Dodge Durango, Jeep Renegade & Ram 1500 Named Best Buys

Dec 22, 2015

2016 Dodge Durango

The editors at Consumer Guide, a highly respected publication in the automotive industry, just heaped a huge amount of praise on three different Fiat Chrysler vehicles. The 2016 Dodge Durango,Jeep Renegade and Ram 1500 were all named to the list of 2016 Best Buy vehicles, putting them in a position well above their competition.

Coming in at the top of the Large SUV segment was the 2016 Dodge Durango. The three-row SUV has actually claimed this prestigious recognition four years in a row, which is itself pretty amazing. To outmuscle the competition, the vehicle boasts advanced onboard technologies, incredible comfort, rugged utility, aggressive looks and a class-leading towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.

One of the most innovative features introduced for the 2016 model is the standard Engine Start-Stop technology for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. It automatically shuts off the engine when the SUV comes to a stop, helping save fuel and cut down on emissions.

Several other exciting changes launched for the 2016 Durango have helped keep it relevant and engaging for consumers. All models gained new standard wheels, and new exterior appearance packages helped spice things up as well. Four additional paint colors were also introduced by Dodge. A more engaging Sport mode was added for each trim level.

The Uconnect system was upgraded in several ways, with additions such as Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM Tune Start and a Do Not Disturb function.

To mix things up even more, the company listened to customer feedback and made the Radar Red interior color available for the Durango R/T. A Beats Premium Audio System is also now an option.

The 2016 Jeep Renegade captured the top slot for the Best Buy Award for Subcompact SUVs. It offers something completely different in a crowded part of the industry, thanks to an exterior that’s original and has a cool retro vibe. The vehicle is also unique for its superior off-road capabilities, an open-air top and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Technology is one of the most compelling parts of the Renegade. BeatsAudio was added for 2016, which comes with a 506-watt amplifier, plus nine speakers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer for great sound quality.

Finally, the 2016 Ram 1500 scooped up the Consumer Guide Best Buy Award for Large Pickup Trucks, an honor it has dominated for the past eight years in a row. The standard 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine is powerful and efficient, easily taking on big jobs. For those who want even better fuel economy, the truck can also be had with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. Either engine is paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. An air suspension, active aero parts, thermal management system and pulse-width modulation all help boost efficiency.

Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, was pretty happy about Fiat Chrysler’s performance for the annual awards. He noted its impressive dominance in the Large Pickup Truck and Large SUV classes, plus said he was pleased that in its first year under consideration the latest Jeep crossover is already doing well.

Each year, Consumer Guide Automotive editors carefully assess over 150 new cars, SUVs, trucks and minivans that are available in the United States. They methodically choose a top vehicle for each class in the market, naming them as Best Buys for that year.

To become a Best Buy, a vehicle cannot just be successful in objective areas such as towing capability, fuel economy or horsepower output. To win in a segment, a car has surpass its competition by demonstrating they’re a better value.