Unlike years past, when Jeep competed for a top-three position, America’s third-largest automaker now lags behind the top five. Despite FCA US’s 6% growth in Q3, the company has significant ground to cover to catch up with its five leading competitors.
Among them, General Motors leads, poised to end the year as America’s favorite automaker after selling 710,000 vehicles in Q3. TMNA (Toyota Motor North America) nearly doubled GM’s growth (+15.9%) but sold “only” 629,000 units. Ford Motor Company secured third place with an 8.2% increase, selling over 545,000 vehicles.
Up Close with the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Hurricane Engine Excites
Other brands outpaced FCA US: Hyundai Motor America and Kia America both reported record-breaking double-digit growth, totaling 458,706 units. American Honda, the only top-five brand to decline, dropped 2% to 358,848 units in Q3, securing fifth place.
Meanwhile, Stellantis settled for sixth place after sluggish sales in recent months. Fortunately, they’re rebounding: the automaker reported a 16% sales surge in September 2025 and a 6% Q3 increase, totaling 324,825 units.
Executives pin their hopes on key launches: the highly anticipated return of the HEMI V8 for Ram Trucks, the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack with the Hurricane engine, and the fully redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee, hailed as a “critical player in the D-SUV segment.”
Jeep isn’t banking solely on the Cherokee. They’re ramping up 2026 production with mid-cycle upgrades and repositioning the flagship Grand Wagoneer (adding an unexpected EREV powertrain) alongside the Grand Cherokee’s all-new engine.
The Grand Cherokee, which dropped the HEMI V8 in 2023, now adopts the all-new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine—a bold move.
The new powertrain headlines the 2026 updates, but Jeep also introduces design enhancements inside and out, plus a larger infotainment system.
Jeep simplifies the Grand Cherokee’s lineup but retains two- and three-row options (Grand Cherokee L) and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Stellantis’ new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine delivers 324 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 529-mile range and best-in-class 6,200-pound towing capacity.
The engine features variable geometry turbocharging, achieving 90% peak torque from 2,600 to 5,600 rpm. Production takes place at Stellantis’ Dundee, Michigan plant.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee boasts a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, redesigned cabin, seven-slot grille, new headlights, refined bumpers, and three new colors: Steel Blue, Shino Copper, and Fathom Green.
Impressive, but the Grand Cherokee faces stiff competition from midsize SUVs like the Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Dodge Durango, Honda Passport/Pilot, Mazda CX-70/CX-90, Ford Explorer, Land Rover Discovery, and Toyota Highlander/Grand Highlander.
Stellantis’ pricing strategy for the refreshed Grand Cherokee remains undisclosed, but production at Detroit’s Jefferson and Mack plants begins before year-end, so the wait won’t be long.
Ram Set to Unveil Its First-Ever SUV in 2028
Since Ram’s separation from Dodge in 2009 to become its own brand, it has been synonymous with heavy-duty pickup trucks. However, this is set to change with the anticipated launch of a new Ram SUV in 2028.
The All-Electric Dodge Charger: A Sales Flop?
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is an electrifying offer from dealerships across America, with massive discounts of tens of thousands of dollars expected to boost sales.
“Jeep’s Misadventure in China: A Joint Venture Gone Bust”
After years of struggling to find its footing, the joint venture between GAC and FAC (parent company of Jeep) has filed for bankruptcy.
“The Future of Maserati, Illuminated by Stellantis”
Stellantis, the automotive giant, firmly denies rumors of selling its luxury brand, Maserati, despite ongoing challenges. The company stands strong, committed to nurturing and growing the iconic Italian marque within its prestigious portfolio.
The Road to Revival: A Stellantis Luxury Brand Collaboration
Maserati and Alfa Romeo, two iconic automotive brands, are joining forces in a strategic alliance aimed at reducing costs and boosting sales performance. This exciting collaboration between the Italian powerhouses promises to deliver an innovative and dynamic approach to the automotive industry. With their combined heritage, passion, and expertise, Maserati and Alfa Romeo are poised to create a new era of captivating vehicles that thrill drivers and enthusiasts worldwide.
