Jeep

Renegade

Jeep entered the compact crossover market for the first time in its history with the stylish, practical and very capable Renegade model. It is a go-anywhere vehicle that oozes character and charm. The new 2019 model added even more all-round appeal and there is now a 4xe model with plug-in hybrid technology.

The good

Looks, price, equipment levels and performance

The bad

Very competitive market

Tech Specs

Price from

£19,705

Combined Fuel up to

134mpg (4xe plug-in hybrid)

0-62 from

7.1 seconds

max speed up to

124mph

co2 from

129g/km

Test Drive

Jeep Renegade 4xe – first drive (2020)

Jeep has a long established and much envied reputation for developing the roughest, toughest vehicles with outstanding off-road capabilities, so when the arrival of a plug-in hybrid version of the mighty Renegade was announced, it could have raised a few eyebrows.

No need for concern though because the Renegade 4xe fully lives up to the company’s “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” motto and is in fact more powerful, comfortable, efficient and more fun to drive than the standard internal combustion driven models.

The five-door Renegade 4xe is available in three generously equipped trim levels called Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk with the first two models delivering 190hp thanks to the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with an output of 130hp, combined with the 60hp produced by the electric motor. The top-of-the-range Trailhawk really raised the bar though with a more powerful 180hp engine offering a total of 240hp.

Prices begin from £32,600 for the Longitude, increasing to £34,500 for the Limited (which is expected to account for 66 per cent of sales) and topping out at £36,500 for the Trailhawk version.

We opted for the all-singing, all-dancing Trailhawk model with six-speed automatic gearbox, 240hp and 350Nm of torque. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 7.1 seconds, has a maximum speed of 124mph with combined fuel economy of 134mpg and carbon emissions of just 51g/km.

The Renegade 4xe can be driven up to 26 miles in pure electric mode and it would need to cover the majority of its miles that way to achieve the best mpg figure. But as Jeep points out, most daily commutes are less than 26 miles and if the vehicle is fully charged at home overnight when tariffs tend to be cheaper, it offers excellent value for money.

When it comes to styling, the Renegade is a great looking model, especially in beefy Trailhawk guise. Eye-catching design features include the traditional Jeep upright-slot grille, black side roof rails, square taillights, circular headlamps, dark tinted privacy glass, front fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and special Trailhawk hood decal.

The Renegade 4xe stands out from the standard models thanks to blue ‘Jeep’, ‘Renegade’ and ‘4xe’ badges, along with an additional port on the left side of the car for charging.

Step inside and the latest Renegade has a quality feel to its design and layout with a wealth of technology at your disposal and all the mod cons we demand these days. There is an 8.4-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, sat nav, a six-speaker sound system with DAB radio, dual zone air conditioning with the ability to pre-heat the cabin before driving and plenty more besides.

The cabin is kitted out with high quality leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, grab handles for convenience and additional ruby red accents throughout to help the very upmarket Trailhawk edition really stand out.

When it comes to performance, the Renegade Trailhawk is the toughest of the line-up with the greatest off-road ability, including a Rock mode. And although we were unable to venture away from the Tarmac on this occasion, it has a reputation for conquering difficult terrain with ease.

Out on the open road, the switch from electric to hybrid mode was seamless and the gearbox proved smooth and well timed as the vehicle climbed steep hills and attacked hairpin bends. The acceleration was constant and the road holding also impressed.

On faster dual carriageways, there is a little wind noise, but generally the Renegade has a nice refined feel to it with the excellent suspension system ironing out any road undulations along the way.

You can switch through the different drive modes on the fly by pressing one of the three buttons on the lower dashboard. Hybrid is selected for optimum fuel efficiency and will favour electric-only driving whenever possible with the engine kicking in under harder acceleration. The Electric mode means you are driving with zero emissions and can be used for up to 26 miles or until there is no charge left in the battery in which case the petrol engine kicks in. And finally, the E-Save mode deactivates the electric mode in order to save the energy for later use.

Another dial called the Selec-Terrain is used to access all the off-road options as well as a new Sport setting for improved throttle response and handling.

Generally, all the dials and technology are quite easy to understand with more data about power usage, flows and charging status than the traditional Renegade models, but it’s certainly not an information overload.

There are two electric motors – one positioned on the front axle and the other on the rear – and the 11.4kWh, 400-volt lithium ion battery pack is neatly tucked away in a secure and well protected location beneath the second row of seats.

