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The minivan market is set apart in many ways from the rest of the automotive market. Where sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other types of vehicles tend to appeal to consumers primarily through exterior styling, performance and fuel economy, people who buy minivans are typically more concerned with characteristics like safety, roominess, and comfort. That leads us to what may be most impressive about the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. Yes, it’s safe; actually, it’s among the safest in its class. And yes, it’s roomy and comfortable. However, the Pacifica also stands out for its exterior and interior appearance, as well as its performance and fuel efficiency, among other things. The truth is, the Pacifica delivers a remarkable blend of style and function, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better all-around family vehicle. Maybe that’s why it has been the most-rewarded minivan for three straight years, including “2019 Family Car of the Year” by Cars.com and a Consumer Guide “Best Buy” for the last four years. Here are eight reasons why families should consider the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica: It’s really safe The safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Pacifica are nearly perfect. The tests resulted in a five-star overall rating (highest possible), five stars in the frontal and side crashes, and four stars for the rollover. These ratings tie the Pacifica with the Honda Odyssey for safest minivan on the market. Aside from the crash tests, the Pacifica boasts a plethora of standard and available safety features. For instance, buyers can expect these features to come standard: ABS brakes Stability control Seatbelt pretensioners Security system Child safety locks Rear-view camera Rear parking sensors Rear cross-traffic alert Blindspot monitoring Buyers also have the option for many upgrades, such as automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking assistance, automatic high-beam lights, front crash prevention, lane departure monitoring, parallel parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. It’s also worth mentioning that, when equipped with front crash prevention and automatic high-beam lights, the Pacifica was named by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) a “Top Safety Pick.”   In other words, Pacifica's safety ratings and features can provide you with peace of mind and confidence as you drive your little ones around. It can seat eight The standard configurations of most of the Pacifica trim levels seat seven passengers. However, all trims can be upgraded to seat eight passengers for $595. A $495 bundle including eight-passenger seating and a dual-pane sunroof is available for the Limited trim. Also available as an upgrade is the Stow ‘n Go Seating and Storage System, which is the only system of its kind. Rather than having to completely remove the seats from the second and third rows, as is required with other minivans in its class, the Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seats easily fold into the floor. This allows you to quickly add tons of storage space, and you don’t have to store your seats anywhere! Furthermore, you can slide the Stow ‘n Go seats forward to access in-floor bins for even more storage. It’s easier to keep clean While the Stow ’n Go seats bring an SUV-like quality to the Pacifica, there’s another feature that sets the minivan apart from others in its class: the “Stow ‘n Vac.” This built-in vacuum, manufactured by Ridgid, is discreetly tucked into the side panel of the second-row and can extend to every corner of the cabin. It’s really easy to use, and it quickly picks up light and medium-sized debris. The Stow ‘n Vac is standard on the Limited trim. It’s comfortable When it comes to comfort, the Pacifica does not disappoint. The front seats provide plenty of legroom and headroom, with 41.1” and 40.1,” respectively. The second row is also sufficient, with 39” of legroom and 39.6” of headroom. The third row provides 36.5” of legroom and 38.7” of headroom, which makes for a snug fit for average-sized adults but is perfect for petite individuals and children. Plus, the seats themselves are uber-comfortable, whether you go with cloth or leather upholstery. Optional on the Pacifica is powered front passenger seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and powered third-row seats that fold down. These features—combined with a smooth, quiet ride, refined handling, and a class-leading Uconnect infotainment system—make the Pacifica a go-to vehicle both for long road trips and quick drives around the town. It looks distinguished Another area where the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica seems to outdo the competition is its appearance. The minivan is beautiful both inside and out. When you see the Pacifica pulling up, there’s no mistaking it for any other vehicle. It’s sleek, clean, and distinguished. It emits a good deal of attitude, especially for a minivan, though it also maintains a sense of elegance. Whichever trim level you go with, the Pacifica looks more like a luxury vehicle than a conventional minivan. The inside is perhaps even more impressive. In a word, it’s handsome. But the Pacifica’s interior not only looks the part—the high-quality materials used to construct its polished design fit seamlessly together, all of which come together for an upscale cabin that rivals even the most luxurious vehicles on the market. Additionally, with its expansive windows, the cabin provides remarkable views of the outdoors. And it has enough cubbies, cupholders, and slide-out bins to keep everyone happy. It has refined performance The 2020 Pacifica also impresses when it comes to performance. Every trim level comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and