Jeep Wrangler Ditches (Awful) Old Headlights for 2017, Dodge Caravan Heads Downmarket

by Steph Willems

Published: September 1st, 2016

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]

#DodgeGrandCaravan #Fca #FiatChryslerAutomobiles #Headlights #Jeep #JeepRenegade #JeepWrangler #Minivans #ProductPlanning

Steph Willems

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9 of 75 comments

Jthorner on Sep 01, 2016

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.

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- Lou_BC on Sep 01, 2016
  
  Good luck long term.
  
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- Jthorner on Sep 02, 2016
  
  @Lou_BC Not likely to be any more troublesome than a Honda Odyssey. In fact, both vehicles have the same predicted reliability per Consumer Reports. But "everyone knows" Hondas are more reliable than Dodges, right?
  
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- Lou_BC on Sep 03, 2016
  
  @jthorner - your reply explains why I have a Sienna.
  
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Thorshammer_gp on Sep 02, 2016

"The Power Wagon adds blacked-out trim, oversized badging and graphics..." Don't all Rams already have oversized badging? That tailgate...good lord.

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- Danio3834 on Sep 02, 2016
  
  He means the extra oversized extreme badging that is found on the Rebel. The new Power Wagon is basically a 2500 Rebel now. A true factory brodozer.
  
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- Lou_BC on Sep 03, 2016
  
  @danio3834 The Power Wagon dropped over 300 lbs in payload in the change over to coils. I don't like the thought of a 250/2500 pickup with only 1,500 lbs payload. Mind you, calling it a Rebel 2500 makes sense since the Rebel 1500 is rated for around 1,000 lbs. Any crewcab should be rated to carry 5 occupants and cargo not 5 occupants or cargo.
  
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- Drzhivago138 on Sep 04, 2016
  
  No, it's only on Rebels and Limited models (both 1500 and HD). And that's a lot fewer vehicles than you might think. And the front R A M, at least on the Limiteds, is much more tasteful in the metal (IMO). On a slightly related note, while paging through the B&P on Ram's website, I saw you can get a "normal" Power Wagon with all the graphics, but also a Power Wagon Tradesman with none of bells and whistles and a Power Wagon Laramie with all of them.
  
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- Lou_BC on Sep 04, 2016
  
  Drzhivago138 - correct.
  
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