2017 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Cars, Trucks, and Minivans
Changes to the cars
Dodge renamed two existing colors to White Knuckle and Contusion Blue; and some cars gained a new, faster UConnect with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing phones to take over the steering wheel controls, mic, speakers, and touch-screen. One car did not return for 2017: the Dodge Dart. Still, the company kept making them through November 2016, all as 2016 models.
The worldwide 2017 Jeep Compass launch
Confusingly given the same model year as the outgoing car, the 2017 Jeep Compass sits on a 2.6-inch-longer version of the Renegade platform, but is still not as long as the Cherokee. It's wider than the outgoing model and has more interior and cargo space; the sole American engine is the 2.4, with three different transmissions (nine speed auto, six speed auto, six speed manual).
As we predicted, it looks like a smaller Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a Renegade-style grille, 8.4" touch screen stereo option, and optional seven-inch trip computer display. A black painted roof is optional, along with a dual sunroof setup; even the base car comes quite well equipped. See the main (new) 2017 Jeep Compass page.
The hottest cars: Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger
Challenger and Charger both get new Destroyer Gray and Octane Red paints, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A and Dodge Charger Daytona have already been shown; they take some aspects of more expensive Dodge with hotter engines, and integrate them along with unique touches. With suspension upgrades and cold air intakes, they add performance, too, whether buyers get the 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi. See our existing page...
"Mentallica" added that there will be a screen-off hard key below the radio.
Both 2017 Charger Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat cars get new 20 x 9.5 inch "lightweight 5Deep aluminum" wheels with five spokes, finished in low-gloss black; they save four pounds per wheel. There is also new interior and exterior badging, and an LED-lit steering wheel (red on Hellcat, white on 392) for both cars. The order banks open on September 12 in the US; production starts October 17.
Hound's tooth cloth seats are standard on Challenger SXT, R/T, R/T Shaker, and R/T Scat Pack; and on Charger SE, SXT, R/T, and R/T Scat Pack.
The 2017 Dodge Charger has optional 19-inch black wheels with the AWD versions of Charger SE and SXT when the Rallye package is ordered. See standard Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.
As for the Charger Pursuit, the newly launched 12.1 inch touch-screen continues to provide a serious advantage over competitors, since the computer can be stowed safely in the trunk. There is a new gray paint, an optional 5,450 pound towing system with the V6, and a V8 AWD setup. As far as we can tell there are no serious changes.
Chrysler 300
There are new sport appearance packages; the exterior one has a different front fascia and LED fog lamps, new side sills, and a deck-lid spoiler on V8s (optional on 300S V6). The interior package has perforated leather, high-bolstered suede contours, and optional ventilation. A Ceramic Gray paint seems to match Dodge's new Destroyer Gray; shown at the NYC auto show, it's pictured below.
The 300S interior has been upgraded in accents an materials, optional heated and ventilated seats, and a new black with gray leather option. Finally, the Alloy Edition package has dark bronze accents on a blacked-out exterior, with black Nappa leather inside (with contrasting caramel stitching and silvery accents). All 300s will get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. Main Chrysler 300 page.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Perhaps the biggest change for 2017, other than the launch of special Dodge cars, came with the Grand Cherokee.
The updated Trailhawk retains its front and rear tow hooks, and brings 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, and new badges with red accents. They continue to have an anti-glare hood decal, ascent and descent control, limited slip differentials, a special air suspension, and Quadra-Drive II.
Approach angles were reported at 29.8° (36.1° when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading); the breakover angle is 27.1° and the departure angle is 22.8°, with up to 10.8 inches of static ground clearance. The off-road pages have been updated to show wheel articulation, suspension height, and such.
For luxury buyers, the Grand Cherokee Summit has a new leather interior, new exterior appearance (front fascia, fog lamps, grille), and added features, including Lane Departure Warning, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed. There are four color schemes including a new full-wrap Laguna leather in Indigo and Ski Gray.
Rearview camera and rear park sensors are now standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee trims. The Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk have the 2016 75th Anniversary front fascia and grille; the Grand Cherokee SRT has a new front fascia, fog lamps, grille, and Laguna leather interior package. That front looks as though it's ready for a Hellcat engine, doesn't it?
