Plug-in Jeep Hybrid, Sedans Rebirth and Wrangler/Tacoma Resale Values? [Ask Nathan]

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  • What will the first plug-in Jeep hybrid be in the USA?
  • Can sedans make a comeback?
  • Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma resale values?

The first question comes from a Jeep fan who wants to know when the first plug-in hybrid Jeep will show up in the United States and what will it be.

(Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Got a Jeep question for you! 

What do you think the upcoming Jeep plug-in hybrid will be and when will it get here?

Jeep Grand Commander debuts for Chinese market

A: Hi!

Next to what Jeep/FCA has already announced (mild hybrids and eventually, plug-in hybrids) in the near future, there has been nothing confirmed. We do know that they are testing plug-in Jeep hybrids on our shores and that they have a Jeep Commander plug-in hybrid aimed at the Chinese market.

Given that the Commander shares components with the Cherokee and other FCA vehicles, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen these vehicles testing here recently. It would support the rumor that the first plug-in Jeep hybrid could be based on the Cherokee or, perhaps, the Compass.

We will be getting a ton of news about these, and other vehicles FCA is putting through the electrification process, soon.

N

The next question comes from a viewer who wants to know if the recent downturn in sedan sales will rebound.

Hi Nathan! Do you think that sedans will regain their sales losses? 

I hate crossovers and I know that everyone is buying them, but there are still millions of sedans being built right? Even though Ford abandoned sedans and it looks like some other guys are following suit, can sales rebound?

I much rather be involved in the driving experience and drive a proper sedan than anything else.

What do you think? I like watching your videos quite a bit and I appreciate the effort you guys put in to everything you do!

Howdy from West Texas!

Mitch

A: Hi Mitch and thank you for your patronage!

Sadly, sales continue to dip for many sedans. Still, you’re correct, Toyota, Nissan and Honda continue to sell a ton of sedans. New sedans are on the drawing board for many companies and we’ll see new sedans continue to produced for the foreseeable future.

Consumer trends ebb and flow around the world and, despite crossovers and trucks selling in huge numbers in the United States, sales numbers for sedans are still impressive for some automakers.

Cheers

N

2015 jeep wrangler vs 2015 toyota 4runner | TFL Car

The last question comes from a viewer who wants to know about the future resale value of the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma.

 

I’ve been looking at getting either a new tacoma or wrangler in the very near future.

One of the things that is really valuable to me is both vehicles’ resale value. They are both at or very near the top overall in residual value.

But I am a bit concerned that both might be poised to come back to earth.
On the supply side: Both vehicles undertook very large production expansions this year, so it seems like in the near future the supply might not be as constrained as it has typically been for both vehicles.
On the demand side it seems like we are poised to hit higher gas prices for the foreseeable future, and neither is at all fuel efficient – even within their own respective categories. So people might be looking to pick up different types of cars 4-5 years down the road.
Do you think this is something to be concerned about?
_Evan

Hi Evan!

Honestly, no – I don’t think either vehicle will slowdown its sales momentum anytime soon. The new Jeep JL Wrangler is simply continuing the rise of marketing awareness for its brand. Simply put: more non-Jeep-lifestyle people are buying the Wrangler than ever before. Jeep will meet the demand for better EPA ratings when they debut the E-Torque 4-cylinder turbo very soon.

Despite Toyota staying the course and keeping things the same (including inefficient powertrains) they can bank on their sterling reliability reputation. Their game-plan is, and always has been, solid. I feel that, if gas becomes a major issue, Toyota has the resources at hand to meet consumer need rapidly.

I think both are sound investments and will be for quite some time.

N

Speaking of Jeep – check out Tommy’s new project!

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.[