Jeep finally joins rivals like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia in offering 3-row SUV - see the new Grand Cherokee L

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The 2022 <keyword id="161559" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="jeep">Jeep</keyword> Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have arrived. </li><li>The massive luxury SUVs take aim at land yachts like the Cadillac Escalade and BMW X7. </li><li>The Wagoneer starts at just under $60,000 while the Grand Wagoneer starts at nearly $90,000.  </li></ul><p>Jeep, a brand once known for utilitarian off-roaders like the Wrangler, is going full-bore into luxury SUVs. </p><p>The company on Thursday unveiled two new high-end family-haulers - the 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer - that take direct aim at premium three-row SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, GMC Yukon, and BMW X7. </p><p>Jeep, now under the <keyword id="9583188" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stellantis">Stellantis</keyword> umbrella of brands, introduced its first three-row SUV, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jeep-grand-cherokee-l-three-row-suv-new-wagoneer-info-2021-1">Cherokee L,</a> in January. </p><div type="image" title="2022 Wagoneer." height="1667" width="2500" msid="81457185" hostid="261"></div><p>The Wagoneer starts at $57,995, while its more expensive sibling, the Grand Wagoneer, starts at $86,995, making it by far the most expensive vehicle in Jeep's lineup. Extras like additional screens for rear passengers, bigger wheels, quilted-leather seats, and an upgraded speaker system, can bring the Grand Wagoneer's price tag to well over $100,000. </p><p>The Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer are essentially the same vehicle, with some key differences that account for the roughly $30,000 discrepancy in price. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer comes with more luxurious finishes and second-row captain's chairs as standard.</p><div type="image" title="2022 Grand Wagoneer." height="1667" width="2500" msid="81457186" hostid="261"></div><p>Outside, the pricier model gets more chrome accents, different LED lighting, more pronounced fender flares, electronic side steps, and a black roof. </p><p>There are also some key mechanical differences. The Wagoneer is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, while the Grand Wagoneer comes equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 that generates 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, according to Jeep. They're capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. </p><div type="image" title="2022 Wagoneer." height="1667" width="2500" msid="81457187" hostid="261"></div><p>Despite the foray into luxury SUVs, Jeep hasn't completely shed its off-roading roots. Four-wheel drive and air suspension come standard on the Grand Wagoneer and are available for the Wagoneer. Jeep also says that the Wagoneers get up to 10 inches of ground clearance and can ford water that's 24 inches deep. </p><p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stellantis-chrysler-stla-executives-fiat-chrysler-psa-group-merger-fca-2021-2?r=tl-sub">The 16 leaders of Stellantis, the $52 billion empire formed from 2 of the biggest names of the auto industry</a></strong></em></p><p>In reviving the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer names after three decades off the market, Jeep is just the latest automaker to capitalize on nostalgia for old models. The new Ford Bronco, Toyota Supra, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Gladiator, and GMC Hummer EV are all throwbacks to long-discontinued vehicles. </p><div type="image" title="2022 Grand Wagoneer." height="1642" width="2500" msid="81457188" hostid="261"></div><p>The 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are scheduled to hit dealerships in the second half of 2021. They're available to preorder now with a $500 deposit.</p>

Jeep unveiled its first new Grand Wagoneer in 30 years. The Escalade competitor could run you well over $100,000.

