By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA Media
The 2019 Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.
Exterior
The 2019 Jeep Renegade features fresh styling with rugged body forms and aggressive proportions, which enable best-in-class approach and departure angles purposely designed to deliver best-in-class off-road capability, in addition it offers a segment-exclusive Dual-Pane Panoramic Power Sunroof, and the available My Sky open-air roof panel system that conveniently stows in the rear cargo area to provide passengers open-air freedom with ease.
The front is decidedly Jeep with its signature seven-slot grille and accent colored shield surround. Like the Wrangler, the body-color vertical windshield surround provides visual strength to the vehicle. Large circular head lamps are tucked under the hood at the top for a meaner look. Below the grille, a two-piece front fascia is aerodynamically tuned and features a body-color upper and molded-in-color lower for durability against the elements; Linking the side profile to the rear is the familiar Jeep shield-shape that ties in the rear backlight and Wrangler-like square tail lamps with black accent surround.
Interior
The interior features a rugged and energetic appearance that builds upon the Jeep brand’s legendary heritage. It’s precisely crafted details, innovative and high-quality color and material appointments, state of the art technology, and clever storage features draw inspiration from contemporary extreme sports gear and lifestyles.
For the driver, Jeep Renegade features a unique steering wheel with a thick, substantial rim section. Integrated audio, voice, and vehicle controls add a new level of convenience and sophistication to the small SUV market.
The lower instrument panel neatly integrates climate controls, a dampened glove box and the media center with USB, auxiliary input and 12-volt power connectivity for mobile devices; Passenger seats are ergonomically designed to support the contour of the body during longer journeys, and are trimmed with premium cloth or leather. The Renegade includes a second row 60/40-split seats, or for added convenience, 40/20/40 split seats with cargo area pass-through is available.
Performance
Under the hood is the all-new 1.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine with engine stop-start technology mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions now standard on Limited and Trailhawk models, providing 177 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system, providing up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, plus exclusive Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for the best four-wheel-drive performance on or off road and in any weather condition. Renegade Trailhawk delivers best-in-class Trail Rated 4×4 capability with standard Jeep Active Drive Low with improved 21:1 crawl ratio; 8.7 inches of ground clearance; skid plates; signature red front and rear tow hooks; up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation; Hill-descent Control; up to 19 inches of water fording; and up to 2,000-lb. towing capacity Segment-exclusive disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit optimize fuel efficiency of Jeep Renegade 4×4 models.
New for 2019
Refreshed exterior design includes new front fascias and grille surround, aluminum wheel designs, 19-inch aluminum Granite Crystal-painted wheel option on the Limited models, LED lighting group includes LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, cornering fog lamps and tail lamps; New features added to Advanced Tech Group include adaptive cruise control, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist Plus and front park sensors and new instrument cluster graphics.
Summary
The 2019 Jeep Renegade Limited and Trailhawk symbolizes the brand’s renowned American design, ingenuity and innovation; Renegade product portfolio targets the rapidly expanding small SUV segment with a best in class combination of fuel efficiency, while at the same time delivering outstanding driving dynamics.
EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The base manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $27,895.00 for the 2019 Renegade Limited 4X4, the one I drove included the LED Lighting Group $695.00, Safety and Security Group $645.00, Uconnect 8.4 NAV Group $1,245.00, Dual-Pane Panoramic Power Sunroof $1,595.00, Beats Premium Audio System $695.00, and it came in at $34,265.00, which includes a $1,495.00 destination charge.
mlezcano@cansntravel.com
