2015 ended up being quite the year for Jeep, as a number of the brand’s models ended up earning a number of awards and accolades. This isn’t anything surprising for the company, as they continually produce some of the most durable and dependable SUVs on the market. Of course, the awards help to confirm this sentiment.
Before you go out searching for Jeeps in Miami, see why 2015 was such a great year for the company. You may discover that your targeted vehicle actually took home an impressive award, and that may convince you to make the purchase…
Brazil Car of the Year
In November, the Jeep Renegade was named Brazil’s 2016 Car of the Year by Autoesporte magazine. With SUVs being a particularly popular segment in the country, the Renegade ended up separating itself from the pack. The vehicle was commended for its abundance of safety features, resulting in the Jeep being one of the 10 best-selling vehicles in September and October.
“We are honored to receive this important recognition,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The Jeep Renegade is made in Brazil for Brazil. This is the right vehicle, at the right time, to help drive the expansion of the Jeep brand in Brazil and across Latin America.”
Of course, the accolades could also be attributed to the company’s detailed plans for selling vehicles in Brazil.
“The Jeep Renegade Car of the Year title comes after a successful reintroduction of the Jeep brand in the Brazilian market,” said Stefan Ketter, Head of FCA – Latin America. “After developing a multifaceted strategy for our operations in Pernambuco, we opened the Jeep Automotive Complex, the most modern FCA manufacturing facility in the world, which produces a safe and high-quality vehicle suitable for various markets.”
PAPA Best of the Southwest Award and Luxury Off-Road Award
During October’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards, the Jeep Grand Cherokee took home a pair of awards, including the inaugural Phoenix Automotive Press Association Best of the Southwest. The vehicle also took home honors for being the top “luxury off-road” vehicle.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee ticked all the boxes for our PAPA panel of automotive journalists as a durable go-anywhere vehicle with plenty of room for people and gear,” said Bob Golfen, automotive journalist and PAPA member. “PAPA jurors also were impressed by the Jeep’s premium interior and superior drivability, which make it an ideal all-around SUV for daily driving and vacation fun.”
More than 100 athletes and “outdoor enthusiasts” were among the judges for the competition, and they were also particularly focused on the vehicle’s ability on-road and off-road. A big reason for that success is the inclusion of the EcoDiesel engine, a unit that is both powerful and efficient.
“With its fuel-efficient EcoDiesel engine, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has the off-road capability and range to venture far off the grid, while maintaining the appealing style, comfort and convenience features that buyers in this segment demand,” said Nina Russin, ALV co-founder. “As such, the Grand Cherokee can keep up with the demanding lifestyles of elite and recreational athletes who need a daily commuter during the week, but a highly off-road capable vehicle for the weekend.”
Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
This competition is a bit more unorthodox than any of the previously-mentioned contests. Regardless, the judges were particularly fond of Jeep’s 2015 class, as the brand took home a handful of awards. The 2015 Jeep Renegade was named the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year, and it also took home accolades for being the best compact utility vehicle.
“Following two days of extensive testing, I think it’s clear that Jeep has something special with the new Renegade Trailhawk,” said Ryan Douthit, co-chair of the event. “Don’t let its size fool you: this is one capable little machine. Even though it did extremely well in our sealed-surface slalom and braking tests, it was the smallest Jeep’s remarkable off-road abilities that really impressed our members.”
The Jeep Cherokee also won an award, being named the best family utility vehicle.
The judges, which include more than 20 automotive journalists, tested the vehicles through paved and off-road courses. They certainly didn’t hold back, as the organization was intent on testing these vehicles to the limit, all in the quest to truly find which stood out.
“This annual competition sets the bar for outdoor activity vehicle buyers in not only the Northwest, but the entire country,” said Nik Miles, president of NWAPA. “The journalists push vehicles to their limits; this competition is not for the meek and faint of heart. FCA came to the table ready for a tough fight and they played rough and tough, driving away with a trunk full of trophies.”
KBB 5-Year Cost Award
Each year, Kelly Blue Book’s KBB.com releases their Five-Year Cost to Own Awards, and each year Jeep seems to get recognized. That was the case again in 2015, as the Jeep Patriot took home the ‘Five-Year Cost to Own award in the Compact SUV/Crossover segment’ for the third straight year. The Jeep Wrangler was also recognized, winning a similar award for the mid-size SUV/crossover category.
“Winning these two significant awards from Kelley Blue Book is a tremendous honor and significant achievement for the Jeep Brand, and particularly for the 2015 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand. “The awards reinforce the exceptional value that Jeep vehicles deliver to customers throughout their ownership experience.”
Just like the name says, the award recognizes the vehicles with the lowest cost-to-own value over five years. According to the FCA press release, Kelley Blue Book focuses on five particular factors: “depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees.”
The Jeep Patriot was already a ridiculously affordable vehicle, coming in at $16,695. The vehicle also features excellent fuel economy, as well as a number of helpful safety features.
“The Jeep Patriot wins our 5-Year Cost-to-Own Award in its segment year after year because it’s an SUV with a careful eye on value,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Not only is it the most affordable Jeep on the market, but it’s also one of the least expensive sport/utilities, period.”
With an MSRP of $22,695, you can’t expect much more for the Wrangler. The vehicle is extremely durable and versatile, and that attribute ended up give the KBB.com judges difficulty.
“Classifying the Wrangler in one category is tough since it can serve many different needs, and there truly is nothing like it,” Nerad added. “Wherever you fall, the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has something for you without draining the bank account.”
A number of Jeep models ended up being recognized by various organizations, with some taking home accolades for capabilities, value, and safety. Regardless of the reasons, consumers can certainly be confident in the brand’s ability to produce impressive vehicles. If you end up purchasing a 2016 model, we wouldn’t be shocked if your vehicle ends up being an award winner next year!
