Fun Facts and What’s New About Your Favorite Cars, Trucks, and SUVs!
2024 RAM HD
The 2024 Heavy Duty comes mostly unchanged, except for one small feature: the Tailgate Ajar warning light now comes as standard equipment for every Heavy Duty in the lineup.
Three engine options are available with the new Ram Heavy Duty. First, there is a 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 that makes 429 pound-feet of torque (and is paired with an eight-speed automatic, which is the only transmission offered in the Power Wagon). Also offered is a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six in either rear- or four-wheel driving availabilities. The Cummins engine outweighs the V-8 by 490 pounds, but it doesn’t handle quite as well on smaller roads and around town, and compared to the V-8, the diesel is not as quick. Where it shines though is in its towing power.
The Ram truck was first introduced in 1981, and it was meant to serve as anything from a comfortable family vehicle to a rugged work truck. As years went on, and with numerous awards won along the way, the Ram evolved to fit the ever-changing needs of the modern driver. Today the Ram has become a staple family/luxury/work vehicle that continues to impress and evolve. With both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 truck models growing in popularity, it’s worth taking a closer look into what makes each special.
2025 Ram 1500
Since the 2025 Ram 1500 model is set to receive some major updates, not many changes have been made to the 2024 model. The new 1500 will be offering multiple engine options, such as a 305-horsepower V-6 and a 395-horsepower V-8 that offers 12,750 pounds of towing. And of course, it comes with rear- or four-wheel-drive, and multiple cab options (regular-size, extended, and a large four-door crew) that can reach over six feet.
Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat customers have found that the interior of the Ram 1500 has plenty of cubby storage and room for passengers to stretch and relax. Some of the higher trim levels come with luxurious features such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, premium leather materials, and real wood accents. With an incredibly spacious crew cab, tons of storage, and a special split-folding tailgate, the 2024 1500 is tough to beat. And, though the Ram does not offer the 1500 as a regular cab any longer, the 1500 Classic will come as an optional regular cab for the purists out there.
The Ram 1500 has always been noted for its superior safety features, and over the years these features have only become more refined. As we become more advanced, so do our vehicles, which means it’s important that the Ram pickup keep up with the times.
2025 RAM 1500 RHO
Brand New this year, Ram introduced the Ram 1500 RHO: This new model is a high-output version of the Ram 1500, offering a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 540 horsepower.
It’s designed to compete with the Ford Raptor and other high-performance off-road trucks and it does not disappoint.
2025 Ram 1500 REV
Later in the year Ram expects to release their new electric pickup truck. Ram 1500 REV: It will have a range of over 500 miles and will be available in both single-cab and crew-cab configurations.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
There have been a few new upgrades made to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, such as a more modernized look and a mild upgrade to the tech features. There are also 10 new wheel designs to choose from. But, it’s the interior display of the Wrangler where we see most upgrades this year: a 12.3-inch Infotainment display now comes standard. This new display replaces the smaller 5.0- and 7.0-inch screens of the past while also offering Jeep’s latest Infotainment software including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While navigating the onboard system, drivers can choose from any of the over 2,000 trail maps–and there is the ability to download even more.
We wanted to test the performance of a few of the Wrangler trim levels here at Mount Airy Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat. We started with the base-level Wrangler Sport. This V-6, six-speed manual transmission engine easily went from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Next, we drove the popular Sahara model with an automatic transmission, and it reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds (the four-cylinder engine of the Sahara got to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds). Lastly, we drove the heavy-duty Rubicon model. This robust version of the Wrangler comes with all the bells and whistles, and we found it hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds!
Other car companies may try, but nothing matches the look and performance of a Jeep Wrangler. To own one is to own an anomaly, something so unique it holds a class of its own. You can even customize your Wrangler to differentiate it from others by adding specialized lights, mirrors, a soft- or hard-top, lifting or lowering…the list of customizations to the Jeep Wrangler is endless.
Chrysler Pacifica in 2024
There are only a few changes made to the Chrysler Pacifica in 2024. The Pacifica Pinnacle comes with a new Sepia interior color option, and Red Hot and Baltic Gray new paint colors have been added to the other Pacifica trim levels.
One thing about the Pacifica we love is its easy cleaning. An optional vacuum cleaner comes built into the new Pacifica, and our technicians at Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat had to test it. Honda has a similar feature in the Odyssey, but it’s placed way in the back and is difficult to access. When accessing the Pacifica’s Stow & Vac system, we noticed it is placed in the second row, which is a smart move since the second row is where most traffic comes and goes, especially on long road trips. The Stow & Vac was able to reach every corner of the Pacifica, and it did a wonderful job picking up dirt and crumbs. We give the Pacifica’s vacuum feature an A+.
As in years past, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica’s design is expertly laid out for optimum comfort. Its long body takes on a shape like that of a sporty SUV, only the Pacifica sits lower to the ground. This allows for easy access and plenty of room from the front of the cabin back to the trunk. The dual-panel moonroof over the second row, and the fixed-panel moonroof over the third row, provide natural lighting and a better view for the entire family.
2024 Dodge Durango
This year, the Dodge Durango has a few changes made: the Citadel trim level will now offer the Tow N Go package, and an upgraded version of blind spot monitoring has been added throughout the Durango lineup. This new system knows when you are towing so it doesn’t get confused by the presence of your trailer just inches from your rear bumpe
One area that needs no upgrading is the Durango’s media technology. Currently, the Durango’s Infotainment system that sits right above its dashboard is the best in the market. The base SXT and the mid-level GT Durango models come with an 8.4-inch display, while the Citadel and R/T models come with a 10.1-inch screen (this is also an option for the GT). No matter which size system you get, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There’s an option for a rear-seat infotainment system as well, which has dual screens, and it provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect more devices. This is a great feature for long trips with the family; imagine driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mount Airy to Virginia with a Durango full of family, all watching their shows and listening to music–everyone is happy and, best of all, everyone is quiet.
When Dodge first came out with the Durango, over 25 years ago, its body-on-frame construction was modeled after the Dakota truck. The Durango was a truck/SUV crossover that won over drivers with its rugged demeanor and semi-sporty shape. Over the years the Durango made slight alterations to design and construction, but it’s never lost its toughness. Today’s model, however, has managed to combine its hardy physique with a touch of something more refined and sophisticated, creating a furrowed luxury difficult to find anywhere else.
