The new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 is a winner on or off road. Smaller than the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee it is an entry-level Jeep that is a kick to drive. I can’t point you to one specific thing that makes this Jeep so desirable. I think it is the sum of all its parts. It has got a body that is the basis for the new Fiat 500X which makes it smaller than the Cherokee but it’s also a bit wider which makes the interior comfortable.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade is a five-passenger subcompact crossover SUV offered in four trim levels. This review will focus on the Trailhawk trim.
The rugged Trailhawk comes with four-wheel drive, a raised suspension, hill descent control, tow hooks and underbody skid plates. It has 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, a full-size spare, premium cloth upholstery, red interior stitching, a removable cargo floor panel and a remote rechargeable flashlight in addition to the Latitude’s equipment of roof rails, foglamps, automatic headlights, heated power-adjustable outside 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.
My model came with optional removable sunroof, the navigation system and the Customer Preferred Package 27E that included leather and heated front seats, power seat adjustments, and heated steering wheel.
Running on a 2.4 liter four banger that produces 180 horses and 177 pound-feet of torque, the Renegade gets 21/city, 29/highway and 24/combined mpg.
The interior of the Renegade continues the good news with plenty of soft-touch materials and a whole bunch of standard equipment including the easy to use Uconnect system. My model had the upgraded 6.5 inch touchscreen which made it a snap to find restaurants near by or to ask for directions.
Short but wide the Renegade is plenty comfortable. Front seat passengers will find no shortage of head or leg-room and with the extra width three across in the back seat is possible and comfortable. Cargo space is plentiful with 18.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 50.8 feet with the seats down.
Driving the Trailhawk is a pleasure with lots of low-end torque to give it power when you need it. It’s not particularly quick off the dime but it will pull hills with ease. Since the Trailhawk is a 4×4 it is higher off the ground than the other models of the Renegade. That means it’s great for off-roading but the increased height gives it a little more bounce over rough rode conditions.
Looking for a vehicle that does double-duty? Want something that is as fun to drive in the city as it is in rougher conditions? Then the Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 is definitely a vehicle you want to look at.
