AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MotorWeek, television's original automotive magazine, has released its annual list of Drivers' Choice Awards and Chrysler Group took top honors in two categories. The 2014 Ram 1500 earns Best Pickup Truck for the second year in a row and the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee wins Best Small Utility.
"I was really impressed with the Ram 1500 when it won last year. After I drove the EcoDiesel I felt completely justified in making the 1500 a back-to-back winner," said John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek. "And, this is the best Cherokee yet. Hugs the road like a car and slings mud like a true truck. Really an awesome on and off-road utility that fully lives up to the Cherokee name."
MotorWeek has judged the best new cars and trucks of the year for the past 33 years. Its annual Drivers' Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer's point of view, judging on value and reliability, while also taking the latest trends and innovation into consideration.
"MotorWeek is a well-established source of information for consumers and we're thrilled to accept their Drivers' Choice Award for both the Ram 1500 and our all-new Jeep Cherokee," said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC. "These awards were earned in two of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. Third party recognition from MotorWeek affirms the hard work and commitment of Ram and Jeep employees to deliver great products."
An episode of MotorWeek featuring all of our winners is currently scheduled to air beginning February 8th on PBS and on Discovery's Velocity Network, February 18th.
Ram 1500
Ram 1500 - the most recognizable pickup on the road - delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a fuel efficient and powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency - at least 27 miles per gallon (mpg) - unsurpassed torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability.
All-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee
There is a new king of the hill in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment: the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling, a modern, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features. The Jeep Cherokee is set to delight consumers both on the road and on the trail.
Powered by two new engines, three innovative new 4x4 systems that feature the first use of a fully-automated disconnecting rear axle, the Jeep Cherokee revolutionizes the mid-size SUV segment. The Cherokee delivers leading-edge technology customers will value, world-class craftsmanship and clever features like the available 8.4-inch touch screen media center, the seven-inch full color instrument cluster display, inventive storage solutions and cargo flexibility not found elsewhere in the segment.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States: Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and Cherokee Trailhawk, and has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $22,995 (excluding $995 destination).
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC
