2015 Jeep Renegade
August 2015
Nina Russin
Jeep describes the Renegade as a small sport utility vehicle, distinguishing their newest model from crossovers such as the Kia Soul and Mazda CX-3 that lack its off-road capability. Although styling might suggest a pint-sized Wrangler, the Renegade’s ride and handling are closer to the midsize Cherokee, with which it shares unit-body construction and a four-wheel independent suspension.
With Renegade, engineers created a new 4x4 compact platform. Buyers can opt for front- or four-wheel drive, with two available engines and transmissions.
Pricing for the base front-wheel drive Sport model equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed manual transmission starts at $17,995, while the trail-rated Trailhawk with the 2.4-liter engine and 9-speed automatic transmission carries a $25,995 base MSRP, excluding the $995 destination charge.
As a Jeep enthusiast, I love the new Renegade’s distinctive exterior with its seven-slot grille and square headlamps, trapezoidal wheel arches, and unique tail lamps inspired by military fuel cans.
Designers added amusing styling flourishes (which, in the auto world, are called Easter eggs) throughout the Renegade. These are hidden graphics that pay tribute to the car’s heritage that you must do a bit of hunting (like with Easter eggs) to find. Small silhouettes of mountain climbers grace the front and rear glass, while a splat of color on the tachometer indicates the engine’s rev limit.
I drove the base Renegade Sport on city streets, highways, and mountain roads. The peppy, turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine had no problems keeping up with aggressive drivers during rush hour and climbed through the mountain passes with ease.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is easy to shift with a relatively light clutch pedal. A four-wheel independent suspension gives the Renegade a smoother ride than the larger Wrangler with its two live axles.
While driving the Trailhawk at an off-roading park, the Renegade proved quite stable on pothole-filled trails with only two wheels on the ground. On descents too steep to navigate on foot, the hill descent control kept the speed steady and direction straight, with no need for braking or fighting the steering wheel.
The cloth interior on the test car was both attractive and versatile. Second-row seats fold flat so buyers with active lifestyles can load in bicycles, skis, and snowboards.
Jeep didn’t make satellite radio or a rearview camera standard on the base model. Both features require upgrading to the Latitude model, priced from $23,295. But unlike the Wrangler, the Renegade comes with seven standard airbags including a side curtain that protects both rows of passengers. Standard safety features also include front active headrests, hill start assist with roll mitigation, electronic stability control, antilock braking, and tire-pressure monitoring. As of this writing, the Renegade has not been tested for safety.
With its unique styling, off-road capability, and pint-sized footprint, the affordable Jeep Renegade holds plenty of appeal for weekend warriors.
With Renegade, engineers created a new 4x4 compact platform. Buyers can opt for front- or four-wheel drive, with two available engines and transmissions.
Pricing for the base front-wheel drive Sport model equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed manual transmission starts at $17,995, while the trail-rated Trailhawk with the 2.4-liter engine and 9-speed automatic transmission carries a $25,995 base MSRP, excluding the $995 destination charge.
As a Jeep enthusiast, I love the new Renegade’s distinctive exterior with its seven-slot grille and square headlamps, trapezoidal wheel arches, and unique tail lamps inspired by military fuel cans.
Designers added amusing styling flourishes (which, in the auto world, are called Easter eggs) throughout the Renegade. These are hidden graphics that pay tribute to the car’s heritage that you must do a bit of hunting (like with Easter eggs) to find. Small silhouettes of mountain climbers grace the front and rear glass, while a splat of color on the tachometer indicates the engine’s rev limit.
I drove the base Renegade Sport on city streets, highways, and mountain roads. The peppy, turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine had no problems keeping up with aggressive drivers during rush hour and climbed through the mountain passes with ease.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is easy to shift with a relatively light clutch pedal. A four-wheel independent suspension gives the Renegade a smoother ride than the larger Wrangler with its two live axles.
While driving the Trailhawk at an off-roading park, the Renegade proved quite stable on pothole-filled trails with only two wheels on the ground. On descents too steep to navigate on foot, the hill descent control kept the speed steady and direction straight, with no need for braking or fighting the steering wheel.
The cloth interior on the test car was both attractive and versatile. Second-row seats fold flat so buyers with active lifestyles can load in bicycles, skis, and snowboards.
Jeep didn’t make satellite radio or a rearview camera standard on the base model. Both features require upgrading to the Latitude model, priced from $23,295. But unlike the Wrangler, the Renegade comes with seven standard airbags including a side curtain that protects both rows of passengers. Standard safety features also include front active headrests, hill start assist with roll mitigation, electronic stability control, antilock braking, and tire-pressure monitoring. As of this writing, the Renegade has not been tested for safety.
With its unique styling, off-road capability, and pint-sized footprint, the affordable Jeep Renegade holds plenty of appeal for weekend warriors.
NINA RUSSIN specializes in reviewing vehicles for buyers with active lifestyles and owns a Jeep Wrangler because, like her, it likes to spend time off the grid.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 14 MPG City
- 31 MPG Highway
The Good
- Exterior styling reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler
- Good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged engine
- Versatile interior ideal for buyers with active lifestyles
The Bad
- Satellite radio and Bluetooth not standard on the base model
- Rearview camera not standard on the base model
Vehicle Type:
SUV
Base Price:
$17,995
As Tested:
$20,485