It's still around: the 2017 Dodge Journey
The Journey GT replaces the Journey R/T.
The Journey Crossroad gets a new "satin carbon" wheel finish (not actually shown in their photo, which is of a 2016, so we're not including it except on the Journey page) and two new colors, Spitfire Orange and Rhino, are being added.
2017 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango GT replaces the Limited as the "volume model," giving a monochromatic appearance, but not replacing the existing R/T. Late in 2017 an "Anodized Aluminum" package on Durango Citadel will include black/sepia Nappa leather, hand-wrapped instrument panel, Anodized Gunmetal and Platinum Chrome trim, and Platinum Chrome exterior accents. Late options on the R/T include the hand-wrapped instrument panel and black roof rails.
The more serious news is a rear mounted camera in 8.4-inch models, for viewing trailered items. The Brass Monkey package returns and spreads to GT and R/T. The Blacktop returns for GT and R/T, with new 20-inch glossy black wheels, crosshairs, and badging, a dual exhaust, and black headlamp bezels. Finally, the SXT will come with five-passenger seating and optional seven-passenger seating (late availability).
Jeep Wrangler
The most exciting Jeep news is probably LED headlights and fog lamps, standard on Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon, and optional on Sport and Sport S. These are the first use of LED headlights on any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep.
The company is also adding a cold weather group option to Sport S and Rubicon, including 17-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires, an engine block heater, slush mats, power convenience group, heated seats, and remote start - just the thing for upper Wisconsin and most of Canada.
New colors are Chief, Acid Yellow, Gobi, and Xtreme Purple; the latter was already sold, but is now available on any Wrangler.
Jeep Cherokee
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is getting semi-incentives with more standard features. The Trailhawk gets standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, a power eight-way driver's seat, heated steering wheel, power gate, keyless entry/start, remote start, and garage door opener. The Overland continues, but has two new packages: one with skid plates and a full size spare, and the other with trailer-tow prep.
HID headlights are standard on every Cherokee but Sport.
The Altitude starts with Sport and adds 18-inch black wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tinted glass, and gloss black exterior trim. The High Altitude has the same treatment, but starts with the Limited.
Jeep Renegade
Every Renegade will get standard "keyless go" (pushbutton start, finger-sensing door handles) late in 2017; HID headlamps and automatic high beams will become optional on all models as well. The Limited will get standard passive entry, and Latitude will add the seven-inch trip computer to the UConnect 6.5N package.
The lame ducks: Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Grand Caravan
The Dodge Dart is not returning for 2017. The 200 had a 2017 model but production ended December 2, 2016. The Patriot and old Compass were slated to end in December 2016 - both getting short 2017 model years.
The 2017 Jeep Compass and 2017 Jeep Patriot were down to just two models, Sport and Latitude, but kept the Freedom Drive II package to maintain a Trail Rated model.
The 2017 Grand Caravan (this "2017" photo is really from 2013) is still keeping FCA's #1 or #2 sales status in Canada and keeping the plant running full tilt; but it's not going to make it to calendar-year 2018 without bigger changes which until now have seemed unlikely. In any case, 2017 cuts two models from the lineup, so it's now SE, SE Plus, SXT, and GT. All of them have a 6.5 inch touch-screen and backup camera. The base price is now $24,995 - $1,100 less than the 2016 SE. The SXT is the same price and has the same featuers as the 2016 SXT Plus, but adds remote start, alarm, and 6.5 inch screen. The GT is essentially the old R/T but with the Driver Convenience Group and navigation. The SE Plus has the Blacktop package, standard (it's optional on SXT).
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 Rebel has gained numerous standard features: UConnect 8.4, the media hub, automatic two-zone climate control, anti-spin differential, alarm, remote start, premium gauge cluster, backup camera, and rear park assist.
The Ram 1500 Sport got a standard remote start and alarm; the Laramie Longhorn gained LED bed lighting, pushbutton start/auto door unlocking, automatic high beams, and rain sensing wipers, already on Limited. The Bighorn added standard automatic climate control. Finally, all Rams now have a new five-micron cabin air filter. There were no color changes.
Press materials listed Ram Commercial as a separate grouping in the photo section, but not in the text.