The positioning of the rear electric motor does have a slight impact on boot space with the capacity dropping from 351 to 330 litres on the 4xe models. But elsewhere there are plenty of handy storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a central cubby box, door bins, cup holders, trays, a glovebox and pockets in the seat backs.

Charging the Renegade 4xe to 100 per cent takes less than two hours from a 7.4 kW wallbox or under five hours from a 2.3kW unit.

As one would expect, Jeep has packed the Renegade with a wealth of safety kit, including the likes of advanced brake assist, forward collision warning and lane departure warning plus, intelligent speed assist, blind spot detection, park assist, traffic sign recognition, electronic stability control, and for the first time in a Jeep, a driver fatigue monitor.

All in all, it’s clear to see why Jeep is so thrilled with this latest version of the Renegade. It has all the character, ability and appeal of the standard model, but also has the advantage of clever hybrid technology which could attract all manner of new customers to the brand.

Test Drive

Jeep Renegade (2019) – First Drive

Jeep launched its popular Renegade compact SUV back in 2014 but it recently underwent a mid-life facelift with the arrival of more efficient engines, a fresh new look, plus an upgraded interior.

The safety features have also been improved on the vehicle that is available in four generously-equipped trim levels called Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk. The Renegade is priced from £19,705 to £31,440.

Customers buying the2019 model have plenty of choice when it comes to engines with a selection of new three and four-cylinder turbo 1.0-litre 120hp and 1.3-litre 150hp turbo petrol engines. Or for those preferring diesel models, there is an updated 1.6-litre 120hp unit and a 2.0-litre Multijet II powertrain with 140hp or 170hp. These can be matched to a six-speed manual, Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) or nine-speed automatic gearboxes depending on the engine. There is also the choice of two or four-wheel-drive.

We tested out the Jeep Renegade Limited powered by the 1.6-litre 120hp diesel engine delivering 320Nm of torque, costing 25,940 (£28,990 with options). This front-wheel-drive car, with its six-speed manual gearbox, could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 10.2 seconds and topped out at 110mph. According to official figures, it could deliver combined fuel efficiency of 48.7mpg (WLTP) with carbon emissions of 129g/km.

From a design point of view, the Jeep Renegade is very easy on the eye with its bold upright stance, instantly-recognisable Jeep upright seven-slot grille, new fog lights, square tail lights with a distinctive cross pattern, black wheel arch mouldings and lower body cladding and circular headlights.

Move inside and the interior has a more modern, authentic styling with smart eye-catching colour combinations, upgraded materials, all the infotainment technology you could wish for via the Uconnect touchscreen and upmarket leather upholstery. Techno treats are plentiful and, on the Limited model, include a larger Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen Nav system (five or six-inch on lower trims) with full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is GPS navigation, a DAB radio, a six-speaker sound system and dual-zone climate control.

The seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustment and can be heated, along with the steering wheel, to help fend off the winter chill. While there is enough room for a couple of adults to sit comfortably in the back of the car, add a third and it gets a little too snug. But the Renegade is designed with young families in mind and there’s ample space for three youngsters in the back.

Storage options are also good with a boot capacity ranging from 351 litres to 1,297 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This rear bench set-up was part of a Function Pack adding £700 to the cost of the car.

When it comes to performance and handling, the Renegade has driving characteristics that match its looks. Admittedly it’s not the most dynamic compact SUV out there, but it copes well in busy town centres thanks to the great all-round visibility and can effortlessly hold its own on faster moving motorways too. Then when you take to the winding country lanes, the road holding is assured, and the acceleration is smooth and responsive through the gears, while the suspension system does a fine job of smoothing out any uneven road surfaces.

The original Jeep Renegade was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and the latest model has been given even more kit. Standard across the entire range are Lane Sense Departure Warning-Plus and Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, six airbags and electronic stability control with electronic rollover mitigation.

On the Renegade Limited model, you also get Forward Collision Warning Plus whereby radar and video sensors detect whether you are approaching another vehicle or large obstacle too fast. The system warns you and, if ignored, assists with the braking to help prevent an accident.

There is also an Automatic Park Assist and Park Sense system that helps to identify a suitable parking space and then guides the driver with audio and video instructions that also appear on the TFT instrument cluster.

