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.
Jeep Returns to Rebelle Rally With Eyes on More Titles
The Jeep brand is back at the 10th Annual Rebelle Rally, the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States, and it’s once again bringing serious firepower.
Covering more than 1,500 miles of rugged Nevada and California desert, the Rebelle Rally is the ultimate test of driver skill, endurance, and vehicle toughness. For Jeep, it’s also been a showcase as its 4x4s have captured seven of nine overall wins and five of eight Bone Stock titles since the rally’s inception.
This year, Jeep is fielding two powerhouse teams. Defending champs Nena Barlow and Teralin Petereit return as Team Strictly Business (#129), looking for a remarkable fourth overall win in five years. Both will again pilot a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, the industry’s only open-air pickup, designed to handle punishing desert terrain with strength and speed.
Joining them is Team Fun•Duh•Mentals (#101), featuring automotive journalist Lyn Woodward and seasoned off-roader Renée Vento. While new as a team, both bring years of Rebelle experience and will also drive a stock Gladiator Mojave, supported by Pennzoil Ultra Platinum.
Jeep brand CEO Bob Broderdorf praised the rally’s milestone 10th anniversary, calling it a celebration of “grit, toughness, and tenacity” that perfectly mirrors the spirit of Jeep.
As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Jeep’s teams can once again dominate the podium and prove—yet again—that when it comes to capability, the Gladiator is built for the challenge.
Stellantis Shelves Level 3 Autonomous Driving Plans, Focuses on Enhanced Driver Assistance
Stellantis, parent company of Jeep and Ram, is hitting the brakes on its Level 3 autonomous driving program, citing limited consumer demand and high costs.
Earlier this year, Stellantis unveiled its in-house STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system, promising hands-off, eyes-off driving at low speeds and the potential for high-speed autonomy in future updates. But this week, the automaker confirmed those plans are on hold, with spokesperson Fernão Silveira noting the market simply isn’t ready. “Once the market opens up and becomes more receptive, we will move forward with introducing this advanced technology,” he said.
Instead, Stellantis will continue refining Level 2+ driver assistance features—including hands-free driving on approved roads—that are already available on vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona, and several Jeep vehicles and Ram pickups. These updates aim to expand on current systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and self-parking.
The decision follows broader struggles in Stellantis’ software efforts, from early EV glitches to the breakdown of a partnership with Amazon. Still, the company continues investing in in-car tech and automated driving development, leaning on its 2022 acquisition of aiMotive to drive the next phase.
For now, Jeep owners won’t be reading emails or watching movies behind the wheel—but they can expect steady improvements to advanced driver assistance systems, keeping a focus on safety, comfort, and real-world usability.
Jeep Brings Back the Cherokee as a Hybrid-Only SUV
The Jeep Cherokee is back for 2026, revived after a three-year hiatus and reimagined as a hybrid-only SUV with efficiency and affordability in mind.
Unveiled in Brooklyn, New York’s, Domino Park with a block party atmosphere and 300 Jeep owners in attendance, the new Cherokee lineup includes Base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland trims, all boasting 37 mpg combined and over 500 miles of range. Starting at $36,995 (including destination), Jeep says a “typically equipped” Cherokee will stay under $40,000—a sweet spot in today’s competitive midsize SUV market.
CEO Bob Broderdorf emphasized the Cherokee’s return as both a nod to its past and a push toward the brand’s future, with 30% more cargo room, evolutionary styling, and tech upgrades like a 12.3-inch screen that avoids the oversized “tablet” trend. Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles called the design “timeless,” much like the iconic XJ.
While the launch focused on urban appeal, Jeep has yet to unveil an off-road Trailhawk version. For now, the lineup targets a wide spectrum of buyers—from younger drivers to empty nesters—drawn to hybrid technology without the need for charging. And while plug-in hybrids aren’t planned, Jeep says its broader portfolio still gives customers “full freedom of choice,” spanning electric, hybrid, plug-in and traditional gas powertrains.
From its patriotic New York debut to its promise of affordability and fuel economy, the new Cherokee signals Jeep’s intent to reclaim a key space in the midsize SUV market, this time with hybrid power leading the way.