The 2017 Ram 1500 Night Package adds a blackout package to the monochromatic Sport, adding a black grille surround with hex pattern inserts, the Rebel tailgate, black badges, 20 x 9 inch gloss black wheels, and P275/60R20 tires. The package is available on Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab 1500 Sport; it comes in RWD and 4x4, two bed lengths, and V6 or V8 engines.
Options and upgrades include RamBox, a performance hood, and black running boards; colors are silver, white, black, flame red, and Granite Crystal Metallic. Production starts early in the fourth quarter, in Warren, Michigan.
Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups
The Power Wagon and 4x4 Off-Road Package were announced earlier.
The Ram 2500/3500 Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited will all get 6.4 liter Hemi engines; the Longhorn 4x4 and Limited 4x4 both get standard Bilstein monotube shocks. Otherwise, there seem to be no changes.
Chassis cabs
Ram chassis cabs gained five-micron cabin air filters and optional LED tail-lamps, as well as a thousand pounds of tow capacity and gross combined weight ratings:
Ram vans
The ProMaster now has UConnect 3.0 on all models, a standard wide rear axle on all chassis cab and cutaway versions, standard uptfit interface connectors and rear speaker wiring prep, and a standard electronic parking brake with the diesel. The smoker's group is now a dealer addition, and the 118 inch wheelbase is no longer sold with the diesel.
The ProMaster City has brighter shifter illumination, and rear door reflectors on the inside lower portion of the doors. Ram is claiming a new best in class fuel economy of 29 mpg. There is a single powertrain for ProMaster City - a 178 horsepower Chrysler 2.4 connected to the nine-speed automatic.
UConnect 4
https://www.allpar.com/
Launched with the Pacifica, UConnect 4 works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your phone and have it take over the car's screen; it also enables Siri and takes over the steering wheel controls. The new system has a better processor, so it starts up faster, and it also has higher-resolution graphics and new imagery, as well as gesture controls (e.g. pinch and swipe). This system is used on the Dodge Charger and Challenger, Chrysler 300, and the Pacifica, and is likely to appear in any new launches or updates.
What's still to come in 2017
We have further predictions, going out to 2018 and beyond, in our upcoming cars/crossovers and upcoming trucks pages. This includes the next full redesign of the large cars, a rear wheel drive midsize Dodge, the rumored RA Pacifica-based crossover, the rumored large FWD Chrysler, and the Jeep Wagoneer.
"True Cherokee" and/or "New Journey"
The schedule remains up in the air, but there is a rear wheel drive crossover coming to FCA. It's aimed at Alfa Romeo, but it seems almost certain that Dodge and perhaps Jeep will get a similar vehicle; Dodge has been paired with Alfa Romeo because Dodge has the volume and Alfa Romeo has the margins. (This is a break from pairing Dodge with Chrysler and Jeep [Nitro/Liberty, Grand Cherokee/Durango].) In any case, the Cherokee is unlikely to be replaced, given its high worldwide volume, but there could be a new compact Jeep rear-drive SUV.
Most likely, though, Jeep will be left alone and the crossover will end up as the new Dodge Journey, or wearing some other Dodge badge - and there are a few 1970s Dodge SUV badges to pick from.
The existing Journey was set for a mid-2016 refresh, with a Journey SRT coming out shortly after; it is highly unlikely we will see a Journey SRT in front wheel drive form.
Jeep Wrangler
The next Wrangler is due for calendar-year 2017. There aren't many apparent major appearance changes aside from the transmission, roof, and roof supports. The Sport Bar is expected to change to a more substantial design to help in rollover safety and overall body rigidity. More lightweight materials are expected, along with the eight-speed automatic.
The troublesome but loved soft top may be replaced by removable soft panels; a fixed-roof version is a possible late addition, along with a Scrambler or Wrangler pickup. LED headlights are certain, and many expect both a turbo four (300 hp or so) and a new VM L424 diesel engine. Full 2018 Wrangler page.
New Ram
Ram shows a major update for calendar-year 2017, which likely includes body-lightening (through new materials and close analysis of the structure) and the much-rumored "PUG" Pentastar engine upgrade, along with stop-start systems. A minor update to the chassis cabs, originally scheduled for calendar year 2016, is also likely.