Millennials reveal their 105 favorite brands, from Gucci to Amazon

<ul><li>Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (M&amp;M) slashed nearly half of the redundant job roles at its North American unit. </li><li>In a written statement to Business Insider, Mahindra’s spokesperson said that its Detroit centre would continue work on its electric car platforms and prepare for the launch of the New Roxor 2021. </li><li>Reports indicate the positions were cut across various verticals, including engineering staff, at its Detroit-based plant, which rolls out off-road vehicle Roxor.</li></ul>One of India’s largest automakers, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (M&amp;M), has slashed nearly half of the redundant job roles at its North American unit even as it remains focussed on building its electric vehicles business. It took these tough measures as it looks to conserve cash and work towards building a leaner organisation across global businesses. <br /><br />According to its <a href="https://www.mahindraautomotivena.com/about">official website, MANA</a> employed around 500 people till early 2020, is reported to have slashed over half of the workforce. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-mahindra-usa-layoffs-exclusive/exclusive-indian-automaker-mahindra-cuts-over-half-of-north-america-workforce-sources-say-idUKKBN29I26F">Reports</a> indicate the positions were cut across various verticals, including engineering staff at its Detroit-based plant.<br /><br />In a written statement to Business Insider, Mahindra’s spokesperson said that even as it realigns its workforce and cuts down on non-core operations, work will continue at its Detroit centre on the ‘Born Electric’ platforms. Mahindra is also preparing to launch the New Roxor 2021, for which they continue to ‘retain as well as bring in new and relevant skilled talent.’<br /><br />Mahindra opened the <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/mahindra-opens-detroits-first-car-making-plant-in-25-years/article20608973.ece">Detroit plant</a> in 2017 with an investment of $230 million, marking its first automotive plant in nearly the city in three decades. The North-America plant plays an important role in building out off-road vehicle Roxor and GenZe Electric scooters for Mahindra.<br /><br />Although the company did not announce the number of employees that were laid off, it said that given the challenging business environment, the North American unit has combined some of the job roles, and reduced the resultant redundant jobs. <br /><br />The Mahindra Group remains firm on implementing capital allocation norms, with a sharp focus on financial returns, driving growth, and continued improvement in international subsidiaries, the statement added.<br /><br />The company had <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/uv/revamped-detroit-plant-to-start-making-new-jeep-by-march-31/80165634">recently invested $1.6 billion </a>to revamp two old engine plants to build the new versions of the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV — the production is likely to start by the end of March. It will also build two-row and what likely will be plug-in hybrid electric versions of the Grand Cherokee later this year at the Detroit Assembly complex.<br /><br />M&amp;M is planning to focus on manufacturing large sport-utility vehicles and electric models for its core India market, where the company has struggled competing with its peers such as Tata Motors and Kia.<br /><b><br /> <strong>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/the-indian-government-may-call-whatsapp-to-explain-why-its-new-data-sharing-terms-apply-in-india-but-not-in-europe/articleshow/80262586.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> The Indian government may call WhatsApp to explain why its new data privacy policy applies in India but not in Europe</a></strong><br /> <br /> </b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/trump-becomes-first-president-to-be-impeached-twice-as-house-charges-him-with-inciting-an-insurrection/articleshow/80260200.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"><strong>Trump becomes first president to be impeached twice as House charges him with inciting an insurrection</strong></a>

Mahindra says Roxor 2021 will still be made in Detroit after laying off nearly 250 redundant roles