All in all, Jeep has certainly upped the ante with its latest Renegade. It still looks quite quirky and full of character, but it seems to have matured along the way and developed more all-round appeal.

Test Drive

Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II Trailhawk

The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive so launching a new model into the sector takes some guts, determination and confidence, and they are qualities that have never been in short supply at Jeep.

So it comes as little surprise to know the all-new Renegade is certainly making its presence felt and turning heads along the way.

Unlike many rival manufacturers who plump for soft curves and attractive lines, Jeep has ensured its Renegade remains true to its rugged, ready-for-action Jeep roots with instantly-recognisable design traits such as the circular headlights, distinctive seven-slot grille, square-shaped tail lamps and large door mirrors.

Then in addition, the flagship Trailhawk model – which is the line-up’s most capable off-roader – raises the bar even higher thanks to the addition of chunky 17-inch off-road wheels with mud and snow tyres, additional skid plates, extra ground clearance and a tow bar.

Move inside the four door vehicle and it’s deceptively spacious and packed with lots of techno treats. Features include the likes of a heated steering wheel, heated seats, privacy glass, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with DAB radio, dual-zone climate control and plenty more besides.

There are also a number of neat touches throughout the car to offer a gentle reminder that this particular Jeep is a little bit special. For example, the front seats have the word TRAILHAWK embroidered into them, there is a massive panoramic sunroof that allows light to flood the cabin, the rev counter has a mud splat motif to highlight the vehicle’s go-anywhere ability, there are stylish ruby red trim surrounds on the air vents, speakers and gear stick, there is the passenger grab rail and my personal favourite – a tiny Willys Jeep motif on the windscreen (you may have to search to find this!).

Although it’s a fact that the Renegade will spend almost all its life on well-made roads, it’s still worth remembering it is a happy performer when taken away from the Tarmac. After all, Jeep’s history is steeped in producing very capable off-roaders and this vehicle is no exception with settings for auto, snow, sand, mud or rocks along with 4WD LOW and 4WD LOCK settings.

So the Renegade Trailhawk looks the business, has a generous assortment of on-board creature comforts and will keep you safe and sound and on your original path when Mother Nature has a mood swing. But how does it perform in normal everyday situations and is it a practical option in such a competitive segment?

The answer is positive all round. The Renegade is a genuinely practical vehicle. At £28,595 (£31,395 with options) it’s not the cheapest choice out there, but it does ooze character whereas many rivals all seem to morph into one rather boring and indistinctive style.

In busy congested traffic, the high-seated driving position is a notable plus factor and then out on the faster open roads the car is beautifully grounded with confident road-holding and precise steering. The additional 15mm ground clearance means there is a little body roll into bends but nothing too dramatic.

The test car was powered by a 170bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.9 seconds and tops out at 122mph. According to official figures, the Renegade can deliver combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg with carbon emissions of 155g/km.

At times I did find the nine-speed gearbox box a little slow to react when a swift burst of pace was needed, but that aside the car handled beautifully and the efficient insulation meant the cabin remained pleasantly hushed with next-to-no engine, road or wind noise to speak of.

The Renegade can easily accommodate four adults in comfort (five at a squeeze) and the boot is practically sized too with a 351-litre capacity that can be increased to 1,297 litres with the rear seats dropped flat. The adjustable boot floor is a handy feature and elsewhere there is a good-sized glovebox, practical cup holders, small trays and door pockets.

All in all, the Renegade is a fabulous all-rounder and welcome addition to the segment. It may be the first Jeep to be built outside the US, but parent company Fiat has certainly ensured it features plenty of Italian flair along with many of the trademark Jeep strengths and 4×4 know-how.

Test Drive

Jeep Renegade – first drive

The compact crossover market is the fastest growing segment with buyers demanding vehicles that look great, handle brilliantly both on and off-road, are packed with upmarket technology and even come with a reasonable price-tag.

On top of all that customers are calling for impressive fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions so costs are kept to a minimum. And that extensive wish-list puts more pressure on manufacturers to come up with the goods.

But now there is a newcomer to the scene and it’s certainly got heaps of experience in its long-established off-roading history. Jeep has joined the compact SUV ranks with its fun, funky and very versatile Renegade model and it has the likes of the MINI Countryman and Skoda Yeti firmly in its sights.