Chrysler 100, Dodge Neon, and other small cars
A compact Chrysler 100 is overdue; it's a 2017 model year compact car using the SUSW (Small US Wide) platform, an American adaptation of the old SCSS setup, as redesigned to make the Fiat Tipo. The 100 was reportedly to go to Toluca along with the Jeep Compass. It has long appeared on long-term plans, but now we've heard that there may be some frantic activity around prepping a US-legal version of the Mexican Neon, as well (or instead), for sale in the US and Canada.
Susan Rand took the general outlines of the Neon and Fiat Tipo (which it's based on) and used them to come up with this rendering. The Neon could be sold in the US with a 1.4 turbo Fiat engine, as a price leader, while the Chrysler 100, if it has not been dropped, would be more upscale and carry a bigger Chrysler engine.
See the actual Mexican 2017 Dodge Neon
Dodge was set for a "B-sized" (subcompact) sedan and hatchback in early 2018; we have no idea what was planned or if that is still in effect.
Large cars: 300C, Charger, Challenger
Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger are due for a refresh in 2018 which will likely include some lighter weight materials, cosmetic changes, and an upgraded Pentastar V6; they already have UConnect 4.
Over the last year, some have written that the Hemi is to stop at 2018, replaced by a twin turbo (or single twin-screw turbocharged) V6 engine producing over 400 horsepower. This may, like the total redesign of the large cars, be pushed back.
Small pickups
The Brazilian-built Fiat Strada pickup has a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds, and a five-foot, six-inch long bed. The extended cab has a 1,500-pound payload and a four foot, six-inch bed. Towing capacity is said to be 2,000 pounds. A Ram 700 version is sold in Mexico but none is expected for the US.
There was reportedly a new Ram based on the Mitsubishi L200 under development which will likely be used outside of the US and Canada (the L200 was sold as the Dodge Ram 50 in years gone by). Whether this survives Nissan's buy-in to Mitsubishi remains to be seen.
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Changes to the cars
Dodge renamed two existing colors to White Knuckle and Contusion Blue; and some cars gained a new, faster UConnect with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing phones to take over the steering wheel controls, mic, speakers, and touch-screen. One car did not return for 2017: the Dodge Dart. Still, the company kept making them through November 2016, all as 2016 models.
The worldwide 2017 Jeep Compass launch
Confusingly given the same model year as the outgoing car, the 2017 Jeep Compass sits on a 2.6-inch-longer version of the Renegade platform, but is still not as long as the Cherokee. It's wider than the outgoing model and has more interior and cargo space; the sole American engine is the 2.4, with three different transmissions (nine speed auto, six speed auto, six speed manual).
As we predicted, it looks like a smaller Jeep Grand Cherokee, with a Renegade-style grille, 8.4" touch screen stereo option, and optional seven-inch trip computer display. A black painted roof is optional, along with a dual sunroof setup; even the base car comes quite well equipped. See the main (new) 2017 Jeep Compass page.
The hottest cars: Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger
Challenger and Charger both get new Destroyer Gray and Octane Red paints, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A and Dodge Charger Daytona have already been shown; they take some aspects of more expensive Dodge with hotter engines, and integrate them along with unique touches. With suspension upgrades and cold air intakes, they add performance, too, whether buyers get the 5.7 or 6.4 Hemi. See our existing page...
"Mentallica" added that there will be a screen-off hard key below the radio.
Both 2017 Charger Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat cars get new 20 x 9.5 inch "lightweight 5Deep aluminum" wheels with five spokes, finished in low-gloss black; they save four pounds per wheel. There is also new interior and exterior badging, and an LED-lit steering wheel (red on Hellcat, white on 392) for both cars. The order banks open on September 12 in the US; production starts October 17.
Hound's tooth cloth seats are standard on Challenger SXT, R/T, R/T Shaker, and R/T Scat Pack; and on Charger SE, SXT, R/T, and R/T Scat Pack.
The 2017 Dodge Charger has optional 19-inch black wheels with the AWD versions of Charger SE and SXT when the Rallye package is ordered. See standard Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.
