A couple of things to answer your questions, or comments...
1) On the "rental Specials", that can be said for ALL Mopars, I have rented a 300, Charger and was tempted to rent a Challenger, but needed something bigger. Also have had Jeeps from rentals, so that seems irrelevant.
2) I was given a Journey, by my dealer, (one of their loaners, well equipped, not a rental) when my Charger was in the shop. Found the size better (bigger) than my Cherokee, and I liked the 3rd row. Never popped the hood so not sure what it had, but had no issues with power. I have several co-workers who have them and out of 4, only one said he is not a fan.
3) As for the Chinese made Mexican version, I said I liked the look/style and size. Maybe something similar can be made here or in Mexico to give us that bigger option.
Seems may other car companies US and forigen are putting out several sizes of their SUV's and crossovers. Seems Mopar is down sizing so much won't be much to choose from. Even lost our mid-size car a few years back. Kind of sucks. Mopar has NO market for ages 18-25. My 25 year old daughter drives a Chrysler 200 and LOVES it. What does Mopar have for her when its time to trade it in? NOTHING!!! There is nothing out there with Mopar badging for 18-25 year olds. Most of them, paying for college can not get into a Jeep or Challenger. At some point Stellantis better get back in the game or its over. Everyone can't buy a Jeep or Ram. Same goes for SUV's. What does Mopar have outside of the pricey Jeeps? A pricey Durango? A
full send coin price? We can do better. I am really hoping the Hornet is a start in the right direction and the start to something good. We need more than 3 or 4 vehicles per division. We have lost the youth sales to Honda and Toyota.