AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• 2014 Ram 1500 and 2500 both named "Top Rated Vehicles on Edmunds.com"
• Jeep^_® Grand Cherokee named "2014 Most Popular on Edmunds.com" in Midsize Traditional SUV category
• Dodge Durango named "2014 Most Popular on Edmunds.com" in Large Traditional SUV category
• Dodge Grand Caravan named "2014 Most Popular on Edmunds.com" in Minivan category

The popular automotive website Edmunds.com has named five Chrysler Group vehicles as award winners. The 2014 Ram 1500 full-size and 2500 heavy duty pickups were named "Top Rated Vehicles on Edmunds.com" during the 2014 New York International Auto Show press days. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Grand Caravan, the most awarded SUV and minivan ever, were listed as the "2014 Most Popular on Edmunds.com" vehicles in the Midsize Traditional SUV and Minivan categories, respectively. Dodge Durango was named most popular in the Large Traditional SUV category.

"Ram pickups earn our top rating on the strength of their excellent chassis and thoughtfully designed cabs," said Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief of Edmunds.com. "The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Dodge Grand Caravan have no shortage of utility and capability, two very important characteristics that continue to attract customers."

"Chrysler Group is very proud to accept these awards from Edmunds.com," said Doug Betts, Head of Quality for Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler Group LLC. "The men and women at Chrysler work very hard to create the best vehicles on the market today, and every award received is proof that we are succeeding."

This is the first year Edmunds.com has issued the Top Rated Vehicles awards.

Ram 1500
Ram 1500 – the most recognizable pickup on the road – delivers 18 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 25 mpg highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a fuel efficient and powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency 28 mpg – unsurpassed torque and up to 9,200 lbs. of towing capability.

Ram 2500
The 2014 Ram 2500 adds new powertrain, suspension and innovative features that deliver the most powerful, capable and comfortable heavy-duty truck in the segment. Ram's Heavy Duty line offers an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with best-in-class (gas engine) 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and the renowned 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6, cranking out 370 horsepower and best-in-class (diesel engine) 800 lb.-ft. of torque. An all-new five-link coil rear suspension system, with an available exclusive rear air suspension, allows for best-in-class ride and handling. The two robust options meld with a new front suspension to handle the best-in-class 17,970 lb. towing capacity. Innovative features such as a cargo bed camera, 5th wheel/gooseneck trailer prep package and the popular Uconnect system come together to offer customers the best ¾-ton truck in the segment.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee completely redefines the premium SUV, delivering an unprecedented combination of best-in-class fuel economy and driving range, available clean-diesel technology, legendary benchmark capability, world-class craftsmanship, and a host of advanced user-friendly technology and safety features. For 2014, Grand Cherokee offers a new EcoDiesel engine with best-in-class 30 mpg highway and an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.  A new eight-speed transmission drives all Grand Cherokee engines, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 – achieving up to 25 mpg and more than 600 miles driving range – and the 5.7-liter V-8, now achieving up to 22 mpg.

Dodge Durango
The new 2014 Dodge Durango takes everything that customers love about Durango and adds the latest advancements in technology to enhance its design, capability and functionality. With a new standard eight-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy up to 15 percent with the available HEMI V-8 engine and delivers up to 25 mpg with the standard Pentastar V-6 engine, new LED exterior lighting and the Dodge brand's signature racetrack taillamps, new available 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen, a new customizable TFT gauge cluster and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system, the 2014 Dodge Durango reaches even higher levels of sophistication building on its proven performance, utility and comfort.

Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan, America's most affordable minivan, is celebrating its 30th birthday in 2014 with special 30th Anniversary models and unique content. The Grand Caravan offers industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating that can be easily operated with one hand, allowing users to convert from carrying seven to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds. The Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine provides best-in-class 283 hp without a penalty at the gas pump, getting up to 25 mpg. The Grand Caravan is equipped with more than 45 safety and security features and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC