2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude FWD SUV

The small crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the industry, filled with affordable, well-equipped and comfortable vehicles. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee looks to distinguish itself by offering those traits plus the allure of Jeep's legendary off-road capability. Additionally, the Cherokee features a roomy interior with straightforward controls and ample sound insulation. Aside from its unusually modest cargo capacity and an underwhelming four-cylinder engine, this Jeep's got a lot going for it.
Although Jeep lists that 2.4-liter four-cylinder at a competitive 184 horsepower, we're not particularly fond of the way it puts down that power. The Cherokee feels sluggish on the road with it, and the associated nine-speed automatic transmission can be slow to downshift when the driver demands power. The optional 3.2-liter V6 is superior, as it's much peppier when called upon, yet not much thirstier at the gas pump. We prefer the V6, but opting for the pricier V6 naturally hurts the Cherokee's value proposition.

While all versions of the 4WD Cherokee are off-road-capable, you really want the Trailhawk to tackle serious terrain.

As for the Cherokee's off-road credentials, they're mainly associated with the Trailhawk model, which is easily recognizable by its tough-guy looks and higher ride height. The Trailhawk gets a robust four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and adds an exclusive locking rear differential. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and skid plates, the Cherokee Trailhawk can venture into terrain normally reserved for off-road-ready SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep's own Wrangler. If the Trailhawk seems too expensive, the other trims offer a regular all-wheel-drive setup that puts the Cherokee on about the same level as rival AWD-equipped small crossovers.
If you're shopping for a small crossover, there are some other options to consider. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer more cargo space and superior four-cylinder engines than the Cherokee, while the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5 are more engaging to drive. You might also consider the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek, which come standard with all-wheel drive and match the Trailhawk's impressive ground clearance. Overall, though, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is a solid contender with plenty to offer, particularly if you're the adventurous type.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is a five-passenger crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited.
Standard equipment on the Sport includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable front seats, sliding and reclining rear seats with 60/40-split folding seatbacks, a rear wiper, floor mats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB charge-only port and a six-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, an auxiliary audio input and an SD card reader. A Cold Weather Group package is available with a wiper de-icer, remote ignition, heated power-folding mirrors, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The Latitude adds alloy wheels, roof rails, foglights, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, body-colored door handles and mirrors, privacy-tinted glass, LED interior lighting, a folding front passenger seat with a storage compartment inside the seat cushion, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio controls and a 115-volt outlet. Latitudes also come with a wider range of options including dual sunroofs (the front roof opens; the rear glass is fixed), an upgraded speaker system with nine speakers, and Jeep's 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen interface with a USB audio interface, Siri Eyes Free and smartphone-app integration.
Along with the Sport's Cold Weather package, the Latitude offers a Comfort/Convenience package that bundles a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), the SafetyTec Group package (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and heated mirrors with turn-signal repeaters), an auto-dimming rearview mirror and satellite radio.
There's also an Altitude package (it can also be referred to as a trim level) for the Latitude that includes special exterior trim details.
The off-road-themed Trailhawk comes with an advanced four-wheel-drive system (Active Drive II) and also boasts slightly wider 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, off-road-oriented suspension tuning, a locking rear differential, hill ascent and descent control, skid plates, tow hooks, unique exterior trim, cloth and leather upholstery, a larger driver information display with color graphics, the 8.4-inch touchscreen and satellite radio.
Options on the Trailhawk include the Cold Weather, Comfort/Convenience and SafetyTec Group packages found on the Latitude model, plus a Leather Interior Group package (bundles the power driver seat with leather upholstery, heated front seats and a steering wheel), a Ventilated/Memory Seat Group (ventilated front seats and driver memory functions), a Technology Group package (automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic low-speed emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system) and a navigation system.
The Limited sheds the Trailhawk's off-road hardware, but includes essentially the same standard convenience items plus 18-inch alloy wheels, remote ignition, a wiper de-icer, the SafetyTec Group's upgraded side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, the power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include the above-mentioned Technology Group and SafetyTec Group (minus the standard side mirrors) along with a Luxury Group that adds xenon headlights, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings and a power liftgate. The navigation system is also optional.
A few of the higher trims' standard features are available on lower trims as separate options. All Cherokee trims are eligible for a towing package, while all except the Sport can be outfitted with a dual-pane sunroof and nine-speaker audio system.

