2019 Jeep Renegade: New Engine, New Styling
Introduced for the 2015 model year, the subcompact Renegade is getting some changes in order to remain competitive, now that it has more competition than ever with the recent launches of the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Kona.
The biggest news is the arrival of a turbocharged and direct-injected, 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine. It develops 177 horsepower as well as 200 pound-feet of torque at 1750 rpm, and will be included in the Limited and Trailhawk trim levels, optional in the Sport and North. The two latter variants are equipped as standard with the carryover 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, good for 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet. The manual transmission is no longer offered, as both engines will be connected to a nine-speed automatic.
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All versions of the Renegade save for the Trailhawk now gets active grille shutters, while engine automatic start/stop is standard across the board. FCA says fuel economy has been improved with the new engine and these additions.
The subcompact Jeep also boasts a new front fascia, new alloy wheel designs, new paint colours, a new driver instrument panel and a new lighting group that brings LED headlights, daytime running lamps, fog lamps and taillights. The available features list now includes adaptive cruise control, active park assist and front park sensors.
The 2019 Jeep Renegade keeps its Active Drive 4x4 system, and as before, the Trailhawk benefits from the Active Drive Low setup, a 21:1 crawl ratio, a Rock drive mode—the other 4x4 variants get Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes—, 220 millimetres of ground clearance, skid plates and two hooks. Four-wheel-drive Renegades can tow up 2000 pounds (907 kilograms) when properly equipped.
The refreshed Renegade should soon be on sale, although pricing hasn’t been announced yet.