As for the Charger Pursuit, the newly launched 12.1 inch touch-screen continues to provide a serious advantage over competitors, since the computer can be stowed safely in the trunk. There is a new gray paint, an optional 5,450 pound towing system with the V6, and a V8 AWD setup. As far as we can tell there are no serious changes.
Chrysler 300
There are new sport appearance packages; the exterior one has a different front fascia and LED fog lamps, new side sills, and a deck-lid spoiler on V8s (optional on 300S V6). The interior package has perforated leather, high-bolstered suede contours, and optional ventilation. A Ceramic Gray paint seems to match Dodge's new Destroyer Gray; shown at the NYC auto show, it's pictured below.
The 300S interior has been upgraded in accents an materials, optional heated and ventilated seats, and a new black with gray leather option. Finally, the Alloy Edition package has dark bronze accents on a blacked-out exterior, with black Nappa leather inside (with contrasting caramel stitching and silvery accents). All 300s will get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. Main Chrysler 300 page.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Perhaps the biggest change for 2017, other than the launch of special Dodge cars, came with the Grand Cherokee.
The updated Trailhawk retains its front and rear tow hooks, and brings 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, and new badges with red accents. They continue to have an anti-glare hood decal, ascent and descent control, limited slip differentials, a special air suspension, and Quadra-Drive II.
Approach angles were reported at 29.8° (36.1° when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading); the breakover angle is 27.1° and the departure angle is 22.8°, with up to 10.8 inches of static ground clearance. The off-road pages have been updated to show wheel articulation, suspension height, and such.
For luxury buyers, the Grand Cherokee Summit has a new leather interior, new exterior appearance (front fascia, fog lamps, grille), and added features, including Lane Departure Warning, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed. There are four color schemes including a new full-wrap Laguna leather in Indigo and Ski Gray.
Rearview camera and rear park sensors are now standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee trims. The Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk have the 2016 75th Anniversary front fascia and grille; the Grand Cherokee SRT has a new front fascia, fog lamps, grille, and Laguna leather interior package. That front looks as though it's ready for a Hellcat engine, doesn't it?
It's still around: the 2017 Dodge Journey
The Journey GT replaces the Journey R/T.
The Journey Crossroad gets a new "satin carbon" wheel finish (not actually shown in their photo, which is of a 2016, so we're not including it except on the Journey page) and two new colors, Spitfire Orange and Rhino, are being added.
2017 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango GT replaces the Limited as the "volume model," giving a monochromatic appearance, but not replacing the existing R/T. Late in 2017 an "Anodized Aluminum" package on Durango Citadel will include black/sepia Nappa leather, hand-wrapped instrument panel, Anodized Gunmetal and Platinum Chrome trim, and Platinum Chrome exterior accents. Late options on the R/T include the hand-wrapped instrument panel and black roof rails.
The more serious news is a rear mounted camera in 8.4-inch models, for viewing trailered items. The Brass Monkey package returns and spreads to GT and R/T. The Blacktop returns for GT and R/T, with new 20-inch glossy black wheels, crosshairs, and badging, a dual exhaust, and black headlamp bezels. Finally, the SXT will come with five-passenger seating and optional seven-passenger seating (late availability).
Jeep Wrangler
The most exciting Jeep news is probably LED headlights and fog lamps, standard on Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon, and optional on Sport and Sport S. These are the first use of LED headlights on any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep.
The company is also adding a cold weather group option to Sport S and Rubicon, including 17-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires, an engine block heater, slush mats, power convenience group, heated seats, and remote start - just the thing for upper Wisconsin and most of Canada.
New colors are Chief, Acid Yellow, Gobi, and Xtreme Purple; the latter was already sold, but is now available on any Wrangler.
Jeep Cherokee
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is getting semi-incentives with more standard features. The Trailhawk gets standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, a power eight-way driver's seat, heated steering wheel, power gate, keyless entry/start, remote start, and garage door opener. The Overland continues, but has two new packages: one with skid plates and a full size spare, and the other with trailer-tow prep.
HID headlights are standard on every Cherokee but Sport.
The Altitude starts with Sport and adds 18-inch black wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tinted glass, and gloss black exterior trim. The High Altitude has the same treatment, but starts with the Limited.