Powertrains and Performance

Standard on all 2016 Jeep Cherokees is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque. Optional on all but the base Sport is a 3.2-liter V6 that makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines.
You have your choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with either engine, but Trailhawk models are 4WD only. Jeep offers two 4WD systems. Standard on four-wheel-drive Sport, Latitude and Limited models is the light-duty Active Drive I 4WD system; it requires no input from the driver, though it does come with a Selec-Terrain dial that features different terrain modes. Standard on the Trailhawk and optional on other 4WD Jeep Cherokees is the more rugged Active Drive II system, which features low-range gearing and a locking rear differential along with an additional "Rock" mode for the Selec-Terrain dial.
A tow package is available on all 2016 Jeep Cherokees and gives V6 models a healthy 4,500-pound towing capacity.

The four-cylinder engine is OK, but upgrade to the V6 if you can.

When equipped with front-wheel drive and the four-cylinder engine, the Cherokee is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway). With the V6 and front-wheel drive, the estimate is 24 mpg combined (21/29). EPA-estimated fuel economy for Cherokees with the Active Drive I 4WD system and four-cylinder engines is 24 mpg combined (21/28), which is slightly below average for this class, while V6 Cherokees with the Active Drive I system are rated at 23 mpg combined (20/28). With the Active Drive II system, estimates stand at 23 mpg combined (21/27) with the four-cylinder and 22 mpg combined with the V6. With its all-terrain tires, the Trailhawk gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined with either the four-cylinder or the V6.
In Edmunds testing, a V6-powered Cherokee Limited with Active Drive I went from zero to 60 in 7.4 seconds, a satisfactory showing for a small crossover with an upgraded engine. A Cherokee Trailhawk, also with the V6, fell back to 8.0 seconds.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on all 2016 Jeep Cherokees includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. A rearview camera is optional on the Sport trim level and standard on all other models.
Trailhawk and Limited models can also be equipped with an option package that adds adaptive cruise control, a forward-collision warning and mitigation system (with automatic brake intervention in potential collision situations), a lane-departure warning system and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Cherokee Trailhawk came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet. The all-terrain tires contributed to that lengthy stop, but it's still one of the longest distances we've recorded in this segment. A Cherokee Limited with more common all-season tires and 4WD came to a stop in 122 feet, which is slightly better than average.
In government crash tests, the Cherokee received an overall rating of four out of five possible stars, with four stars for total frontal impact protection and five stars for total side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Cherokee the best possible rating of "Good" in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-crash and roof-strength crash tests. The Cherokee's seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts, but the Jeep received a "Marginal" rating (second worst of four) in the small-overlap frontal-offset test.

Interior Design and Special Features

The cabin of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a high-quality look and feel, especially on upper trim levels. The available Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen is a fantastic system, featuring easy-to-navigate menus, large virtual buttons and an accompanying knob that makes whipping through long lists a breeze. It's certainly worth the extra cost if you can make the jump out of the Sport, though even that trim's 5-inch touchscreen is a solid example of the breed.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system is one of the best in the business.

Passenger quarters are generous in the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. It's easy to get comfortable in the available power driver seat, which offers ample adjustability. The Cherokee features one of the better backseats in the compact crossover class. Not only does it recline, but it also provides for fore-and-aft adjustment, and the high-mounted bench supports adults' thighs without pushing their heads into the rafters.
Alas, cargo capacity is unimpressive. There are just 24.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down. Both figures are 5-15 less than what most other small crossover SUVs offer; indeed, they're closer to the norm in the smaller "subcompact" crossover class. Another drawback is the lack of useful storage space up front for personal effects.

