Dodge Durango Sets Sales Records as Chrysler Pacifica Gets Major 2027 Upgrades
Dodge and Chrysler are rolling out updates across key models as both brands build sales strength heading into the 2027 model year. The Chrysler Pacifica gets a refreshed look and enhanced features while the Dodge Durango continues breaking sales records. Meanwhile, the all-new Charger lineup is ramping up production with multiple powertrain options.
New exterior colors, wheels, safety technology and interior upgrades highlight the Pacifica changes. On the Dodge side there are special editions, high-horsepower variants, and growing dealer demand signaling renewed enthusiasm for the performance-focused brand.
In a recent interview at the New York Auto Show, Chrysler and Dodge CEO Matt McAlear shared direct details on the product plans and customer excitement surrounding these two very different brands.
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2027 Chrysler Pacifica Is a Refreshed Family Hauler
The Pacifica gets a host of improvements for the 2027 model year. “The refresh is not just looks. It also has 17 percent better light visibility. And as we move around to the side of the car we have got five new wheels finishes and designs coming,” said McAlear, pointing to a model on the show floor.
“We’ve got five new exterior paint colors which is something that a lot of people have been asking for the last couple years,” he added McAlear. Those colors include an eye-catching Hydro Blue that ensures your minivan is anything but a boring. Additional changes focus on both style and practicality. “We brought the evolution of the wing badge to the rear of the tailgate. And then the big thing on the tailgate is now you are able to set the opening height.”
That’s a bonus just for those who are on the short side and had trouble reaching the fully raised tailgate. “If you lived in a lower garage or you parked in a parking garage where maybe it would bump the top, now you can set that lower if you need to,” said McAlear. Interior updates add premium touches and new safety aids as well. McAlear noted that more details on the broader future of the Chrysler brand will be shared soon during the company’s investor day presentation on May 21st in Auburn Hills.
“Chrysler has an important future and we are excited to disclose and show all that next month.” – Matt McAlear
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Dodge Durango Continues Breaking Sales Records
The Dodge Durango keeps delivering strong results with record-setting sales momentum. “We had our best sales year in 20 years last year and this year is already started off strong. Vehicles are turning extremely quick,” said McAlear. The V8 engine has a lot to do with the sales success of the Durango. Dodge is, after all, a performance brand.
“We announced the V8-only strategy back in Roadkill Nights and demand was so high as we ramp up for Hemis, we had to bring back some production of the V6 to meet consumer demand,” said McAlear. The enthusiasm for the Durango has yet to die down. “We continue to see them turn extremely fast.”
“That is the most horsepower available in the segment under $50,000 – 475 horsepower under 5- with all wheel drive and seven passengers – that’s huge.” – Matt McAlear
It’s performance that’s paving the way for the brand’s success. “The Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak is now available in all 50 states, so people are extremely excited about that,” The high-performance strategy is a huge success. “We opened last week for the return of the 392 into the Durango and we took enough orders in the first six hours to cover the remainder of the ‘26 model year production,” said McAlear. A new special edition adds patriotic flair to the lineup.
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Dodge Charger Lineup Builds Sales Momentum
The Dodge Charger lineup is gaining traction as production ramps up across its diverse powertrain choices. “It’s terrific. We are just still in ramp up mode. Last year we launched a 670-horsepower Daytona BEV and then we started shipping a few months ago the 550-horsepower twin-turbo in-line sixpacks,” said McAlear. It’s an extensive lineup that’s been slowing rolling out rather than arriving all at once. Full availability of two-door and four-door models is expected mid-month.
“We’ve transitioned production from focused on the battery electric, with the changes in regulatory, to now focus on our ICE production.” – Matt McAlear.
Real-world driving experiences are winning over customers. “The customer response is, oh my gosh, once they drive it. A dealer buddy of mine always says you have to grip the wheel to seal the deal. And that is just it,” said McAlear. There were plenty of doubters when Dodge announced an electric Charger, but it’s still very much a performance brand.
“I hope they just say, okay we were not sure maybe for a year, but Dodge is back.” – Matt McAlear
“People, they hear about it online, but seeing is believing. And it did not win five car of the year awards for not being impressive,” McAlear said. “When you actually feel what all-wheel drive and 531 lb-ft of torque can do and pin you to the back of the seat, or you can put it in full rear-wheel drive mode and roast the tires, it is absolutely in a white space”
It’s a new version of the Charger, but still every bit a Dodge.” It’s always done what Dodge has done well, and that is build something that is different” said McAlear. The brand aims to remind enthusiasts that Dodge remains true to its roots regardless of what powers its vehicles.
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