2015 Jeep Renegade Five-Point Inspection

The thought of a Jeep made in Italy might shock some people, but the new 2015 Jeep Renegade will indeed be assembled on the other side of the Atlantic.

Another shocker may be the Renegades size. At 166.6 inches long, the Renegade is an inch shorter than the diminutive Chevrolet Trax.

Jeep has had mixed results with small crossovers in the past. The Jeep Compass and Patriot twins never really lived up to the brand’s reputation, but the recently introduced Cherokee is catching on. So now the question is, can the even smaller Renegade do the same?

Powering this little crossover is a choice of two engines. Opt for the six-speed manual transmission and a 160 HP 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is equipped. Go with the nine-speed automatic and the turbo engine is replaced by a 2.4-liter unit making 180 HP. Torque in the smaller turbo engine is rated at 184 lb-ft., nine lb-ft more than the the 2.4-liter offers.

Either engine can be had in the Renegade Sport or Limited trim levels with front- or all-wheel drive (that Jeep refers to as 4X4). There is one more trim level though, the Trailhawk, that comes with the automatic only as well as a four-wheel drive low feature for the all-wheel drive system.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Jeep Renegade Review

To ensure you’re always reminded that this is a Jeep, little touches of jeep branding have been added all over the crossover. The rear-view mirror surround, the lower center console and the rear taillights are just a few of the features engraved with a facsimile of the Jeep grille and headlights.

The Renegade also has a rugged look for such a small vehicle that carries strong family styling cues. It looks more purposeful than the Compass or even Patriot. Another trait it unfortunately shares with Jeeps is weight. Starting at a base weight of 3,044 lbs., the Renegade Trailhawk tips the scales at a very non-subcompact 3,573 lbs.

I was able to sample a few different versions of the Renegade including the off-road focused Trailhawk edition. On a course designed to challenge Wranglers and Land Rovers, the little Jeep held its own. It was able to traverse deep ruts and steep hills covered in snow very well thanks in part to the Trailhawk’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance that’s up from the vehicle’s standard 7.9 inches.

The Renegade got momentarily stuck twice, but it was able to dig out as the four-wheel low and stability control systems transferred power around to the wheels with the most grip. It may only be a quasi-four-wheel low system, but it can lock into all-wheel drive and allow the Renegade to go places most other subcompact crossovers wouldn’t dream of. Plus, the 4WD lock mode is great to drift the Renegade on snowy test tracks.

Another version of the Renegade I was able to sample was the on-road orientated Limited trim. This comes full of modern conveniences and a surprisingly supple driving experience. Since most crossovers are car based, they usually have good road manners, but the Renegade is meant to handle moderate off-road duties as well so I was expecting that would hurt the on road driving experience. I was wrong.

The steering is nicely weighted and quick to return on center. The 2.4-liter engine provides decent power for the its size and weight with performance close to that of the Nissan Juke. The ZF nine-speed automatic transmission works well with naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and lacks some of the hunting and hesitation I’ve experience when it’s paired to a V6. Handling for the short and tall crossover is as good as any other subcompact crossover currently on sale.

Inside, the Renegade features ridiculous amounts of headroom for its size, especially without the optional sunroof. Over 41-inches of head space is enjoyed by front seat passengers while those in the back still have over 40-inches. Combined with 35.1 inches of rear legroom, people over six-feet tall can sit in the back of the Renegade behind other six-footers in front. This is a feat hard to replicate in the Chevrolet Trax and near impossible in the Nissan Juke.

The Renegade offers a decent amount of cargo room as well. With the rear seats up, there is 18.5 cubic feet of storage room – about the same as a the Chevrolet Trax. Fold the back seats down and this expands to a hearty 50.8 cubic feet.

Due to the Renegade’s boxy shape, sight-lines are good all-around with one exception. There is a massive C-pillar, which is a common problem in this segment that will obstruct your rear three-quarter outward view.

Inside, the Renegade has a more upscale feel than the Chevrolet Trax, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport or Nissan Juke. Soft touch materials are used throughout and more premium materials on the whole are included.

The dual climate control in the Limited model has led screens built in into the temperature dials that is a nice upscale touch. Available options on the Renegade include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat and blind spot monitoring.

But all of these options can add up. Despite the Renegade staring at just $18,990 after destination charges, a fully loaded Renegade Limited 4X4 can tip the scales at $33,775. Still, a sensibly optioned Renegade is available under $30,000 and as a new entry in the hot subcompact crossover market, Jeep has a solid contender.

Interested in purchasing a Jeep Renegade? Then head over to our New Car Buying Page where you can see the whole Renegade Line Up and pricing.