Jeep Director Jim Morrison states that Jeep is on a roll. Sales have increased each quarter for the last few years. The 2015 Renegade could only add to that sales increase.
Renegade delivers a unique combination of best–in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience. This is the first 9-speed automatic transmission contribution to outstanding on-road and off-road dynamics. Then add two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinements, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technological offerings.
In fact, there are a number of advanced safety and security features that are absolutely the best features offered anywhere. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System allows the driver to select the desired on-off road setting for optimum performance:
Auto - Basic model for everyday driving conditions
Snow - Tuned to minimize over-steer and maximize traction
Sand - Provides additional traction and wheel slip mitigation
Mud - Maximizes traction and provides additional wheel slip mitigation
Rock - (Trailhawk only) 4X4 Low mode with 20:1 crawl ratio
Renegade simplifies the process of going from 4X2 to 4X4 and back. This Jeep is equipped with Jeep Active Drive, which features a class-exclusive rear-axle disconnect. Normally power is only delivered to the front axle to improve fuel efficiency, and the rear axle is automatically engaged when needed, delivering “seamless operation” in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Renegade offers towing capability up to 2,000 pounds.
You can get the Renegade with either of two new fuel-efficient MultiAir engines. A 2.4 L Tigershark MultiAir I-4 (180 bhp/175 lb-ft) mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.4 L MultiAir I-4 turbo engine (160 bhp/184 lb-ft) with a 6-speed manual transmission.
It doesn’t matter which engine you choose, Morrison promised more than 30 highway mpg. Yep, that includes the 4X4 precise power steering combined with driving steering torque system that improves handling and a good performance feel.
The Renegade delivers a quality drive whether approaching high-mountain passes, rugged streams, sharp curves that disappear into thick undergrowth, or picking your way through fresh packs of snow. This Jeep delivers!
Because of engineering and high-strength steel, Jeep delivers exceptional quietness and crash protection.
User-facing technologies include this segment’s largest full-color 7-inch customizable in-cluster display with personalization options, and Uconnect multimedia system incorporating Fiat-Chrysler Group’s technology advances. Higher models of Uconnect offer hands-free control over numerous smartphone and entertainment features through Voice Command.
Seating is comfortable, the instrument panel is easy to read, and straightforward knobs control the radio. The technology is so easy that even a GED graduate like myself feels very confident.
The Jeep Renegade is built on the Wrangler’s powerful stance, rugged body forms, and aggressive proportions. Designed to look good on the departure and exciting at the approach.
MSRP for Renegade
Sport 4X2 $17,995
Sport 4X4 $19,995
Latitude 4X2 $21,995
Latitude 4X4 $23,995
Limited 4X2 $24,795
Limited 4X4 $26,795
Trailhawk $25,995
Prices do not include $995 destination charge.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