gets you to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The only exception is the Pacifica Hybrid, which adds two electric motors and a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery to the 3.6-liter V6 engine and reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. All the Pacifica models (non-hybrid and hybrid) feel considerably lively on the road. The fact that the Pacifica provides a smooth and quiet ride may not necessarily set it apart from the rest of the class. However, it’s probably the most agile minivan on the market. It has exceptionally responsive brakes, precise steering, and minimal body lean—all of which help it feel notably secure around turns. It offers above-average fuel economy Along with impressive performance, the 2020 Pacifica is among the top of its class for fuel-efficiency. The non-hybrid trims come in at 28 MPG highway, 19 MPG city, and 22 MPG combined. As can be expected, the Pacifica Hybrid offers even better fuel economy with 30 MPG combined and 82 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). In short, the Pacifica can provide better fuel economy than some SUVs. It comes with significant 2020 updates While there hasn’t been a complete overhaul of structure or style with the Chrysler Pacifica since it replaced the Town & Country nameplate in 2017, there are some notable new features offered for the 2020 models. Along with simplifying its lineup (which we will discuss below), the 2020 Pacifica comes with an optional “Red S” package for an additional $3,995. Buyers of the Pacifica Limited can opt for the package, which showcases two-tone Nappa leather seats (red and black) with light gray stitching and a sporty “S” stitched onto the front buckets. The Red S Edition also comes with custom 20-inch wheels, shiny black accents on the exterior, custom silver trim on the doors and gauges, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a Uconnect rear theater system. This package definitely adds some flare to the family-friendly vehicle. Additional features new to 2020 include a dual- or tri-pane panoramic sunroof, eight-passenger seating, black control panel bezels, and Ceramic Gray exterior finish. The Pacifica Trims Chrysler made some changes to the Pacifica lineup for 2020. What used to be the Pacifica L and LX are now a separate vehicle named the Chrysler Voyager, which is basically an economy version of the Pacifica. For 2020, there are four trim levels available for the Pacifica: Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. The Touring Starting at $33,495 MSRP, the base model Touring is a solid choice. It comes with a lot of standard features and can be outfitted with several configurations. As previously mentioned, the Touring comes standard with a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blindspot monitoring. Other standard features include: Six-speaker audio system Uconnect infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth connectivity 7” touchscreen Satellite radio capability One USB port Tri-zone automatic climate control Remote start Alloy wheels Powered driver’s seat There are two primary upgrade packages available on the Touring. The Uconnect Theater with Wireless Streaming package is an additional $2,395, and it provides HD radio, an 8.4” touchscreen, two 10” seatback touchscreens, and three additional USB ports. The Cold Weather Group package adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Furthermore, if you don’t have a sunroof, you can add an overhead DVD player for $995. The Touring L The base price for the Pacifica Touring L is $36,745, and it comes with the Cold Weather package, as well as perforated leather seats and grocery bag hooks on the backs of the third-row seats. For $895, you can opt for the Premium Audio Group package, which includes a powered front passenger seat, 13-speaker Alpine audio system, 8.4” touchscreen, and additional USB charging ports in the second- and third-rows. The Touring L Plus Coming in at $39,545, the Pacifica Touring L Plus comes with many of the same features as the Touring L. However, the Uconnect Theater with Wireless Streaming package comes standard. Also standard are heated second-row seats, a WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. Additionally, buyers of the Touring L Plus can opt for a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for $695, as well as hands-free powered sliding doors and a hands-free liftgate. The Limited As can be expected, the $44,445 Pacifica Limited is loaded with much of Chrysler's best. Though it doesn't come stock with the Uconnect Theater with Wireless Streaming package, it is available as a $1,995 upgrade. Nonetheless, the Limited does include the hands-free powered sliding doors and a hands-free liftgate. Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, a tri-pane sunroof, and Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Vac also come standard. The Pacifica Hybrid The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid retails from $40,245 to $45,800 and is offered in three trim levels: Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited. The Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid models are similar when it comes to safety, comfort, looks, and performance. Whether you should opt for a non-hybrid or hybrid version really depends on how important fuel efficiency is to you, as the Pacifica Hybrid leads the minivan market at 30 MPG combined and 82 MPGe. However, it doesn’t come with an eight-passenger option.   If you’re looking for a great all-around vehicle for your family, it’s hard to beat the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. It’s as safe a vehicle as you will find. It wins at style, it wins at function, and it has tons of standard features. If you would like to see for yourself, be sure to come by our dealership for a test drive!