Driving Impressions

The 2016 Cherokee is on the heavy side for this segment, which is why the four-cylinder engine can feel sluggish despite its competitive horsepower and torque. This engine also has a more raucous sound than most other four-cylinders in this class. We really like the V6 engine, though, as it gives the 2016 Cherokee a relaxed, refined demeanor not found in the typical four-cylinder SUV. There's plenty of power, too, and the nine-speed automatic feels more at home in this pairing. With either engine, though, that transmission can be a bit reluctant to downshift once you're cruising on the highway.
The Cherokee is exceptionally quiet at highway speeds, and over rough city streets it provides about as cushy a ride as you'll get in this class. The downside is that the Jeep feels rather ponderous when going around turns. Its steering is precise, but this Cherokee doesn't feel as sporty as segment standouts like the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5. All Cherokees have solid off-road potential if one of the 4WD systems is specified, but it's the Cherokee Trailhawk, which earned a "B" rating from our testing department, that stands out for trail-busting ability. If you have the inclination, the Trailhawk can take on some pretty serious terrain, thanks to its low-range gearing and rear locking differential.
For more driving impressions, be sure to check out our long-term test of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Truck Crew Cab

Although its last full redesign was in 2009, you wouldn't know it from the way the 2016 Ram 1500 handles itself. From the high-quality cabin materials to the easy-to-use infotainment system and remarkably supple ride, there's plenty here to make up for the relative lack of newness. All the major players in this segment have been thoroughly overhauled over the last few years, but the Ram's refined manners belie its age. It's still a great choice if you're looking for a full-size truck.

Introduced last year, the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel is an off-road-ready beast with an intimidating presence on the road.

That smooth ride remains one of the Ram's most distinctive traits, and it comes courtesy of the class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension, which is better at smoothing out and reducing the harshness of rough road surfaces than the typical leaf-spring setup. The flipside is mildly reduced towing capacity, but if you're running up against this truck's towing limits, you'd probably be better off with a heavy-duty model anyway. The optional air suspension makes the Ram even more comfortable, and it has a self-leveling feature that keeps the truck from drooping when dealing with a heavy trailer or full payload.
Revisions to the Ram 1500 are minimal for 2016. The full center console with connectivity and storage for mobile devices, introduced on a limited basis last year, is now the default specification. Several new variants of the Sport offer a choice of bright exterior paint schemes and minor trim tweaks. Also newly available are LED lights in the bed, an especially useful feature with the optional tonneau cover in place.
Even though the 2016 Ram 1500 is one of our favorite full-size pickup trucks, the 2016 Ford F-150 is quicker on its feet, with a lightweight aluminum body and two strong turbocharged V6 engines. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and the similar GMC Sierra offer competitive powertrains and features, while the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD splits the difference between regular- and heavy-duty with a diesel V8 that's more capable than the Ram's diesel V6. There's also the 2016 Toyota Tundra, but it lags behind in ride quality and fuel economy. The 2016 Ram 1500 may be the grizzled veteran in this segment, but it's still a prime pick.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in multiple body styles. The regular cab generally seats three and is available with either a 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot cargo bed. The extended cab ("Quad Cab") can seat up to six and comes only with the 6-foot-4 bed. The crew cab increases rear-seat legroom and is available with either a 5-foot-7 or 6-foot-4 bed. There are 11 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.
The workhorse Tradesman comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, black bumpers/grille/door handles, a seven-pin wiring harness, a Class IV receiver hitch, active grille shutters (with the eight-speed automatic transmission), automatic headlights, a locking tailgate, a spray-in bedliner, vinyl floor covering, air-conditioning, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, vinyl upholstery, a tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control, a 3.5-inch driver information screen, privacy glass and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Extended and crew cabs also have power windows and locks.
The Express is similar to the Tradesman but deletes the receiver hitch and bedliner (both are optional), and it comes standard with 20-inch aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers/grille, foglights, carpeted floors and floor mats.
The HFE (high fuel economy) trim level comes only in the regular- or quad-cab body style with the 6-foot-4 cargo bed, rear-wheel drive and the gasoline or diesel V6 engine. It includes black bumpers/grille, automatic engine stop-start (not available on any other trim level), 17-inch aluminum wheels, a tonneau cover and cloth upholstery.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, power accessories, remote keyless entry, full center and overhead consoles, dual gloveboxes, a 5-inch touchscreen interface, satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Extended and crew cabs add a rear backlight and a power-sliding rear window.

