Now in its second year of production, the 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 is a fun to drive subcompact crossover that is well-mannered on and off-road.
Around town the Renegade offers a comfortable ride plus it’s easy to park and maneuver in crowded spaces. Off-road the Renegade offers a multitude of abilities that make it very attractive indeed.
The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a five-passenger subcompact crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. This review will focus on the Latitude.
The Latitude adds alloy wheels, roof rails, foglights, automatic headlights, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, body-colored door handles and mirrors, air-conditioning, ambient LED lighting, a fold-flat front passenger seat, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Electronic additions consist of a rearview camera, the Uconnect control interface with 5.0-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice commands, an additional USB port and a six-speaker audio system to the base Sport model’s equipment of keyless entry, power windows and locks, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Extras that can be ordered at an additional cost and which were included on my model are, a package that includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, HD radio and Uconnect Access. Two safety packages are also offered. A Safety and Security package comes with a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alerts, while the Advanced Technology package adds a lane departure warning system, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors and forward collision and braking systems.
A 9-speed transmission drove the optional 2.4-liter four banger that delivered 180 horses and 175 pound-feet of torque. The Renegades comes in a choice of front-wheel drive or 4×4. My test model was a 4×4. Mileage estimates are good at 21/city, 29/highway and 24/combined mpg.
An attractive interior gives the entry-level Jeep a look that is anything but. The Uconnect system works great with an easy to operate touchscreen and text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities.
The cabin of the Renegade feels spacious with plenty of legroom fore and aft and ample headroom. Cargo space is good with 18.5 cubic feet with the seats and a whopping 50.8 cubic feet with them down.
Cruising along the highway is a breeze in the Renegade with lots of low-end torque for traveling in traffic. Since it is so car-like the drive is comfortable and taking turns is firm and true.
When looking for an entry-level subcompact crossover with off-road capability look no further than the 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4.