Online shopping is nothing new, but shopping for a car on Facebook Marketplace is the wave of the future. Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat has a great selection of new and used vehicles for sale, and now you can check them all out from the comfort of your own home. Once upon a time, the idea of using a social media site to do any sort of serious business felt strange. Not so much anymore though, as we see plenty of wheeling and dealing on all kinds of sites—social media or other. It actually works out nicely. Social media, for better or worse, has become an integral part of our lives, so why not embrace it a bit more and do a little business, like buying a new or used car kind of business. You can save your results and favorite makes and models and contact others for advice and access in minutes an entire lineup of vehicles that would otherwise take you days to peruse. Facebook Marketplace is a smart way to buy a new or used vehicle, and at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat we embrace the trend and are offering a huge selection of vehicles at ultra-low prices. Why Car Shop on Facebook Marketplace? Facebook’s marketplace first appeared back in 2007 as an alternative to Craigslist for buying and selling, listing jobs, etc. But then in 2014 it mysteriously disappeared only to return two years later. In 2016 Marketplace was reinvented as a platform focused on buying and selling locally. This new, and improved, marketplace served over 500 million people in the years to come, and a lot of those people were buying vehicles. In 2017, Facebook collaborated with Cars.com in order to entice dealerships to work with Marketplace more regularly in order to draw more car shoppers to Facebook rather than Craigslist or Autotrader. So far this has worked incredibly well for both Facebook and dealerships like us. Facebook is able to vet each dealership that works with its Marketplace—making sure all advertisements and sales are honest and accurate. This way, buyers know that what they are looking at is currently on our lot and that the vehicle is exactly as advertised. A huge benefit to using Facebook Marketplace for car shopping is due to what’s called Social Sales Drive. This new product utilizes proprietary artificial intelligence technology to create virtual conversations with shoppers any time they are on the site. Using Facebook Messenger, Social Sales Drive is able to do something most other car-buying sites can’t: create clear online communication between dealerships and customers at any time. These virtual conversations are created by managing queries from shoppers after they find a vehicle they like on the site. Here’s exactly how it works: Through Cars.com, our dealership shares our entire inventory to Facebook Marketplace. The customer then visits Marketplace looking for a new or used vehicle. Once the customer finds something he likes, he contacts the dealership through Facebook Messenger or click-to-call from the VDP of the chosen vehicle. Then the proprietary AI-powered chatbot, named “Ana Bot,” gives the shopper real-time answers to any inquiries on the vehicle—and this is available at any time on any day of the week. The benefit of this type of car shopping is that dealerships don't miss an opportunity to serve a customer and you, the customer, can get detailed information on any car at literally any time. Now, when the customer heads to the dealership, he already has a vehicle picked out and is ready for a test drive. It really doesn’t get much easier to buy a car than that. What We Have to Offer Presently, we have plenty to offer on Facebook Marketplace. To begin shopping, once you access Marketplace you can specify the details to the type of vehicle you are   looking for, such as the body style, make, model, mileage, production year, etc. Or, you can simply begin scrolling through the photos until something catches your eye. Here are a few of the great deals you will find on our Facebook Marketplace: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport at $24,850. 2018 Jeep Renegade Altitude for $16,300. 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited for only $12,450. 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Coupe at $31,523. Plus there are plenty of 2019 models both new and used. Each option, once clicked on, enhances so you can get all the details you need—and don’t forget to chat with Ana Bot about any information you can’t seem to find.   Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is excited about making your car buying experience easier and more informative than ever. Visit our Marketplace site on Facebook today (or tonight or at two in the morning) then come see us in person to find that car you have been looking for.

Demand for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, though they still only claimed about 2% of the U.S. market share in 2018 (global market share is similar). That number includes battery-operated vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The thought on everyone's mind: is this the future of driving? The primary difference between the two types of vehicles is that a BEV runs solely off the energy from the vehicle's battery, while a PHEV uses the battery alongside a fuel tank that kicks in at various intervals. There would be clear benefits to drivers and the environment if BEVs were to become mainstream. However, there are currently just too many drawbacks to know how successful the BEV market can become. While many proponents are hopeful that BEVs will eventually become commonplace, the future of these vehicles remains largely unknown due to a number of unanswered questions and issues yet to be resolved. For instance, how will drivers have access to charging their vehicles? Will there be convenient charging stations like there are gas stations? Also, can we expect improvements to be made with batteries in the future? This article will explore the potential advantages of a BEV-driven world and the challenges that BEV drivers currently face, and we'll take a look at some of the main questions and issues that are too prevalent to be ignored. ADVANTAGES OF A BEV-HEAVY MARKET Even though we are still in the early stages of developing electric vehicles, BEVs currently come with many benefits, and it's not hard to see how these benefits could become even more impactful as technology improves. Lower Operating Costs For one, it's much cheaper to charge a BEV than it is to run a traditional vehicle off of gas; it's actually about one-third of the cost. Also, a BEV contains very few moving parts compared to a traditional vehicle, which means it's less expensive to maintain. For instance, with a BEV you don't have to worry about servicing a starter motor, fuel injection system, exhaust system, or radiator, among many other components. Though many improvements need to be made to these vehicles' batteries, most BEV manufacturers provide an eight-year warranty on their batteries even now. Environmental