This handy center console becomes the standard design for 2016 and includes a clever mounting shelf for portable devices.

The Big Horn (Lone Star for Texan buyers) includes a 115-volt power outlet, upgraded cloth upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Sport adds the V8 engine, body-color exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, projector headlights with LED accents, LED taillights, LED interior lighting, power-adjustable pedals, a rearview camera, a charge-only USB port and an upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an SD card slot, "Uconnect Access" smartphone integration and online/emergency services (includes Wi-Fi hotspot capability). Note that the regular-cab Sport is packaged as a special R/T model with the 6-foot-4 bed, 22-inch wheels, performance gearing, a limited-slip differential, a unique hood, a black grille with R/T badging and a seven-speaker audio system.
The Laramie (extended and crew cabs only) reverts to the gasoline V6, chrome exterior trim and front bench seat from the Big Horn. Otherwise, it includes the features from the Sport, adding chrome-accented 20-inch wheels, two-tone paint, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, interior ambient lighting, a 7-inch driver information display, dual-zone climate control, ventilated leather-trimmed front seats (vinyl rear seats), a heated steering wheel, driver memory settings, a six-way power passenger seat and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system.
The Laramie Longhorn (crew cab only) adds the V8, unique exterior styling cues, the spray-in bedliner, tow hooks, LED bed lighting, a larger fuel tank, remote ignition, front and rear parking sensors, upgraded wood interior trim, a wood-accented steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, leather-trimmed rear seats, HD radio and a navigation system.
The Limited adds monotone paint, side-step bars, automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, chrome bed rails, a self-leveling air suspension, keyless entry and ignition, even fancier leather upholstery and heated rear seats.
The Ram is also available in two off-road-oriented variants, Outdoorsman and Rebel. The Outdoorsman can only be ordered as a four-wheel-drive model with the crew or Quad cab. It starts with the Big Horn trim and adds 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, heavy-duty rear shock absorbers, painted black fender flares, a larger fuel tank, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, auto-dimming mirrors, remote engine start, front bucket seats and rubber floor mats. On the entertainment front, you get the 7-inch driver information display and the upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen bundle. 

Like every full-size truck these days, the 2016 Ram 1500 turns into a full-blown luxury vehicle at the top of the range.

