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2017 Chrysler Model Year Preview and Updates

FCA's now-iconic minivan is all-new. The 'Town & Country' tag is out, a resurrected CHRYSLER PACIFICA tag is in, and both the design and content are transformational – at least in the context of a minivan available in North America. And for those looking to both capacity and efficiency, Chrysler now offers a plug-in Pacifica hybrid with 30+ miles of all-electric range. While all Pacifica trims represent good value, with federal tax credits the Pacifica Plug-In is great value. 200: In 2017 Chrysler offers a 200 with both a new Dark Appearance package and an Alloy Edition. The 'Alloy' offers a sport-tuned suspension in combination with an all-wheel-drive system featuring a 'sport' mode for better all-season traction. And then, of course, Chrysler discontinued the 200, citing a lack of all-season sales traction. 300: The venerable (translation: 'old') 300 continues the long run with fourth-generation Uconnect, along with the addition of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Beyond that, it's a new year with new colors, trims and packaging. And while the platform may be showing its age, it remains a compelling option for those wanting upmarket content at a reasonably accessible ($30K to $40K) price point.

Chrysler UConnect wins AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award

The first annual AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award has been won by Chrysler's upgraded UConnect system.
Over 35 entries were considered and narrowed down to six finalists in three categories: Connectivity, Telematics and Active Safety. The judges, which included editors from AOL Autos, Autoblog and Engadget, as well as a number of other auto and tech journalists and luminaries, chose UConnect over the MyFord Mobile app, Audi Connect with Google Maps, Cadillac CUE, Honda's LaneWatch technology and Nissan's Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System. Even readers who were polled on which technology should win chose UConnect.
AOL Autos Editor in Chief David Kiley remarked that Chrysler's UConnect deserved the first Technology of the Year Award not because of what it does, but for how UConnect performs every time it's used. Kiley went on to say UConnect works the way it's supposed to, fills a need and puts a smile on your face. By meeting those requirements, UConnect very much deserved AOL Auto's first Tech of the Year award.

Jeep still working to improve Cherokee's 9-speed auto

Fiat Chrysler is hoping an upcoming software update will stem the tide of consumer complaints surrounding its nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee have reported a number of problems on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SaferCar.gov website, since the new model and its troubled gearbox arrived way back in October 2013. The software update is "intended to keep the vehicle performing as intended, and to prevent durability issues from occurring in the future," an FCA spokesperson told Automotive News, and will be available to owners of both the 2014 to 2015 Jeep Cherokee and the 2015 Chrysler 200, which also uses the 9AT. While FCA will be notifying consumers of the update, owners can also request the software reflash if they happen into their dealer before then. Despite the widely documented problems with the transmission, the only complaints on NHTSA's website relate to the 2014 Cherokee – neither the 2015 Jeep nor the 200 have received any complaints. That bodes well as FCA prepares to begin deliveries of the 2015 Jeep Renegade and launch the Fiat 500X, both of which pair the 9AT with the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder. "We have had to do an inordinate amount of intervention on that transmission, surely beyond what any of us had forecast," FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News. "There are things that we have done – that we continue to do. Our proactive customer care intervention has actually increased in intensity on these vehicles in 2014, especially in the second half." What's fascinating about the 9AT's problems are that they haven't been the fault of manufacturer ZF, but have related to software that wasn't "mature" and had "teething problems," Marchionne has said previously, AN reports. With the lack of criticism for the 9AT in 2015 models and this pending software update, though, here's hoping that FCA has finally figured out its fuel-sipping gearbox. Related Video: