2015 Jeep Renegade: Small, But Still A Jeep

The ultra-compact SUV segment is set to see the most growth this year and welcome the largest number of new models. These scaled-down SUVs may look like they were left in the dryer too long, but they are an exciting choice compared to subcompact cars. Their practicality, unique design and attractive price are winning people over.

The recipe is simple: take a subcompact car platform and primary mechanical components, add a beefier body, raise the chassis for increased ground clearance, and you get one of these state-of-the-art vehicles. Jeep’s objective in creating the 2015 Renegade is to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke and the future Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. Its most compelling argument is its family name: being a Jeep means off-road capabilities are a given, and that’s something that no other rival can claim.

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2015 Jeep Renegade: Small, but capable

The Renegade traces its roots to Melfi, Italy, where it is built. Chrysler is run by the Fiat Group and the manufacturer wanted to use a proven platform. And since Europe’s expertise in small cars is undeniable, a fishing expedition to the Italian branch of the company was in order. The Renegade’s structure, known as “Small Wide 4x4”, is shared with such cars as the Fiat 500 and the future 500x, a Renegade look-alike that Fiat will soon offer. A little overlap never hurt anyone...

Of course, the Renegade’s style includes the Jeep family’s dominant traits. That means a front end featuring the typical seven-bar grill and round headlights. The tail end’s square lights are reminiscent of its big brother, the Wrangler, and incorporate ubiquitous X accents that evoke the logo stamped on the gas cans on the back of military 4x4s. With its super square lines, it’s hard not to associate the Renegade with the brand; this is a true mini Jeep. Let’s hope that its angular look won’t doom it to the same fate as the Nissan cube and Honda Element. Its rivals are much more curvaceous.

The choice of rims and diverse colours—such as Sierra Blue, Solar Yellow and Omaha Orange—give the Renegade an extremely outgoing personality, and none more so than the Trailhawk meant for extreme off-roading, which you’ll easily recognize due to its larger tires and red tow hooks.

A spacious passenger compartment

On board, the basic Sport version gives you the impression of lower quality, particularly because of the very simplistic audio system, but things get a lot better once you get into the Renegade North, sure to be the best selling version of the bunch. The five inch touch screen, soft materials and leather covered steering wheel all add to the style. The result is even better inside the Trailhawk, which sets itself apart with trim and contrasting accents. The optional instrumentation is also very nice with its seven inch screen whose display can be customized to your liking.

If you enjoy breathing in the country air, Jeep offers the “My Sky” system with dual roof panels that are completely removable and easily stored. This addition really makes it feel like a Jeep! While the driver’s seat is height-adjustable, the same can’t be said for the passenger seat. You get the impression that you’re seated quite high up, and while some will like it, others won’t. The good thing about the vehicle’s shape is that it translates into generous headroom and cargo space, especially compared to its rivals.

Two available engines

The Renegade Sport and the Renegade North come factory-standard with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque. That’s a touch less powerful than the optional 2.4-litre, but the 1.4 provides superior torque. If you opt for the 1.4, you’ll have to settle for the six-speed manual transmission, the only one that it is available with. We would have expected the combo to be much less fun to use, but we were pleasantly surprised overall. 

Despite an oversized shifter knob, shifting is precise and shifting distances are very short. The clutch is progressive and gives you the sense that you’re in control of the gear, which is an element that the automatic transmissions have a lot more trouble recreating. The result is a more thrilling ride and the good news is that it can be paired with a four-wheel drive system.

The Limited and Trailhawk versions come factory-standard with the slightly more powerful—180 horsepower—2.4-litre four-cylinder. Its 175 lbs.-ft. of torque is a smidge less than that of the other engine. Here, you’ll have to deal with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the very same one that is found in the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200. In the past, this transmission has had some performance problems and the manufacturer is continuing to work out the kinks. On the road, it always seems to be searching among the multitude of gears, resulting in obvious lag. At least it lets you drive at cruising speed at low RPM, which improves fuel economy.

An off-road beast, the Renegade Trailhawk has several extra components to help it keep up with its big brother, such as skid plates, exclusive fascias offering better approach and departure angles, and a higher ground clearance of 205 mm (8.1 inches) thanks to its totally independent suspension. It owes its prowess to Jeep's Active Drive Low with its full-time 4x4 system including a lower crawl ratio. Its Selec-Terrain system adds rock mode to the auto, snow and sand/mud modes of the other versions, while its hill descent system rounds out the offer.

We put the Renegade through its paces off-road and it did not disappoint (see our video). Jeep certainly has succeeded in proving its points in this regard.

It’s no bargain

Although the Renegade may see itself as a very affordable choice, this is not really the case. Count on paying at least $25,000 to get an all-wheel drive version and nearly $28,000 for the Renegade North, which includes a minimum of interesting equipment.