Chrysler, Jeep®, and FIAT brand vehicles earned honors as Top Picks from the 2024 Newsweek Autos Awards, announced on Tuesday. Newsweek staff analyzed vehicles based on the features and qualities essential to various psychographic groups.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Top Pick for Empty Nesters –
The Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan over the last seven years, earned a Top Pick for Empty Nesters award from Newsweek Autos. This designation applies to both the Pacifica gas model and the Pacifica Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) minivan, delivering 82 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), an all-electric range of 32 miles, and a total range of 520 miles. The Pacifica offers versatility, ample cargo space, easy entry/exit, a host of advanced safety features, excellent fuel economy, and unique attributes that make it a smart choice for empty nesters looking for a comfortable vehicle to suit an active lifestyle, hobbies, and travel.
The Chrysler Pacifica has the most standard safety features in its segment, delivers available AWD capability, and features Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating. It was also the first to offer available Amazon Fire TV integrated into the Uconnect Theater System.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid helps charge the battery when braking or stopping using built-in regenerative braking technology. A Max Regeneration mode allows for even greater regenerative braking force to maximize efficiency, indicated via a cluster messaging icon to keep drivers aware of the increased system regeneration.
2024 Jeep® Wrangler: Top Pick for Enthusiasts and Outdoor Adventurers –
The Jeep Wrangler is celebrating two designations: a Top Pick for Enthusiasts and a Top Pick for Outdoor Adventurers. These Top Pick designations apply to the entire 2024 Jeep Wrangler lineup, including the heart-pounding HEMI® V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and America’s best-selling PHEV, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. As the most iconic and recognized SUV ever, the Jeep Wrangler delivers legendary off-road 4×4 capability, unmatched open-air freedom, class-leading versatility and efficiency, advanced safety features, and extensive customization.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler, the most off-road capable vehicle in the world, builds on its legendary history with an unmatched combination of off-road capability, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced powertrains, superior on- and off-road dynamics, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features. For the 2024 model year, the Jeep brand introduced the first full-float Dana rear axle, available 100:1 crawl ratio, new factory-installed 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch, and increased 5,000-pound tow capability. Inside, customers experience more comfort and safety features with a new interior, featuring available 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio, and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows.
2024 Fiat 500e: Top Pick for Urbanites –
The all-new Fiat 500e was chosen as a Top Pick for Urbanites. With a modest footprint for tight parking spots, available park assist, and distinctive Italian design, conquering the concrete jungle is no problem with the small but mighty 2024 Fiat 500e, offering city dwellers the perfect mix of style and utility. The 500e is a modern, tech-forward take on a beloved classic, delivering a host of new safety features while remaining fun to drive and true to its roots. The Fiat 500e features nearly 150 miles of range, 85 kW of fast-charge capability with 31 miles of additional range after only five minutes of charging, and 0% to 80% charge in just 35 minutes.
The Fiat 500e is the lightest passenger battery-electric vehicle (BEV) on the market, powered by a 42 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and an electric drive motor that puts out 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of maximum torque. Built at the Mirafiori Assembly Plant in Turin, Italy, the Fiat 500e is an affordable BEV with an MSRP of $32,500.