<ul><li>Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced its expansion plans to boost the local product line-up in India, with a commitment of investing over $250 million. It plans to roll out four new SUVs in 2021. </li><li>Not just Fiat, even the American multinational automaker Ford Motor had expressed plans to expand its presence in India. They are looking to launch <a href="https://www.zigwheels.com/upcoming-Ford-cars">four models</a> this year.</li><li>In an exclusive interview earlier with Business Insider, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/kia-motors-11-electric-vehicles-in-2021-but-india-may-have-to-wait-longer-to-buy/articleshow/80056447.cms">Kia Motors India</a> revealed its plans to make India a global export hub for Kia Motors.</li><li>Nissan is already ramping up its production at its Chennai plant and has plans to add 1500 more jobs. </li></ul>With new investment plans of over $250 million (₹1,824 crore), Fiat Chrysler (FCA) joins the likes of other multinational giants like Ford, Kia, and Nissan that are already betting big on India’s potential in the coming years. Fiat has announced its mega investment plans to build its presence in the country by launching four new sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) under its Jeep brand over the next two years. <br /><br />The American multinational automaker Ford Motor has also charted out growth plans in India, and it is going solo too. At the beginning of this year, Ford called off its joint venture with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&amp;M). While the move may affect some plans to launch new variants, Ford remains gung-ho on its India expansion plans and has a slew of launches scheduled for 2021. <br /><br />Even Kia Motors’ India <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/kia-motors-11-electric-vehicles-in-2021-but-india-may-have-to-wait-longer-to-buy/articleshow/80056447.cms">revealed </a>its plans to make India a global export hub for the auto giant, in an exclusive interview with Business Insider. And Nissan too is no less than its peers, the company is already ramping up its production at its Chennai plant and has plans to add 1500 more jobs.<br /><br />These announcements come at a time when the pandemic has battered automakers around the world with subdued sentiment and a decline in sales. In fact, the Indian auto sector was witnessing a slowdown and BSVI transition challenges even before the pandemic struck. Japan’s Honda Motor was forced to shutter one of its plants <a href="https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/honda-said-to-shut-india-plant-and-reduce-four-wheeler-output">in Noida</a>, while General Motors (GM) stopped producing cars in India for <a href="https://www.rushlane.com/general-motors-india-plant-shut-down-12387365.html">export </a>in international markets. <br /><br />But that isn’t discouraging these companies. And it opens up more room for competition. Whether in terms of money, setting up newer plants and tech centres, or research &amp; development, Ford, Fiat, and other global auto companies are making a move to grab their share in India’s automotive market. <br /><br />So what makes India attractive for these automakers?<br /><br /><strong>Fiat’s $250 million India investment plans<br /></strong><br />Fiat currently holds less than a 1% share of India’s passenger vehicle market but is looking to expand its operations with four new products that will hit Indian roads by the end of 2022. It is determined to increase its locally-made componentry in vehicles produced in its joint venture manufacturing facility. <br /><br />“Our plans in India are aimed at increasing the value proposition for customers through our products and services, working hard on customer satisfaction and unlocking business opportunities for our business partners,” FCA India Managing Director, Dr Partha Datta said. <br /><br />The all-new local vehicle line-up includes the 2021 made-in-India Jeep Compass, a locally produced and global-first three-row Jeep SUV, as well as the iconic Jeep Wrangler and next-generation Grand Cherokee flagship, which will both be locally assembled in FCA’s joint venture manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon. <br /><br />The company’s Jeep brand made its debut in India in 2016 and carved a premium position in India. Fiat is now planning to unveil the 2021 Jeep Compass in India on January 7, and production has already commenced. The luxury seven-seat mid-size Jeep, codenamed H6, will be launched in 2022. <br /><br />Fiat’s $250 million investment plans in India are in addition to the $450 million they have already committed over the past five years. They have also recently invested in setting up a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fiat-chrysler-to-spend-150-million-setting-up-global-tech-centre-in-india-2020-12?IR=T">tech centre </a>in Hyderabad. Fiat aims to create at least 1000 new jobs by the end of 2021. <br /><br /><strong>Ford is betting big on India <br /></strong><br />The American multinational automaker Ford Motor is expanding its presence in India. From its Focus ST to Ranger Raptor and Figo to EcoSport — the company had a slew of launches scheduled for 2021. And they are all set to go at it solo in India<br /><br />Ford had signed a joint venture with M&amp;M in October 2019 to produce vehicles for emerging markets. However, on January 1, they pulled the plug on this partnership due to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford intends to continue its standalone business in the country.<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="caleb-white-XGJBSkoqX_I-unsplash" msid="80112736" hostid="261"></div><br />On January 4, Ford India <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/ford-ecosport-2021-launched-in-india-price-features-mileage-7132375/">introduced</a> the 2021 line-up of its compact SUV EcoSport with enhanced connectivity features and an enhanced warranty at a starting price of ₹7.99 lakh. <br /><br /><strong>Kia also has big plans for India <br /></strong><br />In an exclusive interview earlier with Business Insider, Kia India <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/kia-motors-11-electric-vehicles-in-2021-but-india-may-have-to-wait-longer-to-buy/articleshow/80056447.cms">revealed </a>its plans to make India a global export hub for Kia Motors.<br /><br />“For us at Kia, the new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme certainly puts the spotlight on India and makes it even more important in our global scheme of things. Now, with the new scheme, we will be able to offer even more competitive and globalized products and reach more markets,” Tae-Jin Park, Executive Director &amp; Chief Sales Officer at Kia India, told Business Insider.<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Kia Motors" msid="80112770" hostid="261"></div><br />The government’s PLI scheme includes incentives of ₹57,000 crore over five years for the automotive sector and focuses on making Indian companies globally competitive by driving exports. According to the Nomura report dated December 28, the eligibility criteria are likely to be such that companies with high export revenue could be the key beneficiaries of the scheme.  <br /><br />The global automakers are pushing ahead with big plans for India in the coming years. Even Japanese auto major Nissan is ramping up its production at its Chennai plant and starting a third shift to increase output. On Monday, the company <a href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/news/nissan-india-to-hire-1-500-workers-to-enhance-production-bolster-sales-force-41609759373497.html">said</a>, along with its dealer partners, it will hire 1,500 people in India to enhance production and reinforce the sales force after the robust response to its newly launched compact SUV Magnite. This comes after the company announced plans to layoff 1,700 people in India in 2019. <br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/tatas-got-airasia-stake-at-a-20-discount-while-indigo-and-spicejets-value-has-doubled-since-pandemic-broke-out/articleshow/80101467.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Tatas got AirAsia stake at a 20% discount while IndiGo and SpiceJet’s value has doubled since pandemic broke out</a></strong><br /><b><br /> </b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/kishore-biyani-lashes-out-at-amazon-says-future-group-was-disillusioned-and-fed-up-with-the-companys-lackadaisical-attitude/articleshow/80107540.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"><strong>Kishore Biyani lashes out at Amazon, says Future Group was disillusioned and fed up with the company's lackadaisical attitude</strong></a><br /><br />