The Rebel is the more off-road capable of the two, and is only available in the crew cab with the 5-foot-7 bed. On the outside, you'll find features similar to what is included on the Sport R/T, in addition to 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, black fender flares, front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers, tow hooks, LED foglights and keyless entry. The interior is similar to that of the Sport, although a six-way passenger seat, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also included, as is unique cloth-and-vinyl upholstery.
These trim levels are generally just starting points, as many of their standard items are optionally available on other trims (including the HFE's standard tonneau cover, which is optional on all other Ram 1500s). Notably, the "RamBox" weatherproof bedside bins are a standalone option on models with the 5-foot-7 and 6-foot-4 beds (except the HFE). Other à la carte items include various appearance enhancements, a sunroof and a rear defroster.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Ram 1500's base engine is a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 generating 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic. Rather than a traditional shift lever, the eight-speed is controlled by a rotary knob on the instrument panel.
A rear-wheel-drive (2WD) layout is standard, but there are two available 4WD systems. Both have a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing. However, one is a traditional part-time system with manual mode selection, while the other additionally offers an Auto 4WD mode that automatically switches between rear- and four-wheel drive as conditions dictate.
Naturally,EPA-estimatedfuel economy of the Ram 1500 line varies widely among the various powertrains. With the standard V6, the 2016 Ram 1500 4x2 boasts EPA-estimated fuel economy of20 mpg combined(17 city/25 highway), bumping up to21 mpg combined(18 city/25 highway) in HFE trim. The 4WD falls to19 mpg combined(16 city/23 highway).
In Edmunds testing, a Ram 1500 SLT quad cab 2WD with the V6 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while a slightly heavier SLT crew cab V6 2WD did it in 8.0 seconds.
Standard on Sport, Laramie Longhorn and Limited (and optional on all other Rams except the HFE) is a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. When specified on the Tradesman or Express, the V8 is hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission, with an eight-speed automatic offered as an option. The eight-speed is standard on all other V8-equipped Ram 1500s.
The V8's fuel economy with the six-speed checks in at16 mpg combined(14 city/20 highway) with 2WD and15 mpg combined(13 city/19 highway) with 4WD. The eight-speed improves the V8's ratings to17 mpg combined(15 city/22 highway) for 2WD and17 mpg combined(15 city/21 highway) for 4WD.
In Edmunds testing, a Ram 1500 Sport crew cab 4WD made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is slower than average for a full-size pickup with a V8.
Optional on all trims except Express, Sport and Rebel is the "EcoDiesel," a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic is mandatory. Fuel economy is stellar at23 mpg combined(20 city/28 highway) for 2WD and22 mpg combined(19 city/27 highway) for 4WD. The HFE EcoDiesel goes even further at24 mpg combined(21 city/29 highway) which earns it the title of most fuel-efficient full-size pickup.
In Edmunds testing, a Ram 1500 Laramie crew cab 4WD with this diesel engine accelerated from zero to 60 in an unhurried 8.7 seconds, though the engine's ample torque makes a diesel-powered Ram 1500 feel quicker around town than its acceleration time would indicate. It's also worth noting that the Nissan Titan XD needed nearly a full second longer to hit 60 mph despite its more powerful diesel V8.
A properly equipped Ram 1500 with the gas V6 can tow up to 7,610 pounds, while the diesel V6 maxes out at 9,210 pounds. The V8 can tow up to 10,640 pounds — less than its competitors, but not by much. The maximum payload for the gas V6 is 1,890 pounds, decreasing to 1,800 pounds with the V8 and 1,600 pounds with the diesel V6.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Ram 1500 includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill-start assist, trailer-sway control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A fully integrated trailer-brake controller is available, as are a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
During Edmunds testing, both a Quad Cab 2WD with the gas V6 and a crew cab 4WD with the diesel V6 came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is average for similarly configured full-size pickups.
In government crash testing, regardless of cab length, the Ram 1500 earnedfour out of a possible five starsfor overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal crash protection,five stars for side crash protection and four stars for rollover potential (2WD) but just three stars with 4WD.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Ram 1500's cabin is as good as it gets in the pickup segment. Even the lower trim levels boast an attractive design, with satisfactory materials and intuitive controls that are reasonably easy to reach, while the available wood trim and premium leather upholstery are predictably posh. Seasoned truck owners might be thrown off at first by the rotary shift knob on the dashboard, but it quickly becomes second nature, and it frees up useful storage space compared to trucks with console-mounted shifters. The front seats themselves are soft, yet strike an adequate balance between support and comfort. The crew cab's rear seat is very comfortable, offering loads of legroom and an agreeable seatback angle.

The 2016 Ram 1500 has arguably the nicest interior in its class, featuring an attractive, no-nonsense design and generally good-quality materials.