Benefits Some of the most obvious advantages are those that benefit the environment. BEVs have virtually no exhaust emissions, which means they emit much less pollution than traditional vehicles do. And if you use renewable energy for charging, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced even lower. For example, rather than charging from the grid, you can use a polar PV system while there's daylight. If you must use the grid, you can still minimize greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing green power from your electricity company. Even the manufacturing of some of the top BEVs is eco-conscious. For instance, the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf are largely made of recycled and bio-based materials, such as plastic bags, water bottles, and second-hand car parts and home appliances. Health and Safety Along with the financial and environmental benefits, BEVs can help improve our health and safety. Less pollution from exhaust means better air quality, which can reduce health problems caused by pollution, and BEVs create much less noise pollution than traditional vehicles. Also, since BEVs typically have a lower center of gravity, they are less likely to roll over. Furthermore, fires aren't as much of a risk, and the body structure of BEVs can prove more durable in a collision. DISADVANTAGES OF CURRENT BEV MARKET Of course, there are also drawbacks to BEVs. While they have enjoyed success, it has been with a limited group of consumers. Charging Times Tesla has led innovation in the BEV market in many ways, including its Supercharger networks, which can charge vehicles in about 30 minutes. However, that's still a lot more time than it takes to fill the gas tank of a traditional vehicle. What's more, scientists behind the efforts of manufacturers like Tesla and Toyota have their doubts about the possibility of reducing charging times enough to satisfy mainstream consumers. And since Toyota has been in the electric vehicle game for over 20 years, that speaks to the magnitude of this problem. Electricity Generated Another prevalent issue with BEVs is that they require electricity, which must come from somewhere. In states like California, most of the electricity comes from natural gas supplies, but states like West Virginia use coal to generate up to 90% of its electricity. Overall, about 38% of electricity in the United States is generated by coal. This begs the question: just how clean and green are electric cars? In short, it depends on where in the country you are driving. Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries used by manufacturers like Tesla contain components that can potentially harm the environment by way of ecological toxicity and contributing to global warming. Limited Categories Finally, you don't see any BEVs that fall under the heavy-duty truck category. This is mainly because the technology isn't workable for truck applications—and it won't be anytime soon. This is a serious problem because there are 2 to 3 million heavy-duty trucks on the road in the U.S. Much of the American economy depends on Class 8 commercial trucks, which guzzle 30 times more gas than the average automobile (about 35 billion gallons each year). It's difficult to see how BEV technology could advance enough to accommodate the heavy-duty truck category in the foreseeable future. However, if such trucks were able to be produced in an electric format, it could drastically decrease oil dependence and significantly benefit the trucking industry financially. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARGING STATIONS There are currently about 20,000 public charging stations and 57,000 outlets for plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. Here's the thing: 4,800 of those stations and 18,200 of those outlets are found in California. Not surprisingly, California has also accounted for almost half of all BEV sales in the country since 2011. If there is hope for the BEV market to experience continued growth—and especially if battery-operated cars are to become mainstream—there must be more charging stations created throughout the country. In a sense, the future popularity of BEVs in any particular area of the country depends on the accessibility of charging stations in that area. However, it gets tricky because states that don't sell a lot of BEVs are less inclined to invest in public charging stations, but if they never decide to invest, then their sales will probably not improve by much. Therefore, there must be a break in the cycle at some point if BEVs are to become commonplace in the future. Sure, there are some people who could charge their BEV at home, but that's a limited category of consumers. Without an adequate number of charging stations open to the public, much like gas stations are, BEVs will never reach the mainstream. To put it into perspective, there are approximately 168,000 public gas stations in the U.S.—more than eight times the number of charging stations. The majority of consumers will never make the jump to BEVs until that gap is dramatically closing. THE ROLE OF BATTERIES As essential as charging stations are for the future of BEVs, batteries may play an even more important role. And BEV batteries need to undergo a lot of development if electric vehicles are to become commonplace. Battery Anxiety The term "battery anxiety" is often used in reference to one running out of battery power on their smartphone. We've all seen the symptoms: a family member searching frantically for a charger cable; a co-worker turning their desk over, only to ask you if they can borrow a charger; even a stranger asking if they can PowerShare with your phone. Chances are you've experienced the symptoms yourself. In a study administered by electronics manufacturer LG, 9 out of 10 people showed signs of battery anxiety. The same logic is behind the term "range anxiety" in reference to electric vehicles. If such a phenomenon has that kind of grip on people with smartphones, you can imagine the impact of this anxiety when it comes to driving a car. Range anxiety is one reason why many consumers won't even consider going the BEV route. Most BEVs allow drivers to go about 100 miles fully charged (the Tesla Model S is an exception, as it allows drivers around 250 miles). This is another reason why the scarcity of charging stations is such a severe problem. Nonetheless, many manufacturers have pledged to develop BEVs that will hit about 200 miles per charge. That would surely make a big difference, but it's still a far cry from a conventional vehicle that can go 300 to 400 miles on a full tank of gas. The Problem with Lithium-Ion Batteries Most newer electric cars these days are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are not without their advantages, such as the fact that they are light-weight (as compared to lead-acid batteries), relatively low-maintenance and can last for 8-10 years. However, there are some serious issues to consider