What is making Ford, Fiat, and Kia put more money in India

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5be30ba98c35ab51817984bf-2400/jeep cherokee latitude.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeep Cherokee Latitude" data-mce-source="FCA" data-link="http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/image-gallery.do?method=view&amp;imageGalleryId=885&amp;mid=426" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/image-gallery.do?method=view&amp;imageGalleryId=885&amp;mid=426">FCA</a></span></p><p class="caption"> FCA's Jeep Cherokee will come online at the old factory. </p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/fiat-chrysler-automobiles">Fiat Chrysler Automobiles</a> will <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2018/12/06/fiat-chrysler-open-new-assembly-plant-detroit/2225735002/">upgrade a factory in the Detroit area</a> to build SUVs, the <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2018/12/06/fiat-chrysler-open-new-assembly-plant-detroit/2225735002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit News reported.</a></li><li>The <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/fiat_chrysler-stock">FCA</a> factory has been out of action since 2012.</li><li>The US auto market has shifted toward SUVs over passenger cars in the past few years, and FCA has been ahead of the curve on retiring its sedans.</li></ul><p><br />Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will re-open a factory that it took offline in 2012, the Detroit News reported Thursday.</p><p>The plant, which formerly made engines, will come out of mothballs to service the voracious US market for SUVs.</p><p><span>"The Auburn Hills-based automaker plans to revive Mack Avenue Engine II, which has been idled since 2012, as an assembly plant building a new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee for model year 2021," the News reported, citing unnamed sources. </span></p><p><span>"The move could add at least 100 and up to 400 jobs in the city," the newspaper added.</span></p><p><span>FCA declined to comment on the report.</span></p><p><span>Under former CEO Sergio Marchionne, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, FCA shifted aggressively away from passenger cars and revamped its US manufacturing footprint to concentrate on hot-selling SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks.</span><span></span></p><p><span>FCA shares closed down 3% on Thursday to $16.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/computer-technician-built-life-size-rc-delorean-knight-rider-corvette-2018-11">How a computer technician turned his sixth-generation Corvette into a fully remote-controllable sports car</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/Nf6hS6d7-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Fiat Chrysler will reopen a factory in Detroit to build more SUVs: Report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I tested a 2020 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/toyota">Toyota</a> Highlander, priced at $44,498 for the well-appointed XLE trim level.</li><li>The Highlander I sampled has a reasonably potent 296-horsepower V6 engine, decent seating for eight passengers, and ample cargo capacity with the third row of seats dropped.</li><li>The Highlander is the classic "don't think about it" mid-size mass-market <keyword id="45454" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="SUV">SUV</keyword>.</li><li>It won't have you jumping for joy, but it shouldn't keep you up at night worried about whether it will fail at its duties: delivering rock-solid reliability and family-friendly versatility.</li></ul><p><keyword id="6374528" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="toyota">Toyota</keyword> has a reputation for being the brand you buy when you don't want to think about it too much. The company will sell you everything from a subcompact hatchback (Yaris) to a sports car (Supra) to a full-size pickup (Tundra) to a car that runs on hydrogen (Mirai). Toyota has done the brain work for you; all you have to do is show up and drive off.</p><p>That might sound ... a little depressing, especially if you see cars as emotional purchases. But the truth is that most people don't want to overthink their vehicle. They want it to start every single time it's cranked and provide them with hundreds of thousands of miles of worry-free motoring.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="939" width="1252" msid="78682948" hostid="261"></div><p>In this respect, the Highlander SUV is representative of what a fantastic job Toyota has done in its mission of building vehicles that work for everybody and make trouble for nobody. The mid-size crossover sits smack in the middle of the most important market in the US, bracketed by the compact RAV4 and the off-road optimized 4Runner and the full-size Sequoia. Sales have typically been robust: Toyota has sold well over 200,000 Highlanders in each of the past three years.</p><p>This SUV has been in the lineup since 2000, and the fourth generation was unveiled last year. I recently checked out a 2020 Highlander XLE, a step up from the base L and LE trims. The starting price was $41,200, and a brief list of options took the as-tested sticker to $44,498. (The cheapest Highlander is about $35,000, while the top-dog Platinum is almost $47,000, and there are hybrid choices in the range, all of which tack on a grand or so to their trim level's cost.)</p><h2>The Highlander isn't taking any chances in a tough segment</h2><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1500" width="2000" msid="78682952" hostid="261"></div><p>Competition in this segment is brutal. The Highlander jousts with the Honda Pilot, the Subaru Ascent, the VW Atlas, the Ford Explorer, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2020-kia-telluride-review-price-specs-suv-horsepower-three-row-2020-9">wildly popular new Kia Telluride</a>. Mass-market mid-size SUV customers are looking for seating capacity, cargo space, reliability, decent technology, and a reasonable price tag. </p><p>Toyota has traditionally not thrilled its partisans so much as reassured them. And the 2020 Highlander is a case in point: this crossover has been improved in all the right places, but, stacked up again the Pilot, the Ascent, or especially the Telluride, it lacks thrills. </p><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="819" width="1092" msid="78682955" hostid="261"></div><p>By design, really. Because on the other hand, the overall experience of driving the Highlander around in its natural, suburban environment is one of reassurance, indeed. The only significant thought I had during the week Toyota loaned me the vehicle was, "Yep, this here is a good truck."