Chrysler 200 lives, Dodge Dart dies for 2017

Plus, a few other notable updates for Fiat-Chrysler’s ‘17 model year lineup.

2017 Chrysler 200

Steven Ewing

By: Steven Ewing

Sep 1, 2016 at 12:01am ET

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Look through Fiat-Chrysler’s extensive 2017 model year information update, and you won’t see a single mention of the Dodge Dart. It’s gone, but that’s not really a surprise. But if, like me, you assumed the Chrysler 200 would be cut as well, you’re wrong. For another model year, at least, the 200 is sticking around. In fact, it even gets a few updates.

The model range is simplified, going from seven trims down to five (g’bye, Limited and 200C, though the top-end 200C Platinum remains). There’s also a Dark Appearance Package for the 200 Touring that adds 18-inch gloss-black wheels, black headlamp moldings, and gloss-black exterior trim. Elsewhere in the range, the 200S adds its Alloy Edition package that we already told you about.

“We will offer a 2017 model year Chrysler 200 with a focus on the Touring and Limited Platinum trim levels,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. And as for the Dart, it’s not quite out of production just yet. “While there will not be a 2017 model year Dodge Dart, we are working with our dealers to forecast the production and sales volumes that will allow us to satisfy our customer’s needs well into the 2017 calendar year.”

As far as other changes for the FCA product portfolio, you know about the big stuff already, like the final Dodge Viper special editions or the new Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona models. But a few other smaller updates are still worth highlighting.

FCA 2017

The Dodge Journey R/T is now the GT

Dodge looks to be axing the R/T naming from its non-performance models, so the top-end Journey now gets the GT designation. It comes standard with a 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine, leather seats, 19-inch wheels, and a premium audio system. A few years ago, rumor had it that an SRT version of the Journey would arrive sometime soon, but there’s no word of that just yet. I’m still hopeful, only because that would be kind of hilarious.

FCA 2017

The Dodge Grand Caravan is still alive

Yes, the Chrysler Pacifica is the new poster child minivan for FCA, but the Grand Caravan is still kicking it for 2017 with a simplified lineup and new trim designations. The number of trim levels is reduced from six to four, with SE on the base end coming in at $23,995 – that’s only $400 more than the current, super-stripped American Value Package model (but with way more content), and $4,600 less than a base Pacifica LX.

Otherwise, it’s Grand Caravan business as usual. The 3.6-liter V6 powers all models, the top-trim R/T is now called GT (like on the Journey), and the popular Blacktop packages are still available on the mid-grade SE Plus and SXT models.

FCA 2017

You can’t get a manual transmission in the Fiat 500L anymore

I’m sure exactly eight people will care about this. A six-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the entire 500L range, which now includes a Urbana Appearance Package for the butch-ish Trekking model, that adds a number of black accents. But with the 500X officially on sale, I’m still wondering why this homely thing even exists at all.

FCA 2017

The Jeep Wrangler gets optional LED headlights

I think LED headlights are one of the most common aftermarket fitments for new Jeep Wranglers. But now, Jeep will finally offer them from the factory – with LED foglights, too. The brighter lamps will be optional on Sport and Sport S models, and standard on the higher-end Sahara and Rubicon models. Both the two- and four-door versions of the Wrangler benefit from these new lights.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trawkhawk Spy Shots

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT gets a facelift, and yes, the Trackhawk is still coming

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Jeep debuted the new Summit and Trailhawk versions of the Grand Cherokee at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, but there are a few updates across the board. For the SRT, a new fascia leads the changes – if you looked at these photos and thought, no way, that’s definitely the Hellcat-powered Trackhawk, then you were wrong.

Speaking of Trackhawk, it’s not mentioned in the 2017 model year updates, probably because it will arrive next year as a 2018 model. But it’s coming. I’m stoked.