, Willys, Mojave, Rubicon, and new for 2024, the Mojave X and Rubicon X. All are powered by the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Almost unheard of in the industry anymore, every trim is available with a 6-speed manual or an available 8-speed Torqueflite transmission.
The Mojave and Rubicon are evidence of Jeep’s understanding that all off-roading is not created equal. The subject of this post, the Mojave, specializes in carrying speed over sand and light off-road terrain, which may mark it as the most fun-loving trim in the lineup. By contrast, the Rubicon’s specialty is crawling over very rough terrain at slow speeds. That is not to say that the Mojave can’t do the slow, rough stuff. Its 11.6-inch ground clearance is up for it, as are the 44.7° approach, 20.9° break-over, and 25.5° departure angles. The Rubicon will just have an easier time of it. But you can lose the Rubi in the sand.
The differences lie in the chassis, where the Mojave features 2.5-inch aluminum internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs for additional heat management and overall higher-speed suspension tuning. The Rubicon has a lower crawl ratio, a front locking differential (both have rear lockers), a swaybar disconnect, and high-pressure gas-charged monotube shocks with hydraulic rebound stops. The Mojave X and Rubicon X are similarly equipped, but simply add every option available.
The Gladiator shares the Wrangler’s dash design, which combines the usefulness of the large touchscreen with an impressive array of analog gauges and physical controls, including one to turn the screen off if you don’t want the distraction.
When it comes to truck duty, the Gladiator Mojave will carry 1,100 pounds and can tow 6,000 pounds with the 8-speed automatic. If you need greater capacity, it will cost you less, rather than more, as the entry-level Sport can carry 1,725 pounds or tow 7,700 pounds.
In short, the Gladiator is an extraordinarily capable mid-size pickup that gives you a sense of being in something special every time you get in. It can also give you thrills like no other when the roof is removed, and you are speeding from one dune to the next. If any of these special pickups sound like what you would like in your next truck, visit Benna CDJR for a test drive. Have fun!
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