</p><p>By never doing anything wrong, Toyota gets a lot right.</p><h2>An exterior that's attractive without calling attention to itself</h2><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1500" width="2000" msid="78682957" hostid="261"></div><p>For what it's worth, my attractive "Moon Dust" Highlander, with a "Graphite" interior, was built with pride in Indiana, making it an American-made SUV with a Japanese badge. The styling is consistent with what Toyota has been doing across its portfolio: enhancing the angles, sharpening the corners, and accentuating the folds in the sheet metal, without going too crazy.</p><p>Decades of studying Toyotas have given me the tendency to find them unexciting, but of late, there's been more jazz in the aesthetics. Older Highlanders are bland boxes that never broke down, while the 2020 version has added some visual attitude — and will probably never break down.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1500" width="2000" msid="78682964" hostid="261"></div><p>For example, the gently-sloping roof ends in a spoiler atop the hatch, and there are character lines that define the rear haunches. My tester had 18-inch alloy wheels, and they didn't really fill the arches, but they looked fairly sharp.</p><p>The LED headlights were very effective, punching through the darkness and offering automatic high beams.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1503" width="2000" msid="78682973" hostid="261"></div><p>Inside, the Highlander combines comfort with seating capacity; my tester had three rows, and they were all pretty cushy without being plush. I didn't have the captain's chairs for the second row, but rather a bench, meaning that on paper, my SUV could handle eight occupants.</p><p>The fronts were heated, and the third row was predictably useless for grownups while diminishing cargo space (at 16 cubic feet, it isn't terrible, but drop the third row and you have 48 cubic feet — and drop the second row and you have a whopping 84). The liftgate in the tester was powered, something I always find helpful.</p><h2>A good engine, a good transmission, and decent MPGs</h2><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1500" width="2000" msid="78682981" hostid="261"></div><p>Under the hood, the Highlander XLE has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, making 295 horsepower with 263 pound-feet of torque, all sent through an eight-speed automatic to the all-wheel-drive system (a less potent four-cylinder is also on the menu, as well as the hybrids). This is a rock-solid motor that yields good if not stunning fuel economy, at 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. </p><p>Speed isn't the Highlander's skill set (a zippier XSE trim is slated for next year). I observed a 0-60 mph time in the eight-second ballpark, but if you don't lay on the throttle, nine might be more realistic. However, the Highlander XLE, which weighs in at around 4,500 lbs., can tow 5,000. That's plenty for a small camper or trailer.</p><h2>Technology, but not state-of-the-art</h2><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1500" width="2000" msid="78682986" hostid="261"></div><p>I own two Toyotas, so I'm more than accustomed to the company's defiantly-not-industry-leading infotainment system. In the Highlander, it runs on an eight-inch central touchscreen, with additional buttons to swap menus. It gets the job done.</p><p>Bluetooth pairing is easy, GPS navigation is accurate (but you have to watch it with Toyota, as the mapping provides you with three routes and the quickest choice can be vexing), there are the usual USB ports from device connectivity, and my tester was outfitted with a wireless charge pad.</p><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1498" width="1997" msid="78682990" hostid="261"></div><p>Apple CarPlay is available if you need a fallback from the in-house system, and my tester had a premium audio system that sounded pretty good, it not remarkable.</p><p>The SUVs can be outfitted with a host of driver-assist features, from adaptive cruise control with steering assist to lane-departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.</p><h2>There isn't much the Highlander can't handle, and that's why you buy it</h2><div type="image" title="2020 Toyota Highlander XLE" height="1503" width="2000" msid="78682994" hostid="261"></div><p>After a week of driving the Highlander hither and yon, I ended up exactly where I thought I'd be: satisfied and, you guessed it, reassured. </p><p>I've literally never heard anyone enthuse over their Highlander, although I know more than a few folks who've been quietly enjoying the SUV for nearly a decade. I myself was tempted by a Highlander hybrid last year when I went Toyota shopping. (I ended up the RAV4 hybrid.) </p><p>Toyota sells a lot of Highlanders every year because there's nothing you can throw at this mid-size SUV it can't handle, apart from trying to squeeze adults into row three. It's just fine for running errands, just fine for Costco runs, just fine for taking kids to school or activities, just fine at hauling around a moderate amount of gear, just fine at towing stuff, just fine at taking road trips, and if you absolutely, positively need to get off the asphalt and deal with some unimproved terrain, you'll be OK in the Highlander.</p><p>Look, I know it isn't the coolest crossover on the market, and it isn't really fun to drive. Its sibling, the 4Runner, is a better choice if you intend to tackle the backwoods. </p><p>But if I had to buy a mid-size crossover tomorrow and didn't want to think about it, I'd buy a Highlander. My heart wouldn't be racing, but I'd be able to sleep at night.</p>