Jeep Renegade
Every Renegade will get standard "keyless go" (pushbutton start, finger-sensing door handles) late in 2017; HID headlamps and automatic high beams will become optional on all models as well. The Limited will get standard passive entry, and Latitude will add the seven-inch trip computer to the UConnect 6.5N package.
The lame ducks: Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Grand Caravan
The Dodge Dart is not returning for 2017. The 200 had a 2017 model but production ended December 2, 2016. The Patriot and old Compass were slated to end in December 2016 - both getting short 2017 model years.
The 2017 Jeep Compass and 2017 Jeep Patriot were down to just two models, Sport and Latitude, but kept the Freedom Drive II package to maintain a Trail Rated model.
The 2017 Grand Caravan (this "2017" photo is really from 2013) is still keeping FCA's #1 or #2 sales status in Canada and keeping the plant running full tilt; but it's not going to make it to calendar-year 2018 without bigger changes which until now have seemed unlikely. In any case, 2017 cuts two models from the lineup, so it's now SE, SE Plus, SXT, and GT. All of them have a 6.5 inch touch-screen and backup camera. The base price is now $24,995 - $1,100 less than the 2016 SE. The SXT is the same price and has the same featuers as the 2016 SXT Plus, but adds remote start, alarm, and 6.5 inch screen. The GT is essentially the old R/T but with the Driver Convenience Group and navigation. The SE Plus has the Blacktop package, standard (it's optional on SXT).
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 Rebel has gained numerous standard features: UConnect 8.4, the media hub, automatic two-zone climate control, anti-spin differential, alarm, remote start, premium gauge cluster, backup camera, and rear park assist.
The Ram 1500 Sport got a standard remote start and alarm; the Laramie Longhorn gained LED bed lighting, pushbutton start/auto door unlocking, automatic high beams, and rain sensing wipers, already on Limited. The Bighorn added standard automatic climate control. Finally, all Rams now have a new five-micron cabin air filter. There were no color changes.
Press materials listed Ram Commercial as a separate grouping in the photo section, but not in the text.
The 2017 Ram 1500 Night Package adds a blackout package to the monochromatic Sport, adding a black grille surround with hex pattern inserts, the Rebel tailgate, black badges, 20 x 9 inch gloss black wheels, and P275/60R20 tires. The package is available on Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab 1500 Sport; it comes in RWD and 4x4, two bed lengths, and V6 or V8 engines.
Options and upgrades include RamBox, a performance hood, and black running boards; colors are silver, white, black, flame red, and Granite Crystal Metallic. Production starts early in the fourth quarter, in Warren, Michigan.
Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups
The Power Wagon and 4x4 Off-Road Package were announced earlier.
The Ram 2500/3500 Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited will all get 6.4 liter Hemi engines; the Longhorn 4x4 and Limited 4x4 both get standard Bilstein monotube shocks. Otherwise, there seem to be no changes.
Chassis cabs
Ram chassis cabs gained five-micron cabin air filters and optional LED tail-lamps, as well as a thousand pounds of tow capacity and gross combined weight ratings:
2017 Chassis-cabs | Trailer weight | GCWR |
Ram 3500 | 23,770 | 31,000 |
Ram 4500 | 25,650 | 33,500 |
Ram 5500 | 30,600 | 38,500 |
The ProMaster now has UConnect 3.0 on all models, a standard wide rear axle on all chassis cab and cutaway versions, standard uptfit interface connectors and rear speaker wiring prep, and a standard electronic parking brake with the diesel. The smoker's group is now a dealer addition, and the 118 inch wheelbase is no longer sold with the diesel.
The ProMaster City has brighter shifter illumination, and rear door reflectors on the inside lower portion of the doors. Ram is claiming a new best in class fuel economy of 29 mpg. There is a single powertrain for ProMaster City - a 178 horsepower Chrysler 2.4 connected to the nine-speed automatic.
UConnect 4
Launched with the Pacifica, UConnect 4 works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your phone and have it take over the car's screen; it also enables Siri and takes over the steering wheel controls. The new system has a better processor, so it starts up faster, and it also has higher-resolution graphics and new imagery, as well as gesture controls (e.g. pinch and swipe). This system is used on the Dodge Charger and Challenger, Chrysler 300, and the Pacifica, and is likely to appear in any new launches or updates.