as well. For example, lithium-ion batteries are expensive. While a high-end lead-acid battery—as used in most traditional vehicles—costs around $120, a typical lithium-ion car battery costs in the $1,700 range. Also, lithium is highly reactive. This means if they are damaged or installed incorrectly, they can explode. Moreover, the cells used in lithium-ion batteries are made with rare-earth metals; the supply of these metals is limited, and they're dangerous to mine. Most workers who are tasked with retrieving rare-earth metals are laboring in harsh conditions, to say the least (and in some cases this means illegal child laborers). The Prospect of Flow Batteries Enter a new hope for BEV proponents: the "flow battery." Scientists are currently working on this new type of refillable battery that they hope will replace lithium-ion as the commonplace battery in BEVs. The strongest appeal of the flow battery is that it solves most of the biggest problems consumers have with BEVs. Depending on the model of vehicle and the power source used, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours to fully charge a lithium-ion battery in a BEV. If the flow battery is a success, it will allow drivers to empty their battery liquid and pump in new liquid in minutes—roughly the same time it would take to fill a gas tank. What's more, since the basic infrastructure is already there, it would be easier for gas stations everywhere to be retrofitted to pump this battery liquid in place of gas. This means that the scarcity of charging stations would no longer be a problem—thus, no more range anxiety. There is still a lot of progress to be made in the development of flow batteries, but it's possible we will see some form of them in the next three years. THE BOTTOM LINE It's easy to see how drivers and the environment would benefit from a BEV-driven market. All things considered, they are a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional vehicles, they are cheaper to operate, and they offer health and safety benefits. That said, BEVs have their share of drawbacks as well. If BEVs are ever to enter the mainstream, more charging stations and better batteries must be made available. It looks like the work is being done to solve these issues, but only time will tell whether or not BEVs are indeed the future.     -Alex Watson

America’s families have asked and Chrysler has delivered. Introducing America’s first hybrid minivan, and the largest hybrid vehicle in the U.S., the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the best of its class. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, according to Business Insider, still outranks Honda and Toyota’s comparable models. Now at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, you can take the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid for a spin and fall in love with a vehicle that delivers the greatest fuel efficiency, electric mileage, and style for your money today. At a glance: America’s largest hybrid vehicle The most technologically advanced seven-passenger hybrid MSRP: From $40,245 $7500 tax credit 3 rows of family-friendly seating The best combination of safety and fun for your next road trip Hybrids: A More than Happy Medium Hybrid vehicles are a great gateway to the world of plug-ins and electric vehicles. For an everyday vehicle to run errands, commutes, and kids all around, a hybrid means you lose very little by gaining a plug and enough electric range for many people to never use a drop of gas. The Pacifica Hybrid is specifically a great vehicle for families who can’t make the leap to a fully electric vehicle. Hybrids are reasonable; with a lack of infrastructure in place, such as the absence of charging stations for electric vehicles right now in North Carolina, electric vehicles just aren’t cut out for out-of-town family visits or longer road trips. But for those who want to keep their driving local or cut down emissions, or go entirely tailpipe-emissions free, the Pacifica Hybrid is the way to go. Saving You Money, and Saving You Time Charging an electric vehicle isn’t as fast as pumping gasoline for sure, but it does not have to have to take up all of your time. You can charge your battery at home in only two hours with the available 240-volt Level II charger. In comparison… The Pacifica Hybrid 2019’s quick charge in just two hours is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Volt. We’d say that’s pretty quick! Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 2 hours Chevrolet Volt: 2.3 hours Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: 3.0 hours Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 3.5 hours Safe. Secure. Sound. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has over 100 standard and available safety and security features. Some of these impressive features include: Available full-speed forward collision with active braking Available LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist Available adaptive cruise control with stop and go Available 360 degree surround-view camera Fog Front driving lights ParkSense with Stop Parking assist And what’s the overall NHTSA safety rating? It shouldn’t be surprising that the Pacifica Hybrid received a 5/5 rating. What is the total combined driving range of the Pacifica Hybrid? The Pacifica Hybrid has an 82 MPG rating, and a 32-mile electric range with an incredible total driving range of up to 520 miles. All of those family vacations you have been dreaming of? Totally within your reach. Crunching Numbers and Configurations: The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid at a glance includes: Payload: 1,313 lbs Warranty: 3 yr/36,000 miles basic, or a 5 yr/60,000 miles powertrain Curb weight: 4,987 lbs Fuel tank capacity: 16.5 gallons Engine: 3.6L V-6 Transmission: 1-speed automatic Power: @ rpm Drivetrain: front-wheel The configurations range from: Touring Plus: $40,245 Touring L: $42,445 Limited: $45,795 Specs: Riding in Style and Comfort The interior of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is designed to impress. With the most innovative seating and storage in its class and an eco-chic design, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is as family friendly as it is environmentally friendly. The basic trim includes ABS and driveline traction control, with 17-inch polished and painted accented aluminum wheels. Climate control in the vehicle truly gives control to everyone in the vehicle. The Pacifica includes front air conditioning, dual-zone automatic, and rear air conditioning as well. It may be cold in the driver’s seat but are the kids complaining about being hot in the back? Separate controls in the back ensure everyone in the vehicle is comfortable. For radio-aficionados, the Pacifica comes standard with SiriusXM, AM/FM/HD/Satellite, and a seek-scan radio, all controlled by two first row LCD monitors. These monitors feature the most advanced entertainment system available in seven-passenger