It is the first Jeep to be built outside the USA and has been developed in Italy where parent company Fiat is based. But fear not, because the Renegade remains true to the brand’s outstanding off-roading characteristics with plenty of stand-out Jeep trademarks such as the circular headlights, square-shaped tail lights, larger-than-life door mirrors and the chunky seven-slot grille.

Priced from £16,995 to £27,995, the Renegade is available in four trim levels called Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk and these are powered by six petrol or diesel engines with either two or four-wheel-drive options. The 4WD is an on-demand system that runs in a more fuel-efficient front wheel drive most of the time but automatically switches to 4WD in just one hundredth of a second when needed. It can also be locked to tackle sand, snow, rocks and muddy terrains

The vehicle is richly specced with even the entry-level Sport models boasting 16-inch alloys, a DAB radio with Uconnect colour touchscreen, Bluetooth , air conditioning and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Move up to Longitude trim and you will add 17-inch alloys, roof rails, cruise control, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a six-speaker sound system and ambient lighting.

Limited models introduce 18-inch alloys, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, privacy glass, rear parking sensors and forward collision mitigation.

Then the Trailhawk models, which are the most capable off-roaders in the line-up, come equipped with all the trim on the Limited models, plus chunky mud and snow tyres, a tow bar, additional skid plates and extra ground clearance. This model costs £27,995 and is powered by a 2.0-litre MultiJet 170bhp engine with nine-speed automatic transmission and comes with 4WD.

The Renegade is designed to be a practical vehicle so storage options are excellent with large cup holders, a good-sized glovebox, deep bins and door pockets plus a boot capacity of 351 litres which can be increased to 1,297 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The bright and spacious interior is clutter-free and modern in its design and the high roofline means ample headroom for back seat passengers who also benefit from good leg and shoulder space.

So the Renegade which is available in 11 bright colours with plenty of interior personalisation options, looks smart and has all the potential of a classy compact SUV, but how does it handle when put to the test? The answer is very well indeed.

It’s true that the somewhat box-like shape and high-ride position means it’s not the most refined and comfortable vehicle on our roads today, but this is designed to be a go-anywhere vehicle and it can do just that as Jeep was happy to demonstrate.

For we tested a number of models on twisting country lanes, fast-moving motorways and then on deep wet sand with slippery rocks and finally on a muddy woodland off-road course consisting of large boulders, steep muddy inclines, slippery banks and boggy terrain and the Renegade passed with flying colours.

But first up was the 2.0-litre diesel MultiJet engine with 140bhp mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in Limited trim level.

This model was priced at £25,395 which was increased to £27,935 with the addition of a glass panoramic sunroof, eight-way powered front seats, metallic paint and an upgraded Beats nine-speaker infotainment system.

According to Jeep, it can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 113mph and can achieve 55.4mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 134g/km.

The car handled beautifully with ample power on tap at all times. The high-seated driving position means there is superb all-round visibility aided by the large door mirrors.

Acceleration is both smooth and responsive and the vehicle is extremely sure-footed which means tight bends can be attacked and conquered with confidence.

Parking and manoeuvrability is made simple thanks to the vehicle’s great agility and excellent turning lock, which makes the Renegade a very capable all-rounder.

Next up was the 1.4 petrol MultiAir model with 140bhp mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in Limited trim.

This car was priced at £22,395 (£24,665 with options) and can sprint from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds with a maximum speed of 112mph. It can deliver 47.1mpg on a combined run with emissions of 140g/km.

Once again the vehicle proved great fun to drive and its performance matched its exciting, bold and eye-catching appearance. If anything, the responses were slightly edgier on the petrol model with a little more bite on offer, but both cars were an absolute pleasure to drive.

Those large door mirrors do result in a little wind noise at higher speeds, but that aside, the ride is relatively quiet and exceptionally well grounded.

Finally, some tough off-loading was the order of the day and in standard models with no additional body kit, the vehicle made light work of any obstacles put in its path.

It’s true many Renegade customers will never venture far from the Tarmac but it’s always reassuring to know just what the vehicle can do if necessary.

Safety systems on the car are comprehensive and include more than 60 features, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lots more besides – all of which helped the vehicle achieve the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

All in all, the Jeep Renegade is a welcome newcomer to the popular crossover scene and despite being under the Fiat Group’s umbrella these days it still carries the Jeep badging with pride and conviction.