It’s been said you can never get enough of a good thing. When it comes to compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs), Jeep apparently agrees.
Expanding Jeep’s lineup for 2015, the Renegade was recently launched in San Jose, CA. It joins its diminutive siblings, the Compass and Patriot, at the smaller end of the Jeep spectrum, appealing to fans of Jeep capability, as always, but with better fuel economy. The Renegade sets itself apart with more of the Wrangler’s brawn.
Technically, the Renegade is the first Jeep to enter the small sport utility segment—the Compass and Patriot compete among compact SUVs. With few true competitors, the Renegade offers many first-in-class innovations starting with “My Sky” open-air roof systems with removable panels that take inspiration from the Wrangler.
“My Sky” open-air roof systems with removable panels
“The Renegade is true to the Jeep brand, offering open air freedom and packed with fuel efficiency and versatility,” asserted Jim Morrison, director, Jeep Brand, at the launch.
Another first-in-class is the Renegade’s nine-speed transmission. Matched to a choice of two four-cylinder powertrains—a 1.4-liter and 2.4-liter—it helps improve fuel economy. The Renegade Sport and Latitude (pictured at top) equipped with the six-speed manual, however, offer the best EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/31 miles per gallon (mpg). On the test drive, the 1.4-liter averaged 27 mpg.
Like all Jeeps, the Renegade will be at ease on the road as well as off. Available in four trim levels in 2×2 or 4×4 configurations, the trail rated Trailhawk will appeal to true rock crawling fans. At the launch, it moved along a trail at the Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area (pictured below) without a hitch.
Off-road capability begins with two new 4×4 systems, Jeep Active Drive and the class-exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low (Trailhawk only). Standard on all 4×4 models, Jeep Active Drive full-time 4×4 system automatically disconnects the rear axle and power transfer unit to help improve fuel economy.
Both 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system with up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud, plus Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for drivers to choose depending on road conditions.
Familiar design cues, like the seven-slot grille, keep the Jeep DNA in tact while others offer a new twist, e.g. the x on the tail lights was taken from military equipment like gasoline cans.
Described as Tek-Tonic, the new interior design takes inspiration from extreme sports like base-jumping. Colors like Tresspass Black monotone interior or Black and Warm Sand two-tone seats, and a gauge cluster with a mud-splatter design graphic accentuate the theme.
The cluster also includes the Driver Information Display (DID) with temperature, compass, tire-pressure monitoring, trip computer, distance-to-empty, range, vehicles messages and vehicle speed.
For better comfort and convenience, air conditioning, keyless entry with panic alarm, a UConnect AM/FM stereo with a Media Hub—audio jack input for mobile devices and remote USB port, vanity mirrors, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, and a removable and height-adjustable cargo floor panel are standard.
The Renegade offers 70 available safety features including a blind spot monitor, forward collision warning, Rear Cross Path Detection, although not on the Sport model. A rear backup camera, however, is available on the Sport and standard on the three subsequent trim levels.
Standard safety features include Electronic stability control with Hill-start Assist, all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, and trailer sway damping.
Designed in America and crafted in Italy, pricing for the 2015 Renegade begins at $18,990 with destination fees.
DEARBORN, Mich., May 1, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is expanding a safety recall regarding door latches to include approximately 156,000 more vehicles at the request of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bringing the total to 545,906 vehicles in North America. The door latch in certain vehicles may experience a broken pawl spring tab, which typically results in a condition where the door will not latch. If a customer is then able to latch the door, there is a potential the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford is aware of a total two allegations of soreness resulting from an unlatched door bouncing back when the customer attempted to close it, and one accident allegation when an unlatched door swung open and struck the adjacent vehicle as the driver was pulling into a parking space.