Two touchscreen interfaces are available (one measuring 5 inches, the other 8.4 inches), and they do a great job of controlling both simple and complicated tasks. The upgraded screen is particularly handy and appealing; it's one of our favorites in any vehicle. The virtual buttons are large and easy to see at a glance, while physical knobs and buttons provide much appreciated redundant control. Other modern convenience features include keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, Bluetooth, voice controls, smartphone integration and even WiFi hotspot capability. The power-adjustable pedals on higher trim levels are a welcome addition given the steering wheel's tilt-only adjustment.
The Ram provides plenty of standard and optional storage spaces. The extended cab has a clever fold-out flat floor space when you flip up the 60/40-split rear seats, while the crew cab features watertight storage compartments under the rear floor as well as shallow bins under the flip-up backseat. A unique Ram feature is the optionalRamBox system, which places a pair of lockable compartments over the rear fenders inside the truck bed. With the right equipment levels, these compartments can even be locked and unlocked via remote.

Driving Impressions

While the 5.7-liter V8 has the highest rated towing capacity, the diesel V6 is a close second, and it offers much better fuel economy to boot. Although the diesel's acceleration numbers are on the slow side, we've found that it's just as capable as the other engines for normal commuting. That said, if you're not planning to do any towing, sticking with the base gasoline V6 engine will save you a bundle and give you a bit more quickness with the pedal pinned to the floor.
Gearchanges from the eight-speed automatic are almost imperceptible, so the transmission never feels busy, as you might expect with so many gears. It's also a benefit when towing, as there are more ratios available to achieve an ideal engine rpm, and it could even reduce your need to get a different axle ratio.

The Rebel is clearly the bad boy in this family, but any 2016 Ram 1500 4x4 gives you both off-road ability and on-road civility.

From the driver seat, the Ram feels more refined than its competitors, as its ride quality is smoother and steering more precise than you'd expect in a full-size truck. Running at speed on the freeway, the Ram 1500 is impressively quiet and composed. It gets even better when fitted with the available air suspension, a unique feature for this class that allows the truck to drop 2 inches to ease liftover and step-in heights when parked. Two off-road settings for the air suspension also allow increases of 1.2 and 2 inches above the standard height for extra clearance.

2016 Dodge Charger SE Sedan

If you're looking for a large sedan with equal parts performance, luxury and attitude, the 2016 Dodge Charger is uniquely well qualified among today's entrants. Most rival sedans employ front-wheel drive, for one thing, whereas the Charger is unapologetically rear-wheel drive, with AWD available on V6 models only. The big Dodge is also one of the only sedans in its price range to offer V8 power, ranging from the bargain-priced R/T model to the notorious 707-horsepower Hellcat. Throw in brash styling and plenty of fun options packages, and you've got a special sedan that continues to deliver strong value in its segment.

The 2016 Dodge Charger offers a fantastic combination of performance, space, features and model lineup diversity.

