When it comes to products, Chrysler currently offers the least among the 14 brands under the Stellantis corporate umbrella. It’s now essentially a minivan brand, selling only the Pacifica/Voyager. Heck, even Lancia, another troubled automaker within the conglomerate, has a second product scheduled for 2026. So, how does the struggling American brand, which turned 100 just last week, plan to get back in shape? By experimenting.
In an interview with Automotive News, Stellantis design chief Ralph Gilles said Chrysler is “ripe for a new chapter.” The brand aims to revamp its current image and attract a new clientele by targeting the “brand-new conquest customer.” Although Stellantis has numerous products across its vast portfolio, there are still gaps that Chrysler will attempt to fill with its upcoming vehicles.
“I think it’s time for us to pivot. We’re going to try. We’re going to experiment with the brand. There is an unserved part of our portfolio in our showroom that our dealers have identified that we can maybe serve with Chrysler, so we’re in the process of experimenting.”
Chrysler Is Not Giving Up On Gas Engines
Although Chrysler had initially planned to go fully electric by 2028, that’s no longer the case. Gilles said the new lineup will be built on the STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms, both of which support combustion, hybrid, and electric drivetrains. The STLA Medium is already used in European products, such as the Peugeot 3008/5008, Opel Grandland, Citroën C5 Aircross, and the not-for-America 2026 Jeep Compass. The STLA Large underpins the Dodge Charger, Jeep Wagoneer S, as well as the upcoming Recon and Cherokee.
Stellantis also has an STLA Small architecture, but Chrysler appears to be focusing on larger vehicles. STLA Medium is designed for cars measuring 169.3 to 193 inches (4.3 to 4.9 meters) in length, with wheelbases ranging from 169.2 to 192.9 inches (2.7 to 2.9 meters). STLA Large supports vehicles ranging from 187.6 to 201.8 inches (4.76 to 5.1 meters) long and 74.7 to 79.9 inches (1.89 to 2.03 meters) wide.
Chrysler finally has a new design studio to create its future vehicles, one of which could be a sedan inspired by the Halcyon concept. Although the concept won’t go into production as is, CEO Christine Feuell suggested it could influence a 300 replacement. An SUV inspired by the Halcyon is reportedly also in the pipeline, with CNBC reporting both could debut as early as next year. The Pacifica turns 10 next year, and Chrysler has confirmed plans to update the minivan and introduce a fully electric version.
Chrysler Is Back
Just weeks before his abrupt resignation, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the struggling brand would have only a few years to save itself. However, there’s now a sense that Chrysler is finally receiving the attention it deserves. With newly appointed Antonio Filosa leading the 14-brand empire, a revival seems to be underway.
Gilles mentioned that Stellantis has “been working very hard behind the scenes” on the STLA Medium and Large platforms. He described them as the “perfect foundations” for new vehicles bearing the winged emblem. These new products certainly can’t arrive soon enough, and Chrysler deserves the attention after years of neglect.