hybrid, meaning fun, immersive, and smart interaction for the whole family. All of the doors on the Pacifica include Keyfob Remote keyless entry. It also includes heated mirrors, cloth seat trim, driver lumbar support, and a 60-40 split-bench third-row seats. The Touring Plus trim provides the driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback, heated front seats, and a leather seat trim. The additional or replacing feature on Touring L trim includes Nappa leather seat trim, driver and passenger lumbar support, a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, 20 speaker Harman Kardon sound, a $775 S Appearance package, and a 120 AC outlet. What does the Pacifica Hybrid cost? The price ranges from $41,490 to $51,050 depending on the trim levels. Does the Pacifica Hybrid qualify for a tax credit? When you purchase an electric vehicle, you may be eligible for a one-time federal tax credit of up to $7500, which is not an incentive guaranteed for other hybrid vehicles on the market. It’s worth noting that this nonrefundable credit doesn’t carry over year to year, so make sure you take advantage of this tax credit while you can. You can receive a portion of the $7500 tax credit even if your tax liability is below $7500. Ask our team at Mount Airy CDJRF if you’re interested in learning more about the tax incentives available to you. The Pacifica Hybrid: How does it work on a long haul? What if you can’t plug in to charge? While the Pacifica doesn’t have enough battery capacity to go entirely on electric power, it can be used as fully electric around town, and as a hybrid for long trips. With a quiet ride inside, excellent captain’s chairs in the first and second rows, and room for seven total passengers, there’s nothing keeping you from enjoying a road trip in this vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid delivers more usable all-electric range than most other plug-in hybrids and actually recharges the battery pack on regenerative brakes. So, even if you’re running on gas, as you drive and stop, the battery can recharge slightly. Now you can drive where you want when you want without any of the range anxiety. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid seamlessly switches from an electric motor to a gas engine for greater peace of mind and total hybrid power. How do you charge it and how long does it take? When you purchase a Pacifica Hybrid, it comes equipped with a Level I 120-volt AC charging cord set, which requires a conventional 120-volt AC grounded wall receptacle along with the portable charging cord set.  Ensure that your vehicle is turned off and plug the charger cord into the vehicle's power outlet. You can find the charging cord set by opening the cargo area storage bin on the driver’s side, which includes the charging cord in a storage bag. Keep in mind that this cord set is for Level I charging only. Once you begin, insert the AC plug of the charging set into the grounded wall receptacle. Then take the charge connector and place it in the vehicle’s charge inlet. A “click” will be heard when inserted correctly, and the charge active indicator lights will cycle from left to right. Once your vehicle is fully charged, the lights in the charge indicator will show all five bars. You can also set a charging schedule with the available 4C NAV in the Hybrid Electric pages app. On the Charging Schedule page, you can set a charging schedule by checking the box next to the setting “Enable Schedule” and customizing as needed. You can choose to “charge Until Full,” which allows the vehicle to fully charge versus stopping at a certain point. You can manage all of this right from your smartphone. The Level 1 120-volt charger can be fully recharged in approximately 14 hours. You can shorten the time and charge your Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in as little as 2 hours by using an available Level II 240-volt charger. Charging times are estimated but can change based on the age and condition of the battery, and the current provided to the charger. What’s the expected life of the battery? The expected life of the lithium-ion battery is the life of the vehicle. What about charging from a public charging station? How long does that take? At a public charging station, the Pacifica Hybrid can be charged on Level II 240-volt chargers and takes around 2 hours to fully charge from a completely empty battery. What is the estimated cost of charging the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid? It takes 13k to fully charge the battery and using the national average electricity rate of $0.12/kWh, it costs approximately $1.66 to fully charge the battery using a home charger. Can you tow with a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid? If so, how much can it tow? Towing a trailer is not permitted on the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, as hybrids are not rated for towing and the added weight of the battery already weighs on the vehicle significantly. You cannot order the Pacifica Hybrid with a towing package as a result. The non-hybrid Pacifica with the tow package is rated for 3.6K lbs. Is the Pacifica Hybrid worth it? Here at Mount Airy CDJRF, we believe that the Pacifica Hybrid 2019 speaks for itself. As not just the only hybrid minivan on the market, but the best of the best when it comes to your hybrid family vehicle options, the Chrysler Pacifica is a classic in the making and built to suit families of all kinds. Torn between the Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid? It’s hard to justify not buying the plug-ins, as the non-hybrid is basically the same as the hybrid unless you really need the second-row seat to fold into the floor on a regular basis, or if you’re locked into a tighter budget and are seeking a lower spec Pacifica. With seating for up to seven, it’s the perfect vehicle for families big and small. With the purchase of a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, you may be able to factor in the $7500 federal EV tax credit, alongside other possible state and local added incentives, meaning that the hybrid can definitely cost less than the equivalent non-hybrid Pacifica, or other similar vehicles. For example, any other minivan, including the Honda Odyssey, gets nearly as expensive when matching what the Pacifica includes, and they don’t qualify for the $7500 EV tax credit, or other incentives like the carpool lane stickers. Come by Mount Airy CDJRF today to check out the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and see why it’s truly the best in its class.   -Tayler Green

