Consumers Digest Awards Six FCA US Vehicles With 'Best Buys' for 2016 Model Year

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Nov 02, 2015, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Jeep® Renegade achieves a 'Best Buy' in the new Subcompact SUVs segment
Jeep Grand Cherokee named a 'Best Buy' for six consecutive years
Dodge Challenger earns its second 'Best Buy' and Dodge Durango repeats for fifth consecutive year
Chrysler 300 earns fourth 'Best Buy' award
Fiat 500 is five-time honoree in Subcompact segment

The results are in for the Consumers Digest "Best Buys" for 2016 model year and several FCA US brands are driving away with accolades.

The 2016 Jeep® Renegade earned a spot on Consumers Digest's list of automotive 'Best Buys,' joining five award winners from FCA US LLC. This marks the debut of the Jeep Renegade as a first-time contestant and a winner in the new category of Subcompact SUVs.

"In the inaugural year of Consumers Digest's review and recommendation of subcompact SUVs, it's notable that the Jeep Renegade was the only model in the segment that emerged as a Best Buy during the first phase of our evaluation process," said Rich Dzierwa, Editor-in-Chief, Consumers Digest.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee (Mid-size SUV), Dodge Challenger (Sporty Cars), Dodge Durango (Full-size SUV), Chrysler 300 (Luxury Cars) and Fiat 500 (Subcompacts) are 2016 "Best Buy" award recipients, in addition to the arrival of the new Jeep Renegade (Subcompact SUV).

Consumers Digest selects "Best Buys" by identifying vehicles that deliver the most value for the money within their segment; value is determined by purchase price and ownership costs, as well as comfort, performance and utility among other factors. The automotive editors at Consumers Digest drive "Best Buy" contenders in a range of circumstances and conditions to evaluate vehicle characteristics, such as acceleration, ride quality, fuel economy, fit and finish, styling and interior ergonomics.

About Jeep Renegade
The 2016 Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

About Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit's premium exterior aesthetics.

A refined exterior design - complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) - provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland and Summit.

About Dodge Challenger
The Dodge brand's Challenger muscle-car arsenal is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305-horsepower, 30 mpg 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance.

The 10 available trim levels for the 2016 Dodge Challenger include: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus, R/T Plus Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat.

About Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango's combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment. For the 2016 model year, the Durango lineup features new exterior appearance packages, new upgrades to its class-exclusive Uconnect system, a new standard wheel on each model and four all-new paint colors.

For 2016, all Dodge Durango models now offer Sport mode capability, which drivers can select for a more responsive driving experience. Turning on Sport mode changes the steering calibration, pedal calibration and shift pattern to further enhance the Durango's outstanding on-road driving performance.

About Chrysler 300
With roots that date back to 1925, the Chrysler brand is proud to celebrate its anniversary with the Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition. And like the founding father's mission to deliver style, sophistication, quality and engineering excellence - all at an attainable value - the Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition builds on the 300 Limited model's long list of standard features. This limited-edition sedan adds the innovative Uconnect 8.4AN with the segment's largest 8.4-inch touchscreen display, 3-D GPS navigation, AM/FM/HD radio, SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth, Uconnect Access, plus SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link. The package also includes the segment's largest dual-pane sunroof and HomeLink universal transceiver. And to make sure this Chrysler 300 is unique, commemorative 90th Anniversary Edition appointments include a startup splash screen logo and premium floor mats with an embroidered logo.

About Fiat 500/500c
Beautiful Italian styling combined with functionality, efficient design and innovative technology have been hallmark attributes for the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), making it a timeless icon for nearly 60 years. And for 2016, the Fiat 500 will continue to deliver on these attributes by introducing new features and exterior paint colors to enhance the customer's driving experience and personalization options.

For 2016, the Fiat 500 lineup features the Uconnect 5.0 system with a 5-inch touchscreen that enables handsfree calling via Bluetooth-equipped phones, as well as voice-command control of AM/FM, and optional SiriusXM Radio and navigation system. Digital music can be streamed wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth smartphones or audio players supported by a media hub equipped with an auxiliary jack and USB port that enables recharging and seamless operation of portable devices. An integrated CD player offers additional media flexibility.

About Consumers Digest
The "Consumers Digest Best Buy" designation is a registered certification mark of Consumers Digest Communications LLC, used in this press release with permission. For award information, visit www.ConsumersDigest.com.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

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