REVIEW: The new Toyota Highlander is a lot like the old Toyota Highlander — a solid SUV that shouldn't let you down

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table center"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54072ba2eab8eab866fded39-1185-889/jeep-grand-cherokee-5.png" alt="jeep grand cherokee" border="0"><p class="source"><span>AP</span></p><p class="caption">2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Chrysler Group's resurgent 2014 continues as the automaker steamrolled through its best August in 12 years.</p>
<p>August sales for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-auto-sales-sept-2014-9" target="_blank">Chrysler surged 20% over last year</a>, smashing analysts' expectations for 12% growth. The company on pace to increase annual sales by 14% from 2013. </p>
<p>With dealerships eager to move their existing stock of 2014 models and customers lining up for newly available 2015 cars, August is traditionally the last major hurrah for auto sales. Chrysler has taken advantage of this plus a smoldering SUV and truck market to get the jump on its competitors. </p>
<p>Chrysler's Jeep and RAM truck brand account for much of the company's surge with August sales up 49% and 39% respectively. "<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Trucks and SUVs are hot right now and they are perfectly positioned to take advantage of this," Kelley Blue Book senior editor Karl Brauer told Business Insider. "The RAM truck product refresh has been aggressive and successfully done. Jeep's new Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models hae really resonated with the public in a way that a Chrysler product has not been able to for a long time."</span></p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/540733166bb3f79a1afded2c-1200-924/2015-chrysler-200-1.jpg" alt="2015 Chrysler 200" border="0"><p class="source"><span>Chrysler </span></p><p class="caption">2015 Chrysler 200</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Their are also signs of life in from Chrysler Group's ever-struggling car brands. Although 2014 sales are down 9% compared to 2013, the company's Chrysler brand finally saw positive sales growth in August with an increase of 4%. Much of this growth can be attributed to the arrival of the highly lauded 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-sized sedan that will compete with industry titans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Although Chrysler Group have shown their ability to turn out competitive SUVs and Trucks prior to their merger with Fiat, their car brands have not had a good track record in producing competitive products.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Chrysler haven't had a competitive mid-size sedan in more than a decade," added Brauer. "The 200 serves as a validation of the Chrysler-Fiat merger. These new car models have been strenghtened due to Fiat."</span></p>
<p>However, all of the news coming from Chrysler has not been positive. It's bread and butter Dodge brand is down 6% in August and 3% for the year. Even in the hot selling SUV market, the brand's highly rated Durango SUV is down 8%. Unfortunately, a big reason for the Durango struggles comes from the success of its Jeep stablemates, said Brauer. The Jeep brand and products are so strong that it's effectively cannibalized some of the Durango's sales. </p>
<p>On the Fiat side, the brand's 500L mini-people carrier has been decimated by a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/07/31/fiat-air-bags-500l/13396571/" target="_blank">July recall due to faulty airbags</a>. Sales for the models plummeted a whopping 97% in August - selling just 33 cars in the U.S. </p>
<p>Every company has its problems. But not every company is delivering double-digit sales growth.</p>

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