Jeep Wrangler Ditches (Awful) Old Headlights for 2017, Dodge Caravan Heads Downmarket
Upgrades are coming to several Fiat Chrysler Automobiles models, with the automaker announcing it will ditch some of the worst headlights in the industry.
No previously unannounced products are mentioned in FCA’s 2017 model year changes, but many models will receive new equipment. In the case of the Dodge Grand Caravan, which soldiers on in the shadow of the new Chrysler Pacifica, the new year comes with a new price.
Jeep scored plenty of failing grades back in July when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested small SUV headlights. The Wrangler, Renegade and Patriot all scored “poor” ratings from IIHS, but that could change next year.
LED headlamps appear in the Wrangler lineup for 2017, as well as new foglamps. The new lights are optional on Sport and Sport S models, and come standard on Sahara and Rubicon models. Late in the model year, the Renegade adopts high-intensity discharge headlamps. Nothing changes with the Patriot because that ancient model is awaiting the executioner.
Chrysler’s Pacifica minivan wowed us with its level of technology and creature comforts, but shocked us with its sticker price. At the opposite end of the minivan price scale is the Dodge Grand Caravan, which FCA just made more affordable by knocking $1,100 off the price of a base SE. The lineup shrinks to four trim levels ahead of the model’s death, but there’s a chance the automaker might keep it around for longer than just a year.
Changes to FCA’s rear-drive trio amount to a next-generation Uconnect infotainment system and 8.4 inch touchscreen in the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger. Sport appearance packages are available on the aging 300.
Nothing changes at Fiat, but Ram sees the addition of the brawny, manly, macho (are we forgetting anything?) Power Wagon to the 2500 Heavy Duty pickup line. The Power Wagon adds blacked-out trim, oversized badging and graphics, and a host of cherry-picked accessories. It’s an over-the-top hair metal band on wheels.
[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
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We just bought a new 2016 Grand Caravan for $7,000 off MSRP, so moving the MSRP down a notch doesn't mean the actual sale prices are going down. We needed a vehicle with these capabilities and the GC was a screaming good deal compared to any SUV with similar capacity and compared to the much more expensive versions from Japanese companies. Some of what we ended up with we didn't need, the the rear seat video screen, but at $21,500 well equipped it couldn't be beat.
"The Power Wagon adds blacked-out trim, oversized badging and graphics..." Don't all Rams already have oversized badging? That tailgate...good lord.