JEEP'S ALL-NEW RENEGADE GAINS TRACTION WITH YOUNGER SET
It's hard to deny the rugged, good looks of a Jeep. More than 70 years of legendary off-road nostalgia of the Jeep Wrangler has reached new levels of cool thanks to Kevlar coatings and a Lego-like compatibility with an endless array of after-market accessories. The popularity is paying off for parent company Fiat Chrysler. For the fifth consecutive year, Jeep sales have increased both globally and in the United States, surpassing one million vehicles sold in 2014. Jeep aims to continue the momentum with the 2015 Jeep Renegade, its first ever entry into the expanding small sport-utility segment.
Staying true to the adventurous lifestyle and 4x4 capability Jeep is known for, the Renegade looks to outduel the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke in the ever expanding compact SUV market. Jeep looks to gain traction with the selfie-set by delivering a unique combination of off-road capability, open-air freedom, and, thanks to its production facilities in Italy, a bit of European styling and fuel economy never seen before.
Built upon the Fiat 500L platform and leveraging 4x4 technology from the all-new Jeep Cherokee, the Renegade enlists what they call Jeep Active Drive. This intelligent system, which has specific modes for snow, sand and mud, can instantly provide up to 1,475 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels for optimal grip as needed. Economy is also at the forefront as the Renegade features the segment's first disconnecting rear axle for enhanced fuel economy nearing 30 mpg on the highway.
Renegade designers made sure to enlist the timeless Jeep style with a traditional seven-slot grille. Set in black, the grille and trim give it a bit of menace, and the inset Xs in the taillights resemble Army jerrycans—an obvious nod to the military heritage of the brand. Available in a palette similar to the Wrangler— the Renegade comes in ten different colors including Omaha Orange, Sierra Blue and Colorado Red (above).
Bold in design and color, the smallest member of the 2015 Jeep lineup also sizes up nicely when it comes to technology. It will offer many of the same features found on more established models including Jeep's Uconnect hands-free communication and infotainment system, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera. Peering up at Reunion Tower, drivers will quickly realize what really makes this mini-Wrangler a keeper is the open-air freedom of the dual panel removable roof.
Rugged, stylish and at a price point that is expected to be as approachable as the car is fun, the Jeep Renegade is a sporty entry-level SUV for the not-so-mean streets.
DETAILS
Engine: 1.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo
Horsepower: 160 hp
MPGe: TBD 30 mpg (est.)
0-60: 5.4 sec.
MSRP: TBD (base price below $20,000)