Why Does FCA Keep Getting Jeep Wrong?
Fiat Chrysler Auto (FCA) bought Jeep in 2014, and since then, some weird new vehicles have come out. Options like the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Gladiator, and Grand Jeep Wagoneer are letting people down.
Problems with the Grand Jeep Wagoneer
Once the Grand Jeep Wagoneer made its debut, fans were pretty underwhelmed. FCA introduced the new Wagoneer as a concept vehicle, leaving a lot of room for questions. For example, will the SUV actually come out, and what changes will be made?
Maybe FCA showed us the Grand Jeep Wagoneer to gauge audience reactions. So far, some fans can’t wait for the luxurious ride, and others are disappointed. For one thing, the Grand Jeep Wagoneer doesn’t look retro.
Instead of giving the nod to the classic model, the new Grand Wagoneer doesn’t have a classic boxy frame or wood paneling on the sides. It looks like a cross between a Chevy Tahoe and Lincoln Navigator with a smushed face.
Also, JEEP stands for Just Enough Essential Parts, so creating a massive luxury SUV goes against that acronym. Who knows how much this Jeep SUV will cost and what unnecessary bells and whistles will be included.
Problems with the Jeep Gladiator
Fans couldn’t wait for the return of a Jeep truck. However, the Gladiator turned out to be pretty disappointing. Fans wanted a smaller option, like the Jeep Comanche, which only had two-doors.
Instead, that got a midsize Gladiator with limited options that don’t suit the needs of truck drivers well. You can’t upgrade to a larger cab, and it only tows up to 7,650, putting it behind other rivals in its class. For example, the Ford F-150 can tow up to 13,200.
Also, the Jeep Gladiator is expensive. It starts around $33,550, while other midsize trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma, begin around $26,050. If you want the Rubicon trim, then you’ll have to spend about $45,000, unless the MSRP has been marked up to over $50k.
The EcoDiesel engine will be available for the Jeep Gladiator soon, but it doesn’t offer a V8. This is causing fans to pick the Ram 1500 instead of the Gladiator as it better suits there trucks needs.
Problems with the Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is great. It’s sporty, capable, and fun to drive. Only the base engine is weak. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine only pumps out 180-hp. This is fine, but when paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is sluggish.
Plus, the Jeep Renegade can be called a Fiat due to the number of parts it shares with the Fiat 500. It has the same chassis, motor, and more. Generally, a Jeep is supposed to be mean and confident, not cute, like a little egg-shaped ride.
Now the Ford Bronco Sport is out with an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 245-hp. Also, in Italy, there are diesel Jeep Renegades that take the streets by storm. Hopefully, the Jeep Renegade 4xe will come with the power boost it needs.