Although the loud, high-performance Charger models get all the press, this bruiser can also play nice with the best of them. Stick with the V6-powered SE or SXT and you'll enjoy traditional American sedan qualities like an absorbent ride, a quiet cabin and many amenities for the money. That's not to say the Charger is old-school, however; on the contrary, its touchscreen infotainment systems are first-rate, and its eight-speed automatic transmission has a couple more cogs than some competitors. Dodge has also left plenty of room for personalization, so whether you want a comfort-oriented Charger or a track-ready performance version, chances are you'll be able to build it your way.
The Charger is a hot prospect among affordable large sedans, but it's not the only one. For a more restrained take on the same formula, try the Charger's corporate sibling, the Chrysler 300. Among the numerous front-wheel-drive stalwarts in this segment, we recommend the roomy Chevrolet Impala, the well-equipped Kia Cadenza and the tried-and-true Toyota Avalon, which is even offered as a hybrid in case the Charger's unimpressive fuel economy is bumming you out. Overall, the 2016 Dodge Charger may not be for everyone, but if you like the idea of full-size family transportation that's also plenty of fun, it's going to be hard to resist.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan offered in SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Road & Track, R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat trims. All models are rear-wheel drive, but the SE and SXT offer optional all-wheel drive.
The 2016 Charger SE standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone manual air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and USB and auxiliary audio inputs as well as dual charge-only USB ports. Choose all-wheel drive for the Charger SE and you'll also get 19-inch alloy wheels and larger brakes.
Move to the Charger SXT and the standard equipment list grows, with 18-inch wheels (19s with AWD), LED foglights, heated mirrors, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface (with Uconnect Access smartphone-app integration and voice commands), satellite radio and an upgraded audio system.
Choosing the SXT trim also brings access to many of the 2016 Charger's major option packages. The Plus package adds xenon headlights, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, driver memory functions, heated rear seats and LED interior lighting. The Premium Group adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension (rear-wheel-drive models only), automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, a frontal collision warning and mitigation system, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, a navigation system, satellite and HD radio and an upgraded 10-speaker Beats audio system.
If you don't want all of these items, Dodge has also grouped many of them into smaller packages with their own themes. The Rallye Group, for example, adds a slight power upgrade for the V6 (taking it to 300 hp), 20-inch black alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension (RWD only), sporty styling flourishes (including a rear deck lid spoiler) and paddle shifters along with the Beats audio system. The SXT's Super Track Pak, meanwhile, adds a lowered ride height (by half an inch), upgraded brakes and a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, along with shorter gearing for more responsive acceleration and Dodge's Performance Pages software (providing real-time performance information).
Moving to the Charger R/T trim gets the SXT's standard equipment and adds a 5.7-liter V8, 20-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. In addition to that list, the R/T Road & Track model comes with xenon headlights, launch control, upgraded brakes, a more aggressive Super Track Pak suspension tune, three-mode stability control, rear parking sensors, driver memory functions, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, leather and synthetic-suede upholstery, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and Performance Pages.
Offered for both the SXT and R/T is a Blacktop Appearance package that adds 20-inch gloss-black wheels, various black trim elements, a sport steering wheel and (on SXT) a sport-tuned suspension.
The 2016 Charger's performance is upgraded even more with the R/T Scat Pack trim, which brings a 485-hp 6.4-liter V8, a limited-slip rear differential, sport bodywork, upgraded Brembo brakes, a rearview camera, a sportier suspension calibration, selectable three-mode power steering, aluminum-trimmed pedals and cloth sport seats. Note that the Scat Pack model lacks a number of the Road & Track's interior amenities, some of which can be added via the Scat Pack's handful of packages and options.

From the entry-level SE to the outrageous Hellcat, there is a Dodge Charger for just about any large sedan shopper.

Next up is the Charger SRT 392. It's fitted with the same 6.4-liter V8 as the Scat Pack, but it adds upgraded Brembo brakes, an active exhaust system, an upgraded suspension with three-mode adaptive shock absorbers, xenon headlights, all the interior amenities from the Road & Track model (plus upgraded leather upholstery), a flat-bottom steering wheel, HD radio, a navigation system and SRT Performance Pages, which builds upon the Dodge Performance Pages feature with even more elaborate performance-related measurements.
At the top of the 2016 Dodge Charger food chain and eating everything in sight is the SRT Hellcat. In addition to most of the other models' performance-related upgrades, the Hellcat adds a more powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V8, a hood with heat extraction vents, aluminum interior trim, a special power-limiting keyless remote in addition to a full-power key fob, and blind-spot monitoring. Choose the Hellcat and you also are entitled to the SRT one-day driving school.
Both SRT models get you a one-day course at an SRT Driving Experience school as well as eligibility for a 19-speaker Harman Kardon GreenEdge audio system. A sunroof is optional across the board.

Powertrains and Performance

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all 2016 Dodge Charger models, as is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional only on the SE and SXT, which feature a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The optional Rallye Group boosts output to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the SE and SXT is 23 mpg combined (19 city/31 highway). Fitted with the optional all-wheel-drive system, fuel economy is 21 mpg combined (18/27).
The Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track step up to a 5.7-liter V8 rated at 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg combined (16/25).
The Charger R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 trims boast a 6.4-liter V8 that cranks out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg combined (15/25), but that may be conservative, as we achieved a remarkable 25.6 mpg on the diverse 120-mile Edmunds evaluation route.
In Edmunds track testing, an R/T Scat Pack went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Finally, the 2016 Charger SRT Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out an astounding 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the SRT Hellcat at 16 mpg combined (13/22).
At our test track, the SRT Hellcat sprinted to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds.