What's still to come in 2017
We have further predictions, going out to 2018 and beyond, in our upcoming cars/crossovers and upcoming trucks pages. This includes the next full redesign of the large cars, a rear wheel drive midsize Dodge, the rumored RA Pacifica-based crossover, the rumored large FWD Chrysler, and the Jeep Wagoneer.
"True Cherokee" and/or "New Journey"
The schedule remains up in the air, but there is a rear wheel drive crossover coming to FCA. It's aimed at Alfa Romeo, but it seems almost certain that Dodge and perhaps Jeep will get a similar vehicle; Dodge has been paired with Alfa Romeo because Dodge has the volume and Alfa Romeo has the margins. (This is a break from pairing Dodge with Chrysler and Jeep [Nitro/Liberty, Grand Cherokee/Durango].) In any case, the Cherokee is unlikely to be replaced, given its high worldwide volume, but there could be a new compact Jeep rear-drive SUV.
Most likely, though, Jeep will be left alone and the crossover will end up as the new Dodge Journey, or wearing some other Dodge badge - and there are a few 1970s Dodge SUV badges to pick from.
The existing Journey was set for a mid-2016 refresh, with a Journey SRT coming out shortly after; it is highly unlikely we will see a Journey SRT in front wheel drive form.
Jeep Wrangler
The next Wrangler is due for calendar-year 2017. There aren't many apparent major appearance changes aside from the transmission, roof, and roof supports. The Sport Bar is expected to change to a more substantial design to help in rollover safety and overall body rigidity. More lightweight materials are expected, along with the eight-speed automatic.
The troublesome but loved soft top may be replaced by removable soft panels; a fixed-roof version is a possible late addition, along with a Scrambler or Wrangler pickup. LED headlights are certain, and many expect both a turbo four (300 hp or so) and a new VM L424 diesel engine. Full 2018 Wrangler page.
New Ram
Ram shows a major update for calendar-year 2017, which likely includes body-lightening (through new materials and close analysis of the structure) and the much-rumored "PUG" Pentastar engine upgrade, along with stop-start systems. A minor update to the chassis cabs, originally scheduled for calendar year 2016, is also likely.
Chrysler 100, Dodge Neon, and other small cars
A compact Chrysler 100 is overdue; it's a 2017 model year compact car using the SUSW (Small US Wide) platform, an American adaptation of the old SCSS setup, as redesigned to make the Fiat Tipo. The 100 was reportedly to go to Toluca along with the Jeep Compass. It has long appeared on long-term plans, but now we've heard that there may be some frantic activity around prepping a US-legal version of the Mexican Neon, as well (or instead), for sale in the US and Canada.
Susan Rand took the general outlines of the Neon and Fiat Tipo (which it's based on) and used them to come up with this rendering. The Neon could be sold in the US with a 1.4 turbo Fiat engine, as a price leader, while the Chrysler 100, if it has not been dropped, would be more upscale and carry a bigger Chrysler engine.
See the actual Mexican 2017 Dodge Neon
Dodge was set for a "B-sized" (subcompact) sedan and hatchback in early 2018; we have no idea what was planned or if that is still in effect.
Large cars: 300C, Charger, Challenger
Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger are due for a refresh in 2018 which will likely include some lighter weight materials, cosmetic changes, and an upgraded Pentastar V6; they already have UConnect 4.
Over the last year, some have written that the Hemi is to stop at 2018, replaced by a twin turbo (or single twin-screw turbocharged) V6 engine producing over 400 horsepower. This may, like the total redesign of the large cars, be pushed back.
Small pickups
The Brazilian-built Fiat Strada pickup has a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds, and a five-foot, six-inch long bed. The extended cab has a 1,500-pound payload and a four foot, six-inch bed. Towing capacity is said to be 2,000 pounds. A Ram 700 version is sold in Mexico but none is expected for the US.
There was reportedly a new Ram based on the Mitsubishi L200 under development which will likely be used outside of the US and Canada (the L200 was sold as the Dodge Ram 50 in years gone by). Whether this survives Nissan's buy-in to Mitsubishi remains to be seen.
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