Chrysler Brand SUV Classics Impact the World

Chrysler, now part of Stellantis North America, has a long history of producing solid SUVs. This article takes a look back at the classics that built that reputation, then looks at where the lineup stands heading into 2026 and beyond.

It could easily be argued that Chrysler has the richest SUV history in the automotive world. Of course, the Jeep and Dodge brand names fall under the Stellantis umbrella, so the presence of their many model SUVs certainly helps that argument.

The Classics That Built the Reputation

No matter where you live across the United States, you won't have to travel far down any road to spot a Jeep or Dodge SUV with roots that trace back decades. Here's a quick look at the models that set the standard.

Jeep Wrangler

This is the only place for this list to start. First on sale in 1986 for the 1987 model year, the Wrangler has been on the market for nearly four decades, and it's still one of the most recognizable nameplates on the road. Millions have been sold since it debuted, and it remains one of Jeep's best-sellers today, still offered in an enormous range of trims and configurations to suit just about any need, on-road or off.

Jeep CJ and the Wagoneer

Few vehicles have more to offer the history of the SUV than the Jeep CJ, a direct predecessor to the Wrangler that traces its roots back to the WWII-era Willys Jeep. Around the same era, the original Jeep Wagoneer brought the concept of luxury to the SUV world for the first time, running from 1963 all the way to 1991. Both nameplates laid the groundwork for the SUVs Jeep builds today.

Dodge Durango and the Ramcharger

The Durango has been on sale since 1997 and has sold well over a million units in that time. Its predecessor, the Dodge Ramcharger, dates back to 1974 and competed directly with early SUVs like the Ford Bronco and the Chevy Blazer, at a time when a removable roof was still a selling point.

Where the Lineup Stands in 2026

Two of those legacy nameplates are still very much alive today, and one has taken on a new shape entirely.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Wagoneer name is back in a big way, but the lineup looks different than it did just a few years ago. After launching as two separate models, the standard Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer, in 2021, Jeep has folded everything into a single Grand Wagoneer lineup for 2026 to cut down on customer confusion. The refreshed model comes standard with a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine making 420 horsepower, the return of rear-wheel drive, and an available range-extended powertrain, all while still offering up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Dodge Durango

The Durango was originally expected to wind down, but Dodge changed course. Rather than dropping to a V6-only lineup for its final year, the current-generation Durango is sticking around through at least 2028, and for 2026 it's actually gone all-V8, with the 5.7L Hemi now standard across the lineup. A next-generation Durango built on Stellantis's newer STLA Large platform, shared with vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Jeep Recon, is expected to follow.

New Additions Shaping the Next Generation

Alongside the vehicles carrying the torch from Chrysler's past, Stellantis has added a couple of new SUVs to the Jeep lineup built for where the market is headed. The Jeep Wagoneer S is Jeep's first dedicated electric SUV, and the Jeep Recon brings that same electric platform to a more off-road-focused body style built to go head-to-head with the Wrangler's off-road reputation. Both give Jeep a foothold in the electric SUV space while the brand's gas-powered icons continue to carry the bulk of sales.

Final Thoughts on Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge SUVs

The classics on this list helped shape the Jeep and Dodge brands into what they are today, and it's clear that legacy isn't done growing. Between a reworked Grand Wagoneer, a Durango that refused to quit, and new electric additions like the Wagoneer S and Recon, there's plenty to watch heading into the next few years. What do you think is in store for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge next?

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7-20-2026

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