The third generation of the Dodge Durango will soon be coming to an end. Dodge will usher in a new era with the 2021 models by showcasing a new body-on-frame architecture, among many other changes. The primary reason for this is that FCA—the parent company of the Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee—doesn’t want the two SUVs to be rivals anymore. That being said, there is much to like about the latest Durango. And for fans of this generation of models using the unibody platform, which is in its 9th year, buyers can enjoy the current body style and take advantage of all the updates and upgrades that Dodge has to throw at it. In essence, the 2019 Durango looks and acts like a muscle car turned SUV, but it still accommodates the family. If you’re in the market for a new midsize SUV, the 2019 Durango should be considered for your short list. Overview of Specs Perhaps what makes the new Durango most unique is that it’s a midsize sport utility vehicle that provides drivers with the capabilities of a larger SUV while handling more like a compact SUV. In a class of numerous competitors, this aspect is as much impressive as it is welcome. Though it still holds on to the overall body style of its preceding models, the 2019 Durango sports a slightly more aggressive look on the exterior. As with the handling experience, the interior offers features and a layout not unlike those you would find in a smaller SUV. It feels modern and comfortable inside, and with three rows and plenty of room, it makes it the perfect family vehicle. The base model of the new Durango, which starts at an MSRP of $29,995, includes a 3.6-liter V6 at 293 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. This, along with a standard rear-wheel drive, renders a fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon around town and 26 MPG on the highway, which is what can be expected for this type of engine. Drivers can opt for a V8 engine if they want more power, as well as an all-wheel-drive add-on, both of which have their perks though they drive the fuel efficiency down a bit. The SXT Here are some of the other primary features offered on the SXT, which is the base model of the 2019 Durango: 4 doors 5 to 7 passengers 8-speed automatic transmission 48 to 65 cubic feet of cargo space Keyless entry Power windows Rear defrost 18-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires Climate control, dual zone and rear-control A/C Wireless device hookup Hands-free communication system 7-inch touchscreen Rearview camera 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes Airbags at the driver, passenger, front head, front side, and rear head Other Trim Levels There are four other trim levels available that offer various upgrades. The GT is one level above the base model, with the primary differences being rear parking sensors, a garage door control, a leather steering wheel, and a power-operated driver’s seat. The R/T trim offers perhaps the most upgrades for the money: Remote start Powered liftgate 5.7-liter V8 engine Leather upholstery Power-operated passenger seat Heated seats and steering wheel Performance-enhanced steering and suspension 8.4-inch touchscreen Navigation system Alpine stereo system with 9 speakers Going a step further, the Citadel is considered the luxury model of the Durango. Upgrades include chrome side mirror casings, sunroof, and captain seating with a middle console in the second row. If you’re looking for more amenities than the SXT and R/T models offer but want to keep a leaner look, the Citadel may be the choice for you. The SRT is the Durango model you are most likely to see in review photos and magazines. It’s the most performance-focused model, and it reflects in the price at an MSRP of $62,995. Essentially, every mechanical aspect of the all-wheel-drive SRT is performance-tuned, and it also comes with Nappa leather and suede upholstery, air-conditioned front seats, adaptive headlights, and adaptive suspension. The SRT may be the most aggressive midsize SUV in its class. If you’re OK with the price tag and decreased fuel efficiency (13 MPG City/19 MPG Highway), this trim could be the one you find most impressive. How Safe Is It? The new Durango received favorable IIHS safety ratings overall. Crash tests returned good results for roof strength, head restraints, and seats. In particular, the Durango proved adequate in driver and passenger injury measures, as well as driver and passenger head protection. Also, with optional equipment add-ons, it rated superior in front crash prevention. There are many features the Durango SXT provides that help to prevent accidents and protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. For instance, it has five airbags strategically placed throughout the vehicle, 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes, and child locks. In addition, each model has traction control, driver-adaptive brake system, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Some of the higher trim levels come standard with front and rear parking sensors, and drivers can purchase packages that add more safety features. Here are some of the features you can add: Automatic high beams Adaptive headlights Adaptive cruise control (ACC) Blind spot alert Forward collision warning Rear cross traffic monitor Auto emergency braking (AEB) The bottom line on safety is that any Durango model you choose will be comparable to the others in its class. With safety standards becoming increasingly stringent, Dodge hasn’t overlooked any aspects with the Durango. How’s the Performance? No matter which model you go with, you can expect good performance from your Dodge Durango. There are three different powertrain options available. The SXT and Citadel come standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine (295 HP/260 ft-lb torque), though upgrading the engine in the Citadel is an option. The R/T is stocked with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. By far, the most powerful model is the SRT, which boasts a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and supplies drivers with 475 HP and 470 ft-lb of torque. Another impressive part of the Durango’s performance is its towing capacity. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 allows drivers to tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 and 6.4L HEMI V8 engines can tow up to 7,400 pounds and 8,700 pounds, respectively. It’s worth noting that the 8,700 pounds towing capacity are considered best in class. When it comes to the driving experience, the new Durango delivers. One of the things that set it apart from other crossovers of its size is that it provides a smooth ride—whether you’re on the highway or trekking through rough terrain. This is one area where the family-friendly quality of the vehicle comes in. Also, the Durango handles like a smaller SUV, making it easier to park and maneuver around corners than its size would suggest. Overall, it accomplishes being both a fun and comfortable ride for people of all ages without compromising safety. Fuel efficiency with the Durango is comparable to others in its class, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. The models carrying the 3.6L Pentastar V6 powertrain gives drivers 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway; the 5.7L HEMI V8 produces 14/22 MPG, and the 6.7L HEMI V8 produces 13/19 MPG. What’s