As a part of its five-year business model, FIAT Chrysler plans on developing a new seven-passenger crossover utility vehicle (CUV) to compete with the Chevrolet Traverse, according to brand president CEO Al Gardner.
The CUV, which is set to launch in 2017, will be an alternative to the Dodge Durango. The Durango is simply not large enough and features a far too aggressive look for many customers in the segment, according to Gardner.
The vehicle is rumoured to feature a front-wheel drive platform, with the option for all-wheel drive, and a V6 engine. Gardner expressed the need to build vehicles off of existing structures in order to maximize the investment in those platforms. Given that the aforementioned parameters don’t belong on the Dodge Durango platform, this means that the crossover will likely be built off of the next-generation minivan structure.
With the Dodge Caravan soon leaving the market, FIAT Chrysler has plans for a next-generation Chrysler Town & Country, which will feature a plug-in electric hybrid variant, due in 2016. Currently, this minivan is the only Chrysler with a hybrid variant in development, but the new crossover is set to join that list.
While the two vehicles are set to share a foundation, the overall looks are expected to be significantly different. The unnamed crossover is expected to adopt SUV-like styling, while the Town & Country will continue on with its minivan look.