1969 Jeep Cj-5 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jeep's 3-row crossover SUV caught inside and out

Jeep is continuing to test its upcoming three-row full-size crossover, as evidenced by new spy photos shown above. Though the exterior doesn't reveal much new, we do get our first look at the inside of the new SUV. Unfortunately, the interior is well-camouflaged. We can tell it has the same corporate steering wheel and shifter as found on other Jeeps such as the Grand Cherokee. It also has highly-stylized gauges and needles, with an LCD display between the two main dials. The gauge cluster is interesting with a dial layout that is completely different from the two-row Grand Cherokee and the three-row Dodge Durango, indicating it doesn't borrow much on the inside from those vehicles. The tachometer is clearly visible, too, and it shows a redline of about 5,500 rpm. That redline corresponds with the turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Wrangler, Cherokee, and, in single-overhead-cam form, the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. So it seems this big Jeep may have that four-cylinder engine, probably in the twin-cam Jeep iteration. This would also match previous reports, but we're sure if there will be other engine options. Based on leaked images of the SUV, it bears a passing resemblance to the Jeep Yuntu concept that was shown in China in April 2017. Those leaked images also reveal the name "Grand Commander." Many of the leaks and information about the big Jeep have been related to China, but with automakers such as Subaru and Volkswagen expanding into large three-row SUVs, we wouldn't be surprised if the big Jeep comes here, too. We could also see it carrying the old Grand Wagoneer name. Related Video:

Dodge Durango SRT vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT | Which should you buy?

Choice is a good thing. And when it comes to high-performance sport utility vehicles, there are more choices today than ever before to tantalize buyers into showrooms. And why not? Americans love SUVs, and, while there's a stronger push to go green now than ever before in the history of internal combustion, there's still a large contingent of buyers who firmly believe in choosing the biggest, baddest, most powerful powerplant. For those buyers, the Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT are two of the most potent options. But which one should you buy? They both deliver 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. They both do 0-60 in around 4.4 seconds, and both boast top speed numbers that will handily land you in jail if written on a speeding ticket. Choosing between the two, then, is a bit more nuanced than which is faster. That said, the Jeep is probably a bit quicker at the track than the Dodge. We'd wager than the Grand Cherokee SRT's 5,104-pound curb weight (versus 5,510 for the Durango SRT) and 114.8-inch wheelbase (versus 119.8) will pay small dividends in acceleration, cornering, and braking performance. So, if that's the only category by which you believe these SRT-fettled SUVs should be judged, choose the Jeep. View 17 Photos But let's get real here for a moment. As much fun as it is to wrangle a brutish ute 'round a racetrack – and trust us when we tell you it's a blast – the number of hi-po SUV owners who will ever show up at Bondurant in an SRT-badged 4x4 is probably in the single digits. So, when evaluating which of the two Hemi-powered vehicles is right for you, ultimate lap times are probably of little concern. If you're choosing between these two overpowered players, practicality is probably just as important as performance. And in that category, the Durango SRT comes out on top. For starters, the Dodge is a three-row SUV with six seats, whereas the Jeep is a two-row, five-passenger platform. Fold down the rear bench and there's 84.5 cubic feet of cargo area in the Durango, versus 68.7 in the Grand Cherokee. And if you tow, the Durango SRT's 8,600-pound max rating handily bests that of the Grand Cherokee SRT's 7,200-pound capacity. Ask yourself what's most important: performance or practicality. And then consider the price. The Dodge is nearly $4,000 less expensive than the Jeep.

Chrysler Recalls 350K Vehicles To Fix Ignition Switches

Chrysler is recalling nearly 350,000 cars and SUVs to fix ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off the engines. The recall covers 2008 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, and Dodge Magnum wagons. All were built before May 12, 2008. Chrysler says the ignitions may not fully return to the "on" position after being started. The switches could move to "accessory" or "off." That could shut off the engine and knock out power-assisted steering and other features. Chrysler knows of one crash and no injuries from the problem. It's telling people to use the key alone in the ignition and confirm that switches have returned to "on" after starting their cars. Chrysler is investigating the cause. Customers will be notified when repairs are ready. Related Gallery The Trucks And SUVs Consumers Are Liking Most View 11 Photos