Jeep’s Birthday, Your Present

There’s nothing Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram loves more than a party, and we are here to celebrate 80 years of Jeep by showing you why you need a new Jeep SUV in your life. Jeep is well-known as the leader of trail driving, stream fording, and power towing. These days, you can also hook up your smartphone to stream all your favorite music, or even connect your Alexa to start your vehicle or check fuel levels from the comfort of your couch. Jeep SUVs have been a staple of the American car market for 80 years now, and they are not going to stop there.

Ever since the first Jeep, the Willys Quad, rolled onto the battlefield during World War II, Jeep has been making SUVs that go above and beyond expectations. The definition of “SUV” can be a little vague, so let’s start by focusing on the non-Wrangler Jeep options. You know, the ones that look a little less like “a Jeep” and a little more like “an SUV”: the Renegade, the Compass, the Cherokee, and the Grand Cherokee.

Go Rogue

The Jeep Renegade is the smallest of the Jeep SUV family, but far from the runt of the litter. This model was first seen in 2014, offering a 1.4-liter 160 hp engine or 2.4-liter 180 hp engine. The current iteration has the option of a 1.3-liter 177 hp engine or the 2.4-liter 180 hp engine. The original models were offered in four trims while the current model offers four regular trims and three special edition trims, including the 80th Anniversary edition.

The new Renegade Sport comes standard with a 7-inch Uconnect display. With Uconnect, you can connect your smartphone through ApplePlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth. Higher trims will allow you to upgrade to an 8.4-inch infotainment display. Technology like this goes to show how much Jeep has progressed over the years and how adaptive to new technology they are.

Trims like the Trailhawk and Limited are 4×4 only and will give you that classic Jeep driving experience. These upper three trims have a variety of additional options for those who like extra features, including heated seats and steering wheel, additional lighting, and park assist. The Trailhawk has even passed all of Jeep’s tests to be listed as TrailRated, meaning it has the traction, maneuverability, and articulation to handle what the trail — or stream — brings. Standard safety features have also progressed with the times, with all Renegades now having blind-spot monitoring and cross-path detection, and forward collision and lane departure alerts.

Due North

The Jeep Compass is a little bit older than the Renegade, first seen for the 2007 model year. The 2021 Jeep Compass has an MSRP starting at $23,895 and comes in Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited trims with two special edition ones. Standard on the Compass Sport and Latitudes is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 7-inch Uconnect screen.

The Compass Limited and Trailhawk have leather-trimmed seats and an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen to match the modern flair. All trims in this model line have the same engine, so you don’t have to debate over which one is right for you. In fact, the Compass has had the 2.4-liter engine option since it premiered, but the horsepower has increased over time. Both the Limited and Trailhawk have more standard safety features, and, as on the Renegade, the higher the trim package, the more additional options you can add.

Check Your Latitude

The Jeep Cherokee has existed in one form or another since 1974. A mid-size SUV for its first decade, it has occupied the compact SUV/crossover segment since 1984. The 2021 version comes in five regular trims: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. Other available trims include the Altitude, High Altitude, and special 80th Anniversary.

The Latitude and Latitude Plus models have a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a 7-inch Uconnect screen. Standard safety features include blind-spot and cross-path detection, an enhanced accident response system, forward collision and lane-departure alerts, and a rear backup camera.

Beginning with the Latitude LUX, a new version for this year, the Cherokee has a 3.2-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and the ESS for increased efficiency. Heated front seats and steering wheel are standard. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is standard on the Limited and Latitude LUX. Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk models have the 8.4-inch Uconnect screen.

Even More of a Good Thing

Without the Jeep Cherokee, there would be no Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since its creation in 1993, the Grand Cherokee has won more awards than any other SUV. For the 2021 model year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at an MSRP of $34,200 and has seven variations: Laredo E, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk. Don’t forget to look at special editions like the Laredo X, High Altitude, and the 80th Anniversary. With that many vehicles in the lineup, you are sure to find one to meet your needs.

The SRT and Trackhawk models can tow up to 7,200 lbs with an available 5.7-liter V8 engine with 360 horsepower. The Trackhawk isn’t just the most powerful, but it’s the best model for the trails. All Grand Cherokees have a TorqueFlight eight-speed transmission so that you can have your power and a smooth, responsive ride.

The Laredo E has cloth seats and a 7-inch Uconnect screen, while the rest of the Grand Cherokee line has either leather-trimmed, fully leather, or leather and suede seats with an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen. The Grand Cherokee is the only Jeep with an available rear DVD entertainment system. Also, it has more standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection, ParkSense rear park assist, and ParkView rear backup camera with guidelines. Two feet longer than the Renegade and with a few inches on all the other models, the Grand Cherokee can comfortably fit five people.

It’s a Classic for a Reason.

We can’t talk about the 80th anniversary of Jeep and its great SUV options without considering the classic Wrangler. The Wrangler is the Jeep closely resembling the original 4×4 commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1940 and produced by Willys-Overland. After World War II, Willys-Overland transitioned their military favorite into the CJ — short for “civilian jeep.”

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler comes in four main types: the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. Like the other Jeep SUVs, the Wrangler has a variety of special editions to choose from. The Willys Sport, Islander, Willys, Freedom, Altitude, Sahara Altitude, and High Altitude are all special trims for this model. Don’t forget about the commemorative 80th Anniversary edition, either. The base MSRP is $28,295, and there are four engine choices, including a 3.6-liter V6 to a 3.0-liter V6 diesel. Like other models, the higher up the trim package, the more perks for sale.

Brand new for the Jeep Wrangler in 2021 is the new 4xe, a plug-in hybrid. With all the perks of the Rubicon model, the 4xe can travel up to 25 miles on electricity alone. By using a combination of driving modes, it’s possible to get up to 50 MPG with this hybrid engine while still having the towing and off-roading capabilities to live up to the Wrangler name.

It’s Party Time

There is a lot to sort out and keep straight when it comes to the features and perks of the extended Jeep SUV family and all its various models and trim options. So when you’re ready to buy yourself a present for Jeep’s birthday, come see us at Zimmer CDJR We’ll walk you through all of the SUV options to help you find the perfect match of power, technology, and safety.

We’ve been selling vehicles here in Florence, Kentucky, for even longer than Jeep has been making them. Despite a few moves and changes since our founding in 1929, we’re still family-owned and operated. We’d love the chance to show you our superior service, flexible financing, and marvelous maintenance. We hope you will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Jeep with us.