it Look Like? The exterior of the 2019 Durango is surely one of its most unique characteristics. Dodge hails it as “a masterwork of muscle,” which is a tribute to its appearance as much as its powerful performance capabilities. The SXT and GT models are a clever combination of sporty and graceful, though you can add the SRT-style hood—which has an air inlet in the center—to the GT if you want. As you go up the ranks of the trim levels, the Durango gets more and more muscular. The SRT, in many ways, resembles the iconic Charger, giving drivers a sense that they can go anywhere and be the boss. Furthermore, many of the models have a good bit of chrome along the exterior, which gives the overall appearance an added boost. There are 10 exterior paint colors to choose from for the 2019 Durango: White Knuckle Granite Redline Red Reactor Blue Vice White Billet DB Black Octane Red Destroyer Grey F8 Green What’s Inside? The interior is another factor that makes the new Durango a great vehicle for families. Its roomy cargo space and welcoming cabin make it a truly comfortable vehicle to sit in—whether you’re driving across town or across the country. The entry-level SXT seats five people, but you can add a third row, which opens up space for seven people. Captain chairs in the second row is another option, which means you could have six people in the vehicle. There’s a variety of leather upholstery upgrades available, as well as a heated steering wheel, power-operated front seats, heated seats (front and second row), and air-conditioned front seats. As far as infotainment goes, the Durango has it going on. The core infotainment system is the Uconnect. This connected vehicle platform is built exclusively into Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and FIAT vehicles, and it has won several awards for its features and efficiency. At the base model, buyers have access to a 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, six-speaker audio system, and voice control features. The upgraded models are even more decked out. You can upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen, built-in navigation, Sirius XM, a BluRay/DVD player for the back seat, and a nine-speaker Alpine or 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. One of the most satisfying qualities of the Uconnect system—and also why it beats out many of its competitors—is that it is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. This is largely because it employs a combination of physical controls, smartphone capabilities, and big touch-screen buttons to go along with a painless interface. In other words, people with little to no technology experience should be able to use the infotainment system with no problems.     If you’re looking for a vehicle that suits the entire family while bringing pure muscle and grace to your driving experience, the 2019 Dodge Durango is a perfect choice. All models come loaded with features and appeal that overshines the competition. As safety is always the most important factor when it comes to driving, the Durango has you and your family covered from front to back with safety features to help prevent accidents and protect you should an accident occur. If you’re looking for power in an SUV, the Durango is a total specimen—untouched by the others in its class. Also, it’s one of the smoother and roomier rides you will find. With a variety of exterior colors, from whites and greys to Dodge’s iconic red, chances are there’s at least one that will wow you. Finally, Dodge has outdone themselves with the infotainment features offered in all its Durango models. Muscle, grace, safety, fun—all can be yours with the new Durango. Be sure to pop on over to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT to see for yourself.

Sometimes we long for small towns and more simple times. Back when we knew our neighbors and all the town’s comings and goings, bake sales and talent shows were big events and we could count on meeting a friend at the grocery or hardware store. Nostalgia conjures up a place not unlike Mayberry — that fictional town where Mount Airy-native Andy Griffith was born and raised and where, for nearly 30 years now, a festival celebrates bygone days. Mayberry Days, held Sept. 24-30 in historic Mount Airy, is a family-oriented festival featuring a parade, live music, comedy shows, a slew of contests including pie-eating, pork chop sandwich-eating, and a checkers tournament, educational lectures, Andy Griffith movies, and special guests from the Mayberry show. It’s about as wholesome as you can get. As an expression of gratitude to the local community, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is an annual festival sponsor. Be sure to look for Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat at the festival — you may even see one of our cars in the parade. The parade is a festival highlight with appearances from esteemed luminaries including the Pickle Queen, Potato Queen, and Pork Princess, a marching band, vintage squad cars, and a cow wearing shoes. Want to get in on some of all the action? Consider the apple peeling competition, which harkens back to an episode of The Andy Griffith Show in which Andy peels an apple in one long, curly strip. If you’re hungry, enter the pork chop sandwich-eating competition and try to beat the record of eight. Know-it-alls will want to be part of the trivia contests, while those with a nine-iron on their shoulder can play in the Mayberry Days Golf Tournament (aka The Emmett). Take in a show at the Historic Earle Theater, an old-time music hall and stage that’s been entertaining folks since 1938. Throughout the year, the theater features exhibits, an audio-guided tour, lessons, and workshops. During Mayberry Days, you can catch comedy from The Mouth of Mayberry, John Floyd, on stage, reminisce with Memories of Elvis, and join in a discussion about “ Murder in Coweeta County,” a 1983 film about a true crime in which Griffith takes a turn playing the villain to Johnny Cash’s sheriff. On Sept. 28 the theater welcomes the best in bluegrass and Americana for the Beyond the Blue Ridge series, and on Dec. 29 there will be a dance. For a full schedule of Mayberry Days activities as well as tickets and competition registration, visit surryarts.org/mayberrydays. While you’re in town, come on by the dealership and visit us too. We’ve got great specials on new and used cars plus our commercial trucks and vans can keep your business going. You can find us at 538 North Andy Griffith Parkway, online at clickmountairy.com, or just give us a call at 336.429.5462. We’ll be happy to take you out for a test drive or, if you find yourself in a bind, ring up our service department and, while we don't have Goober and Gomer Pyle working in the mechanic's department, we’ll make any repairs needed to help get you on your way. _______ First-time car buyer? Don't get taken advantage of like Barney Fife! Watch The Andy Griffith Show's episode " Barney's New Car."