2015 Jeep Renegade is charting new territory for Jeep. It’s not the first small Jeep, as the Patriot and Compass have been around for many years. However, it is a Jeep for the American market that was not manufactured in the USA. It’s crossing the Atlantic ocean, coming from Italy. Design and engineering were done in the USA, but construction was left to Melfi and Termoli, Italy. What is the Jeep Renegade like to drive? We cannot answer this question until 9:01pm PT this Thursday January 22nd, 2015 due to embargo on the impressions. However, we can show it to you and provide most of the specifications. See the video below!
The Renegade comes in four distinct models, and with a choice of two engines, transmissions, and 4×4 systems. It all starts out with the Renegade Sport with the 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder. It uses up to 22 psi of boost. It’s available with the 6-speed manual transmission and a choice of 2WD or Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system. The larger naturally aspirated 2.4L is optional. It make 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque and can only be had with the 9-speed automatic.
The Renegade Latitude is the next model that can be configured similar to the Sport. The Limited model has a unique front grille, rear trim, and adds leather-trimmed seats and other premium features. The Renegade Trailhawk is the top-of-the-line model with additional ground clearance (8.7 inches in total), different bumpers for increased approach and departure angles (30.5 deg approach / 34.3 deg departure), and Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system.
The Renegade Sport 1.4L turbo 4×2 starts with the curb weight of 3,044 pounds. A fully laden Trailhawk 4×4 weighs in at 3,573 pounds at the curb. Four wheel drive models can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
There are four interior color treatments, three infotainment system options, three wheel/tire sizes (16, 17, and 18 inch rims), and an array of exterior colors. Jeep is offering two My Sky moon-roof options: two manually removable panels or power-sliding and manually removable panels. There is bag in the cargo area to store the roof panels when removed. Speaking of cargo – there is 18.5 cu-ft of volume behind the rear seats. The volume increases to 50.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. The Sport and Latitude models come with 40/60 split rear seats, but you can optionally get 40/20/40 split seats on Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk models.
Jeep has not announced fuel economy estimates yet, but the company says the highway number is above 30 MPG. Pricing information is also embargoed until 9:01pm PT on Thursday.
