Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
Stellantis Streamlines Connected Services: What Jeep Owners Should Know
If you’ve ever been confused by the list of optional tech features when buying a new Jeep, Ram, Dodge, or Fiat—Stellantis is listening. Based on customer feedback, the automaker is overhauling its in-car technology plans and rolling out a simpler structure that’s already starting to appear in new vehicles.
Going forward, all new Stellantis vehicles will come with a free 10-year “Connected Services” plan, which doubles the previous five-year offering. For those who want more, a $17.99/month “Connect Wi-Fi Plus” plan adds more advanced tools—after a 3-month free trial.
Standard on most new Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Fiat models:
- Over-the-air software updates
- Vehicle health reports & service scheduling
- Automatic SOS calling & recall alerts
- Remote lock/unlock via smartphone
- Digital key access (model-dependent)
- In-vehicle games
- EV charging tools
- Basic navigation
If you upgrade to the Wi-Fi Plus plan, you get:
- In-car Wi-Fi for up to 8 devices
- Remote start, climate control, horn & light activation
- Stolen vehicle tracking
- Speed, time, and location alerts for shared vehicles
- Voice-activated vehicle functions
- Real-time traffic, fuel prices, and last-mile guidance
- Amazon Alexa integration
Even used vehicles can qualify if the software is compatible, and buyers can opt-in anytime—or keep their existing setup.
New Jeep models—excluding Compasses built in 2025 or earlier—will be among the first to include this streamlined tech suite. Chrysler will follow in 2026, with Alfa Romeo on the heels. These updates bring Jeep closer to a more connected, seamless ownership experience—especially for off-roaders who value remote tools, mapping, and real-time system data.
Sara Shone, Stellantis VP of software subscriptions, says this change was built directly on customer input. “We asked: ‘What do you want? What do you see value in?’” she said. “We're not forcing anyone to change—but we think it’s a better value.”
Jeep Gladiator Tops JD Power Quality Rankings—Again
Jeep’s Gladiator is proving itself more than just trail-tough—it’s also topping charts. For the third consecutive year, the midsize pickup claimed the top spot in JD Power’s 2025 Initial Quality Study, leading in 7 of 10 categories including infotainment and interior quality. Recent updates to both Gladiator and Wrangler models seem to be paying off, with Jeep climbing 13 points in overall brand rankings.
While the Gladiator may not tow or haul like traditional midsize rivals, its unique strengths lie in its open-air experience, roomy interior, and out-of-the-box off-road capability. It’s a rig built for weekend getaways, gear-hauling adventures, and anyone who values versatility with a dose of trail-ready confidence. Add in Jeep’s ever-improving quality control, and it becomes clear why more drivers are making the Gladiator their go-anywhere, do-anything truck.
Even more impressive is the ripple effect across the Stellantis family. Alongside Jeep’s quality gains, Dodge and Chrysler also posted double-digit improvements in the JD Power rankings. For Jeep, this continued success underscores a broader shift toward reliability without losing the brand’s trademark capability and character—something loyalists and newcomers alike can appreciate.
Now In Stock: Quadratec ST2 2.5" Suspension Lift Kit – Balanced Performance On & Off-Road
When upgrading a Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited for improved trail performance and better off-road capability, selecting the right suspension lift is essential. The Quadratec ST2 2.5-Inch Suspension Lift Kit by Teraflex offers a practical, well-balanced solution that enhances both ride quality and ground clearance without compromising factory drivability.
This complete suspension system is specifically designed for 4-door JL Unlimited models and features a 2.5-inch lift height, which allows for fitment of up to 37-inch tires on Rubicon models and 35-inch tires on standard Sport and Sahara editions. The additional clearance improves breakover angle and approach/departure capabilities while maintaining safe handling and alignment geometry.
At the heart of the kit are Teraflex’s Falcon SP2 2.1 monotube shocks. These shocks are adjustable, giving owners the flexibility to switch between soft and performance settings depending on terrain or daily driving needs. Paired with progressive-rate coil springs, the ST2 kit delivers a controlled and stable ride on the road and predictable articulation on the trail.
Additional features include front lower Alpine IR control arms for better suspension alignment and vibration resistance, an adjustable front track bar for precise axle centering, front and rear bump stops, rear sway bar end links, and quick disconnect front sway bar links. All components are engineered to work together, ensuring optimized suspension geometry and long-term durability.
This suspension lift is compatible with 2.0L and 3.6L gas engines and comes with all necessary installation hardware. For Jeep owners looking for a functional, daily-drivable lift system with trail-ready credentials, the Quadratec ST2 by Teraflex provides a reliable and well-rounded upgrade.
