Jeep Renegade Trailhawk proves highly capable
For those enthusiasts who relish the off- road capability of Jeep’s iconic Wrangler model offerings, but would prefer more sophistication in a style that’s less utilitarian, there’s a new kid in town — it’s the all- new 2015 Jeep Renegade that builds on and enhances the Wrangler’s bold athletic stance, rugged packaging and aggressive proportions, incorporating best- inclass approach and departure angles that were purposely designed to deliver the best capability in its class.
The new Jeep Renegade is crafted and assembled in Melfi, Italy and features familiar key Jeep elements such as the signature sevenslot grille and accent colored “shield” surround. Traditional large circular headlamps are tucked just under the hood at the top for a more menacing look. Below the grille, a two- piece front fascia is aerodynamically tuned, featuring a body- color upper and molded- in- color lower for enhanced durability against the elements.
Slipping inside, the new Renegade’s interior displays a rugged and energetic look and feel that builds upon the brand’s legendary heritage. It was designed using four key principles: make an emotional design impact; use high- quality materials with an inspired color and materials; integrate the latest state- of- the- art technologies; and develop clever storage and intelligent use of available space.
Passenger seats are ergonomically designed to support body contours during longer journeys, and are trimmed with premium cloth or leather.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade will come in four levels of trim: Sport; Latitude and Limited, which are available in either a 4x2 or 4x4 drive configuration; and the off- road purposeful Trailhawk, which is only available as a 4x4. Open air freedom is supplied by two “My Sky” removable and stowable roof systems — one power and one manual.
Power for the new Jeep Renegade will be supplied by either a 1.4- liter, SOHC, 16- valve, turbocharged, multiair, inline four cylinder engine with sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless fuel injection that produces 160 horsepower with 184 pound feet of torque ( standard for Renegade Sport and Latitude); or, a 2.4- liter, SOHC, 16- valve, multiair2, Tigershark inline four cylinder motor with sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless fuel injection that delivers 180 horses while developing 175 pound feet of torque at 3,900 rpm ( Standard for Limited and Trailhawk / Optional for Sport and Latitude).
Transmissions will include a C635 six- speed manual, or the first 948TE nine- speed automatic transmission
in the segment.
Engines are transversely mounted up front, transferring motive force to the driving wheel configuration.
SUMMARY: My driving partner and I initially thought the 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk might be rough riding on the road due to its enhanced capability features, while its off- road prowess had yet to be put to the test, and remained questionable. We were dead wrong — the Jeep Renegade is more civilized on- road than the Wrangler and certainly more comfortable.
Acceleration is great from the 2.4- liter motor, and the 9- speed auto gearbox operates smoothly. The ride quality is comfortable and quite stable. Seats are both comfortable and supportive, and the My Sky roof when open delivers nearly the same open- air experience as any Wrangler, which is fine off- road, but presents some serious buffeting while cruising at freeway speeds.
There was a long trail with serious elevation changes that rated a 4 in difficulty as well as a specially prepared short course with rock crawling, log traversing and water wading that warranted a 6 rating. The Renegade conquered all with no negative issues or problems.
Bottom line, the new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is indeed a winner, both on and off road. It is the real deal — not necessarily as rugged as a Wrangler, but decidedly better looking. The Renegade is a really delightful small SUV that’s highly capable as well as affordable.