Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango to Get Standard Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

New Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango crossovers will start getting an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment by 2013, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing by Chrysler.

The new transmission will be equipped with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain, replacing the current five-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler says fuel economy will improve by 12%.

The same transmission is used on the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, improving gas mileage to 19/31 mpg city/highway from the previous 18/27 mpg ratings.

The Ram 1500 also will get a 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission, according to PickupTrucks.com.

Comments

4 more highway mpg is pretty impressive, is this trans stout enough to put behind the 8 cylinder models? They are the ones that need the improvement in highway mileage.

Question - Why would Chrysler be telling the SEC about upcoming product specifics such as transmissions?

Well Bruce, I guess that's for Chrysler to know and for you to wonder.

With fuel economy being a primary concern for buyers today, this change should be a welcome one for buyers!