2015 Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat Jeep, and RAM Changes

For this week’s installment of Vincent’s Auto Reviews, we’ll be reviewing the changes to Chrysler’s 2015 vehicle lineup.

CHRYSLER:

200: For 2015, the Chrysler 200 gets a redesign, with an all-new platform based on the successful Dodge Dart’s Compact U.S. Wide platform, which, in turn, is based on the Alfa Romeo Giuletta platform. With a new I4 engine, a class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, and standard keyless access with push-button start, there’s no doubt that the newest 200 will sell in large numbers. V6-equipped models get Stop-Start as standard equipment.The previous S Package is now a separate trim level for 2015, and a 200 C is available.

300: The restyled 2015 Chrysler 300 was unveiled in December 2014, and is scheduled to go on sale in January 2015. The new 300 will retain the class-leading standard features, such as leather seating surfaces and a touch-screen audio system, but gains Chrysler's latest-generation U Connect infotainment systems, and larger, eighteen-inch standard alloy wheels. All-wheel-drive is still available, though only on V6-powered models. All models get the eight-speed automatic transmission. The SRT Core and SRT Premium models are discontinued for now, along with the 6.4L HEMI V8 MDS/VCT V8 engine, though Dodge's SRT Hellcat models take their place.

Town and Country: For 2015, the Chrysler Town and Country reintroduces its previously-discontinued LX model, offering a lower price point and more standard features. The price of the LX model will match that of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T. The 30^TH Anniversary Edition model is now dropped. The top-of-the-line Limited model is renamed Limited Platinum.

200 Convertible: For 2015, the Chrysler 200 Convertible has been discontinued due to slow sales.

DODGE:

Dart: For 2015, the Dodge Dart SXT gets new standard sixteen-inch alloy wheels and exterior color front fascia, replacing the previously-standard black-finished front fascia. The base model SE’s price is increased, but more standard features now come as part of the SE Convenience Package.

Avenger: For 2015, the Dodge Avenger has been discontinued due to slow sales, though it is slated to reappear in 2016 as a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. The Dart Aero gets the standard 8.4-inch U Connect touch-screen radio, and on all models, the previously-standard CD/MP3 player is now optional.

Challenger: For 2015, the Dodge Challenger gets even better. A new SRT Hellcat model adds a high-performance V8 engine, while new packages are available. Audio system options are revised, and so are the tire and wheel combinations and interior style and color options. A new split front grille pays tribute to the original 1971 model. Automatic transmission-equipped models are now eight-speed and six-speed manual transmission option remains, of course.

Charger: For 2015, the Dodge Charger gets a mid-cycle restyling, featuring a new front end and revised rear tail lamps. The audio system options are also revised, as are tire and wheel combinations. A new SRT Hellcat model adds a high-performance V8 engine, and the eight-speed automatic transmission becomes standards across all Charger models. All-wheel-drive continues to be available, though only on V6-powered models. The R/T is now a single model, with Plus and Premium Packages available, though the R/T Road and Track Edition remains. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models are late availability, due to be available in Spring 2015.

Grand Caravan: For 2015, the Dodge Grand Caravan SE and SXT 30^TH Anniversary Edition models are dropped.

Journey: For 2015, an all-wheel-drive option for the SE model is now available, and a Chrome Appearance Package is now available on AVP and SE models.

Durango: Restyled for 2014, the Dodge Durango gets no changes for 2015.

FIAT:

500/500c/Abarth: For 2015, the Fiat 500, 500c, and Abarth models get revised front styling and a color instrument cluster display, though the color instrument cluster display is optional on the 500/500c Pop models. The Abarth models finally get an automatic transmission option. The 500S is no longer available for 2015. A new Ribelle model, based on the base Pop model, is now available for the 500 Hatchback, and adds black-finished alloy wheels and a red-painted roof.

500e: For 2015, the Fiat 500e gets no changes, as it was all-new for 2014.

500L: An all-new model for 2015, the Fiat 500L is expected to not get any changes for 2015, though the no-cost Value Packages for the Easy, Trekking, and Lounge models are no longer free of charge packages on these models.

500X: Based on the Jeep Renegade, the all-new Fiat 500X is an all-new model that will go on sale in late 2015 as an early 2016 Model Year vehicle.It is the first Fiat model that is available with four-wheel-drive in the United States.

JEEP:

Compass/Patriot: For 2015, the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot get a High Altitude Edition model.

Renegade: The Jeep Renegade is an all-new model for 2015, introducing younger buyers and international buyers as well into the Jeep lineup. It will share its platform with the all-new 2015 Fiat 500X, which will be unveiled in late 2014 as an early 2015 new model. The Altitude and High Altitude Edition models get a 4X4 option.

Cherokee: Introduced in 2014, the V6-equipped Jeep Cherokees get Stop-Start as standard equipment. Light Frost Beige replaces Iceland Gray as an interior color option.

Grand Cherokee: Restyled for 2014, Active Noise Cancelling is now an option on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The SRT model gets more power, despite having an SRT Hellcat model available (at least not yet). The Altitude Edition and Limited models now has a standard six-speaker non-premium sound system, with the Alpine premium surround-sound system option becoming optional.The SRT model gets a Red Vapor Package, which adds Satin Carbon-painted twenty-inch alloy wheels and a red-and-black two-tone leather/suede interior to the base SRT model.

Wrangler/Unlimited: For 2015, a standard tool kit makes roof removal on the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited easier. The Alpine premium surround-sound system available on other Chrysler models is now available on every model of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The base Wrangler Sport gets an optional Bridgestone Dueler Wheel/Tire Package, which replaces the standard sixteen-inch silver-painted steel wheels and standard tires with 31"x16" Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires and sixteen-inch black-painted steel wheels. The Rubicon X model is renamed the Rubicon Hard Rock, and the Willy's Wheeler and Willy's Wheeler X get the previously-optional Connectivity Package as standard equipment for 2015, which adds U Connect Bluetooth Hands-Free, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD/MP3 and auxiliary input jack and USB port, plus SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio with a one-year trial subscription.

RAM:

1500: For 2015, the RAM 1500 is expected to not get any changes.

2500/3500: For 2015, RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine have increased power and torque.

Chassis Cabs: For 2015, RAM Chassis Cab models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine have increased power and torque.

ProMaster: For 2015, the RAM ProMaster is expected to not get any changes, as it was all-new for 2014.

C/V: For 2015, the RAM C/V is expected to get no changes.

ProMaster City: For 2015, a Fiat Doblo-based Ram ProMaster City will compete with Ford’s Transit Connect and Nissan’s NV200 Compact Cargo Van, available early 2015.