10 Mopar Things We’re Thankful For This Thanksgiving

From new leadership to V8 noise and racing returns, 2025 has been a major turning point for Mopar brands across North America. And as Thanksgiving rolls in, it’s the perfect time to look back at the wins, the comebacks, and the announcements that put a little extra horsepower into our holiday season. Here are 10 Mopar things we’re thankful for this year…

1.) Antonio Filosa Refocusing Stellantis On North America –

One of the most impactful changes this year was Antonio Filosa stepping in as the new CEO of Stellantis. He’s wasted no time putting Chrysler Group operations and U.S. production back in the spotlight, signaling a huge shift from previous years. Under Filosa, the company is finally acknowledging the strength and loyalty of North American customers — and giving Mopar brands the investment and product attention they deserve. Early moves like Detroit and Midwest product guarantees, a revived motorsports presence, and strong emphasis on brand identity show that enthusiasts are once again being heard. That alone is something to be thankful for.

2.) The Return Of The 5.7L HEMI® V8 In The 2026 Ram 1500 –

Ram fans spoke up, and Stellantis listened. After originally phasing out the HEMI® in favor of the twin-turbo HURRICANE I6 engines, the brand reversed course and confirmed that the legendary 5.7-liter V8 is coming back for 2026. We followed this one closely, and it’s a huge win for truck buyers who want choice, sound, and tradition under the hood. Whether towing, hauling, or just laying down a healthy rumble at a stoplight — the HEMI isn’t done yet. 

3.) Ram’s Return To NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition –

Performance is in Ram’s DNA — but after years away from NASCAR’s Truck Series, the brand is officially climbing back into the grid. Partnering with Kaulig Racing, Ram will return to the track with factory support and a strong development plan. This move reconnects Ram with hardcore motorsports fans and gives Dodge and Ram enthusiasts someone to cheer for again on race weekends. It also tees up future involvement in even bigger NASCAR arenas — a storyline MoparInsiders will be covering every lap of the way.

4.) Jeep® Restructuring Its Pricing For Real-World Customers –

The Jeep lineup got a major pricing overhaul this year — and it wasn’t just small tweaks. We reported how Jeep slashed or rebalanced pricing across the Wrangler, Gladiator, Compass, Grand Cherokee, and more to better match market conditions and consumer budgets. With interest rates climbing and affordability becoming a bigger issue industry-wide, this move showed Jeep is willing to adjust rather than price loyal drivers out of the brand. That’s respect — and a welcome return to Jeep’s roots.

5.) A Massive $13 Billion U.S. Manufacturing Investment –

Few things show commitment more than money — and Stellantis put its cash where its cars are. The recently announced $13 billion investment into U.S. manufacturing secures tens of thousands of jobs while guaranteeing American assembly for Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles through the next decade. Belvidere’s rebirth, new engine development in Indiana, and new product rolling out of Michigan are all major wins. 

6.) The All-New 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack –

Dodge has officially proven you can build a muscle car for the future without losing the muscle. The upcoming Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack — featuring the twin-turbo HURRICANE H/O I6 — is redefining performance expectations. After driving it and spending extensive time behind the wheel, it’s clear this isn’t a compromise: it’s evolution with attitude. The SIXPACK models deliver real speed, real sound, real fun — and a reason for diehard V8 fans to pay attention.

7.) Chrysler Choosing A Multi-Energy Path — Not Full EV Only –

Chrysler’s revival is taking shape — and thankfully, it’s taking shape with options. Instead of going all-electric overnight, the brand confirmed it exclusively to us that it will offer hybrid and combustion models alongside EVs. We highlighted Chrysler’s renewed mission of blue-collar luxury, and this decision supports families, commuters, and real-world buyers who still need affordability and convenience. Chrysler is building a lineup meant for North Americans — not forcing us to change faster than the world can support.

8.) SRT Is BACK!!! –

For years, enthusiasts have asked: “When is SRT returning?” This year, Stellantis answered. A dedicated performance team is being re-established under the Chrysler Group umbrella — and that means real Street & Racing Technology (SRT) product strategy again. SRT badges should once again represent horsepower, handling, and heritage. The idea of future SRT Chargers, SRT SUVs, and factory-built track toys hitting dealerships once more? That is pure gratitude fuel.

9.) The Return Of The Cherokee Nameplate –

The Cherokee is one of the most recognizable and respected names in Jeep history. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM) will revive the name on an all-new, highly capable, mid-size model engineered for today’s customers. New platform, new tech, new power options — but with real Jeep DNA. It’s a return that honors legacy instead of replacing it.

10.) Chrysler’s 100th Anniversary — And A Real Plan To Grow –

Chrysler hit the 100-year milestone — a celebration many feared might never arrive. But instead of a quiet birthday, the brand used its centennial to declare a future — more models, more innovation, more relevance. MoparInsiders has followed every detail of Chrysler’s product roadmap, and for the first time in years, excitement surrounds the brand instead of uncertainty. One century down — and a much brighter one ahead.

A Thanksgiving Of Horsepower –

As Mopar fans, we’ve seen uncertainty the past few years — product delays, EV confusion, factories paused for retooling. But this year? We finally felt the momentum shift. We got noise back. Racing back. Strategy back. Leadership back.

Most importantly:
We got hope back.

And that’s worth celebrating around the table — whether you’re carving turkey or turning wrenches.