Hybrid, AWD, and Towing Power: Best 2026 Vehicles for Montreal Drivers

Montreal-Est drivers face a unique daily challenge: crossing the Saint Lawrence River via busy bridges like the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel and Pont Jacques-Cartier, navigating industrial zone congestion around the Port of Montreal, and battling persistent river winds that can buffet vehicles year-round. Whether you're commuting downtown, hauling equipment to job sites, or shuttling family through stop-and-go traffic, your vehicle needs to deliver stability, efficiency, and capability.

The 2026 Stellantis lineup—spanning Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram—offers several models engineered to handle these exact conditions. From hybrid efficiency for bridge traffic to rugged capability for unpredictable weather, here's how four standout vehicles excel in Montreal-Est's demanding commuting environment.

2026 Jeep Cherokee: Hybrid Efficiency for Bridge Crossings

The all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee debuts with Stellantis' first North American 1.6-litre turbo-four hybrid powertrain, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. This system returns an estimated combined fuel economy as low as 6.4 L/100 km—a significant advantage when you're idling in tunnel backups or crawling through Hochelaga-Maisonneuve traffic during rush hour.

With up to 800 kilometres of range on a single tank, Montreal-Est commuters can handle a full week of bridge crossings without refueling. The standard Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 system with rear-axle disconnect provides confident traction on icy Pont Jacques-Cartier approaches in winter, while Selec-Terrain traction management adapts to snow, rain, or dry pavement with four driving modes.

Inside, every 2026 Cherokee includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and standard Active Driving Assist—helpful for maintaining lane position during windy stretches over the Saint Lawrence. Standard safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, Intersection Collision Assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification—critical for navigating Montreal-Est's busy industrial intersections.

The Cherokee also boasts 30% more cargo capacity than its predecessor, accommodating winter tires, work gear, or weekend equipment with ease.

2026 Dodge Durango: Three-Row Muscle for Family Commutes

For families needing space without sacrificing performance, the 2026 Dodge Durango delivers seating for up to seven and best-in-class towing across all trims. The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD capability.

Durango's strength lies in its versatility: up to 50 seating configurations and a spacious 2,409 litres of maximum cargo capacity make it ideal for Montreal-Est families juggling school runs, grocery hauls, and recreational gear. The SUV's substantial curb weight and low centre of gravity provide stability when crosswinds sweep across bridge spans—a common occurrence on exposed river crossings.

Standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, and a power liftgate. The Durango also offers more than 60 available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop—useful for managing unpredictable industrial zone traffic.

Towing capacity reaches up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) with the V-6, allowing Montreal-Est drivers to haul trailers, boats, or work equipment confidently.

2026 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid: Electric Range for Short Commutes

The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid stands as North America's only plug-in hybrid minivan, offering 51 kilometres of all-electric range—enough to cover many Montreal-Est to downtown commutes on battery power alone. When the battery depletes, the 3.6-litre V-6 engine seamlessly takes over, providing a combined fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km city and 7.9 L/100 km highway.

For commuters who can charge at home or work, the Pacifica PHEV delivers near-silent electric operation during morning tunnel runs, eliminating tailpipe emissions in congested traffic. A 240-volt charger fully replenishes the battery in just 2 hours.

Beyond efficiency, the Pacifica offers class-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor for maximum cargo flexibility. Standard features include a 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including Blind-spot Monitoring, rear park assist, and automatic emergency braking.

The Pacifica's low step-in height and sliding rear doors make loading children or cargo easier in tight parking situations common around Montreal-Est's industrial areas.

2026 Ram 1500: Workhorse Capability for Industrial Zones

Montreal-Est's proximity to the Port of Montreal and surrounding industrial zones means many commuters need a vehicle that doubles as a work truck. The 2026 Ram 1500 delivers with multiple powertrain options, including the new 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 producing up to 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, or the returning 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

The Ram 1500's five-link coil rear suspension provides a smoother ride than competitors when unloaded, while maintaining payload and towing capability when hauling materials. Maximum towing capacity reaches 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) with the Hurricane engine, and payload capacity tops 794 kg (1,750 lbs).

Standard 4x4 systems ensure traction on slippery boat ramps, construction sites, or snow-covered streets. The available 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen integrates navigation, and available features like a 360-degree surround-view camera assist with maneuvering in tight industrial yards.

The Ram 1500's 98-litre fuel tank (with optional 125-litre upgrade) reduces refueling frequency—a practical benefit when your commute includes job site stops across the region.

Key Takeaways

Find Your Ideal Commuter at Grenier Chrysler Montréal-Est

Montreal-Est's unique commuting challenges—bridge traffic, industrial congestion, and river winds—demand vehicles engineered for real-world conditions. Whether you prioritize hybrid efficiency, family space, electric range, or work capability, the 2026 Stellantis lineup offers proven solutions.

Visit Grenier Chrysler Montréal-Est to explore the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, and Ram 1500. Our team understands Montreal-Est driving conditions and can help you find the right vehicle for your daily route.