2013 Jeeps, and other 2013 Chrysler changes
It’s 2013 and we’ve seen refreshes of the entire North American lineup. Chrysler is still ramping up their eight-speed automatics; the first Fiat dual-clutch automatics are in the Dodge Dart.
Jeep Grand Cherokee continued for a short 2013 model year, switching in February to 2014 models with the eight speed automatic, stop-start, 8.4” touch-screen, etc. The hot selling SUV changed its white color from Stone to Bright. Overland Summit got numerous enhancements, including an optional black leather interior, front parking assistance (presumably using the forward radar setup that’s there for collision warning and adaptive cruise), power folding mirrors, front headlamp washers, black berber floor mats with black binding (on black interior only?), and accent stitching throughout the cabin. Grand Cherokee SRT8 added two new special editions, Alpine and Vapor — one white, one black.
Compass got a gas-mileage hike to 30 mpg highway, with the five-speed manual and FWD, available in Sport, Latitude, and Limited. Patriot got a new wheel design. See our Trail-Rated 2013 Jeep Patriot (and Compass) off-road test drive. After a short 2013, though, Compass and Patriot bumped over to 2014, with a new six-speed automatic, numerous Compass changes, and other upgrades.
Jeep Wrangler continued for 2013 with minor adjustments, with revised seats (both "comfort" and material); available auto-dimming rearview mirror with LED map light; a better tire pressure monitoring system; upgraded LED courtesy lights; dual windshield wiper nozzles; better soft top for Wrangler Unlimited (with a "rear spring lift assist"), dual note horn (except RHD), footwell and upholder lighting; and trailer sway dampening. Updated options include the premium soft top, Alpine 7-speaker stereo and 368-watt head unit, and Katzkin leather.
17 x 7.5 polished gray wheels are standard on Rubicon, replacing Painted Satin Carbon. Meanwhile, Polished Satin Carbon replaced Aluminum Painted Silver on Sahara. Paint colors were black, bright white, Crush, deep cherry red pearl, Dozer, Geccko, and True Blue Pearl, with late availability for Billet Metallic, Commando Green Pearl, Dune, Rock Lobster, and Rugged Brown.
Colors
Sorry we did not have a Chrysler graphic! We do have a sample from General Motors, though.
Chrysler now requires annual, rather than semi-annual, oil changes on many cars (not SRT and diesel engines), at intervals of no more than 10,000 miles. The automatic oil change indicator will provide a "percent oil life remaining" display (as General Motors' system has for years), and provide "Change Oil Soon" (within 500 miles) and "Change Oil Now" displays on the dashboard.
The system works, as GM’s does, by starting with an ideal oil life (in the number of engine turns), and applies "penalty factors" using oil temperature, engine speed and load, and ethanol content (presumably along with the previously reported items) to come up with a safe estimate of oil life. There will likely be the usual disclaimers regarding people driving in predominantly dusty conditions, who should change their oil more often. Owners who change their oil can reset the system (on cars with pushbutton ignition) by cycling the ignition to ON/RUN (without their feet on the brake), slowly flooring the gas pedal three times within ten seconds, then pressing the engine button once to return to OFF.
Part 1 of 4. See part 2 (2013 Chrysler and Fiat) or part 3 (Ram trucks and vans) or part 4 (2013 Dodge cars)
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