Consumers Digest Awards Five FCA US Vehicles With 'Best Buys' for 2017 Model Year

News provided by

Nov 07, 2016, 02:45 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

All-new Chrysler Pacifica named a "Best Buy" in Minivan segment
Chrysler 300 earns fifth "Best Buy" award in Luxury Car segment
Jeep® Renegade named a "Best Buy" in Subcompact SUV segment for second consecutive year
Jeep Grand Cherokee named a "Best Buy" for seventh consecutive year
Ram 1500 earns a "Best Buy" award in Pickup segment, third nod in four years

Consumers Digest has named its "Best Buys" for the 2017 model year and FCA US LLC brands are well represented.

The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica earned a spot on Consumers Digest's list of automotive "Best Buys," joining four other award winners from FCA US. This marks the debut of the Chrysler Pacifica as a first-time contestant and a winner in the Minivan category.

"With our selection of five of its 2017 models as Consumers Digest Best Buys, FCA US garnered more than 10 percent of the total number of Best Buys for a model year for the fourth model year in a row," says Consumers Digest Editor Rich Dzierwa. "Of particular note, the new-for-2017 Chrysler Pacifica was one of only four 2017 Consumers Digest automotive Best Buys that was a unanimous selection of our panel."

The Jeep® Grand Cherokee (mid-size SUV), Jeep Renegade (subcompact SUV), Ram 1500 (pickups) and Chrysler 300 (luxury cars) are 2017 "Best Buy" award recipients, in addition to the arrival of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica (minivan).

Consumers Digest selects "Best Buys" by identifying vehicles that deliver the most value for the money within their segment; value is determined by purchase price and ownership costs, as well as comfort, performance and utility among other factors. The automotive editors at Consumers Digest drive "Best Buy" contenders in a range of circumstances and conditions to evaluate vehicle characteristics, such as acceleration, ride quality, fuel economy, fit and finish, styling and interior ergonomics.

About Chrysler Pacifica
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of the year.

About Chrysler 300
Celebrating more than nine decades of American ingenuity, the 2017 Chrysler 300 lineup delivers on the brand's promise of style, sophistication, world-class quality and technology – all at an attainable value. Through iconic design proportions with inspired materials; class-exclusive innovations, including all-new fourth-generation Uconnect touchscreen systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus improved features, performance and award-winning interface; TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission delivering 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy standard on every model; plus the availability of the segment's most advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system and numerous style packages, including the all-new Exterior and Interior Sport Appearance Packages with enthusiast appointments on 300S, the Chrysler 300 lineup is America's big and bold sedan.

About Jeep Renegade
The 2017 Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class, off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

About Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit's premium exterior aesthetics. Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep's Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in six trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, Trailhawk and SRT.

About Ram 1500
Ram Truck builds America's longest-lasting pickups. Contributing to that title, the Ram 1500 boasts numerous segment-exclusive features in areas most important to truck buyers. Supporting best-in-class fuel efficiency of 29 miles per gallon is an exclusive EcoDiesel V-6 engine. Class leading ride and handling is accomplished via a unique link-coil rear suspension system with optional air suspension. Other features such as Ram Box bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor offer unique solutions for cargo. Available in 11 different trim levels, the Ram 1500 has a full size pickup for everyone.

About Consumers Digest
Consumers Digest and ConsumersDigest.com are designed to inform and educate readers, so they can buy with confidence, no matter the product or service. For 55 years, the publication has been committed to providing practical advice, factual evaluations and specific recommendations that lead consumers to exceptional values in today's complex marketplace. The "Consumers Digest Best Buy" designation is a registered certification mark of Consumers Digest Communications LLC, used in this press release with permission. For award information, visit www.ConsumersDigest.com.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

Follow FCA US news and video on:
FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com
Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: 360.fcanorthamerica.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
Media website: media.fcanorthamerica.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fcacorporate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo