Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland

A silver Jeep Grand Cherokee and a green Toyota 4Runner parked on a coastal road at sunset.

Indiana Families Face a Choice: Grand Cherokee or 4Runner

Midsize SUV shoppers in Northwest Indiana typically look for a vehicle that can handle a daily commute while remaining ready for a weekend trip to the dunes. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives with a significant powertrain update and a refreshed exterior, positioning it as a refined alternative to the truck-based 2026 Toyota 4Runner. While the 4Runner maintains its traditional body-on-frame construction for heavy off-roading, the Grand Cherokee utilizes a unibody platform that delivers superior road manners and cabin quietness for residents in Crown Point who frequently commute into Chicago.

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A maroon Jeep Wrangler parked on an asphalt driveway in front of a red brick two-story house.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe currently stands as America’s top-selling plug-in hybrid, offering a unique combination of legendary off-road capability and modern efficiency. For those looking to enter this market, understanding the nuances of a used dual-motor PHEV powertrain is essential. This vehicle utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with electric motors to produce a combined 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This output provides a more spirited driving experience than traditional V6 models, especially during quick acceleration when the electric motors provide instant torque.

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White Jeep Wrangler parked on a driveway in front of a suburban house with an American flag.

Securing a pre-owned Jeep Wrangler is about more than just finding a vehicle; it is about choosing a lifestyle defined by freedom and the ability to conquer any terrain. Whether you are navigating the daily commute or planning a weekend getaway to the Indiana Dunes National Park, a used Wrangler offers the rugged 4WD capability and iconic design that has defined the brand for decades. At our dealership, we maintain a diverse selection of pre-driven Jeep inventory to ensure that every adventurer finds a model that fits their specific needs and budget.

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A gray Jeep Compass parked on a brick street in a historic American downtown square with a courthouse in the background.

El Jeep Compass 2026 se consolida como la puerta de entrada ideal al legendario mundo de Jeep, combinando un diseño compacto con la robustez necesaria para enfrentar cualquier camino. Para las familias que disfrutan de los eventos comunitarios en Crown Point Square, este SUV ofrece el equilibrio perfecto entre la facilidad de estacionamiento en zonas suburbanas y la capacidad de carga para llevar todo lo necesario a un festival local. Nuestro equipo entiende que usted busca un vehículo que no solo sea confiable para el trayecto diario, sino que también refleje un espíritu aventurero y profesional.

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A mechanic inspecting a RAM truck engine inside a clean, modern automotive service bay.

I’ve spent over 32 years in the service department, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the first few years of a truck’s life determine how it will treat you for the next decade. For the 2026 Ram 1500, that journey starts with a simple but critical milestone every 7,500 miles. At this interval, we focus on the essentials: an engine oil and filter change, a thorough tire rotation, and a multi-point brake inspection. While the truck’s Oil Change Indicator System is smart enough to monitor your driving habits and fuel ethanol levels, waiting for a dashboard light isn’t always the best strategy for those who want to keep their vehicle in peak condition.

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Two Jeep Grand Cherokees, one silver and one charcoal, parked in a suburban driveway in front of a tan house.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo: A Modern Family Hub for Highland Drivers

For households in Highland, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo represents a sophisticated shift in the family SUV segment, balancing everyday utility with a refined presence. Starting at an MSRP of $49,547, the Laredo trim introduces the updated 2.0L I4 Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, a powertrain designed to navigate the Calumet region with a combined 23 MPG. Continue reading…

Two men standing by a gray Ram truck at Valparaiso University construction site.

Today, we are speaking with Daenen Badie, General Manager at Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland. With over 33 years of automotive experience, Daenen has helped countless professionals find the right equipment to power their businesses. In this interview, he shares his expertise on configuring the 2026 Ram 1500 specifically for the demanding work of Valparaiso University contractors, covering everything from the return of the HEMI V8 to specialized storage solutions that keep tools secure on the job site.

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A silver Jeep Grand Cherokee with a roof rack parked inside a bright service garage.

Today, we’re interviewing Brian Gain, our Service Director at Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland. With 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, Brian has seen firsthand how the right upgrades can transform a vehicle’s longevity and utility. In this interview, Brian provides expert guidance on selecting genuine components, maintaining warranty compliance, and ensuring your vehicle remains trail-ready for years to come. Readers will learn the technical differences between factory and aftermarket parts and how professional installation at our Highland facility protects their investment.

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A white Ram ProMaster cargo van parked on a brick-paved town street in front of a bakery.

The recently unveiled 2026 Ram ProMaster 2500 arrives as a powerhouse for Northwest Indiana entrepreneurs, blending a class-leading 276 hp from its 3.6L V6 engine with a massive 4,150-pound payload capacity. Whether you are navigating the historic streets of Crown Point or heading to a job site in Highland, this van provides the muscle needed for heavy hauls. Local contractors will appreciate the 21-inch low load floor height, which makes moving equipment into the 75-inch wide cargo area remarkably efficient. Our team at 9604 Indianapolis Blvd is ready to help you explore our new Ram inventory to find the perfect fit for your fleet. If you have questions about specific upfit options, give us a quick call to speak with a commercial specialist today. For those seeking established reliability, we also maintain a diverse selection of pre-driven Ram models ready for immediate work.

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Green Jeep Wrangler Rubicon parked in a suburban driveway in front of a house.

Maintaining a vehicle as capable as the Jeep Wrangler requires more than just a passing interest in automotive care; it demands a dedicated strategy to preserve that legendary Trail Rated® performance. To help our community understand the nuances of long-term ownership, we sat down with Brian Gain, the Service Director at Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland. With 32 years of experience in the industry, Brian has seen every generation of the Wrangler and knows exactly what it takes to keep these machines running at peak efficiency through the demanding seasons of Northwest Indiana. In this interview, he shares his professional insights on service intervals, the impact of local driving conditions, and how to ensure your Jeep remains a reliable partner for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

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