Safety

Standard safety features for the Charger include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, a driver knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
Standard on some Charger models and optional for others are rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-departure warning system with lane-keeping assist and a frontal collision warning and mitigation system that's bundled with adaptive cruise control. The frontal collision mitigation system can initiate automatic braking at all speeds if the driver does not respond in a potential collision situation. Dodge Chargers with Uconnect Access offer remote vehicle access (via a smartphone app), emergency assistance and text notifications if the alarm goes off.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Charger R/T Scat Pack came to a stop from 60 mph in 111 feet, which is typical for a performance car with summer tires, but a bit more impressive in this case due to the Charger's formidable curb weight. The SRT Hellcat stopped from 60 in a remarkable 103 feet.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2015 Charger its highest rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. The Charger's seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts. However, the Charger received a rating of "Marginal" (second-worst of four) in the small-overlap frontal-offset crash test.

Interior Design and Special Features

Although the 2016 Dodge Charger is oriented toward performance, its cabin has a much broader appeal thanks to a sleek dashboard design and quality materials. The lower trim levels have some rather large expanses of plastic that may be off-putting, but overall, this is one of the nicer interiors you'll find for the money. The aesthetics are further enhanced by some retro-inspired touches here and there, including the T-handle shifter for the automatic transmission. We're also fans of the 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, as it has large "virtual" buttons, an intuitive layout and fairly quick responses. Even the smaller 5-inch screen in the base SE model looks good and works well.

The all-black interior can look a bit dour, but overall the 2016 Charger impresses with plenty of room and a great touchscreen interface.

There's a vast amount of shoulder room in the 2016 Charger, and the front seats are as roomy as you'd expect in a full-size sedan, to the point that those of small stature may feel as if they're being swallowed up by the gargantuan chairs. The mix of leather and suede upholstery in certain models is appealing and improves support during spirited driving. Those in the rear also enjoy a wealth of hip- and shoulder room, though the massive tunnel for the driveshaft to the rear wheels compromises rear footwell space, and headroom can be tight for taller occupants.
The Charger's 16.5-cubic-foot trunk capacity is respectable for this class. All models feature folding rear seatbacks, so it's possible to carry bulkier items if you don't need the rear seats for passengers.

Driving Impressions

The 2016 Dodge Charger proves that driving a large sedan doesn't have to be boring. The steering feels sporty and precise, and while the ride quality is supple and forgiving on bad surfaces, this big car offers impressive control and balance when you hustle it around tight turns. That's especially true if you specify some of the Charger's myriad performance upgrades, including multiple sport suspension offerings and an available three-mode stability control system that provides extra leeway in spirited motoring. Happily, the Charger is downright sedate in normal driving, with much lower ambient noise levels than its brash styling and performance would suggest.

Barn find! The 2016 Dodge Charger's performance should help make it a future muscle car classic.

For power, the 3.6-liter V6 (Charger SE or SXT) is adequate, but it can feel outmatched at times by the sedan's weight. We've also noticed that this engine sounds a bit coarse when you're accelerating hard at higher rpm. Stepping up to the 2016 Charger's 5.7-liter V8 solves both problems. This is classic American muscle car power at its best, and the engine works brilliantly with the eight-speed automatic transmission to provide effortless performance at any speed.
Moving up to the R/T Scat Pack or SRT 392 not only brings a larger V8, but an added degree of handling capability. This extra speed and athleticism comes at the expense of a firmer ride, but after putting the 6.4-liter V8 through its paces, you may not care. This is a glorious American V8, serving up downright beastly acceleration with a soundtrack to match. Of course, the SRT Hellcat is even beastlier, though its heavier engine adds weight in the nose, blunting the car's sporting edge to an extent. Given the Hellcat's sobering price premium, too, the 6.4-liter Charger models may be the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts.