Pros: Good passenger space (save for rear legroom) and cargo room in a tidy package; solid body structure contributes to good ride quality for the class; distinctive styling; broad range of available technology features and unique equipment
Cons: Road, wind, and engine noise intrude a bit in highway driving; thick roof pillars compromise visibility; automatic transmission is often slow to downshift for more power
CG Says: For 2016, Jeep Renegade newly offers a Beats sound system and rain-sensing wipers. Introduced last year, Renegade is a new subcompact-sized SUV that revived a model name from Jeep’s past. The Renegade is based on the same basic platform as the Fiat 500X from Jeep’s parent company, but it has more-rugged, “Jeep-esque” styling, higher ground clearance, and the availability of an off-road-capable 4-wheel-drive system. Like its Fiat 500X cousin, the Renegade is built in Italy. Among the available features are heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and unique “My Sky” dual removable sunroofs (the forward one being available with a power-sliding feature). Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-obstacle detection, rear cross-path detection, rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The Renegade stands out in the fast-growing category of pint-sized SUVs by offering rugged-but-cute Jeep styling and legitimate off-road capabilities (when properly equipped).
Class | Subcompact SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Jeep |
Nation of Manufacture | Italy |
Base Prices | Sport: $17,995 4WD Sport: $19,995 Latitude: $21,395 4WD Latitude: $23,395 Limited: $24,995 4WD Limited: $26,995 4WD Trailhawk: $26,495 |
Base Engine turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 160 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 24 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
Optional Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 180 |
Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 21-22 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-31 |