After 75 Years, New Jeep Renegade Take Its Rightful Place
Posted on January 27, 2020
For years, the name that's been synonymous with off-roading has been Jeep. It's been 75 years since the first Jeeps rolled off the line for use in World War II. But Jeep has expanded their lineup this year, adding a new version of the Renegade that's smaller, yet more capable.
With a chassis based on the Fiat 500X and hardcore equipment from Jeep, the 2016 Jeep Renegade strikes an amazing balance between road-friendly driving and off-road work.
Engines and Gearing for Every Taste
You'll get your choice of two different powerplants: the standard 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo that churns out 160 horses teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, and a 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir engine that cranks out 180 horsepower paired with a brand-new nine-speed automatic transmission.
Choose between the standard 4X2 model or go for the 4X4 version, which gives you two different systems to choose from: its Jeep Active drive system that stays on full-time, or the Active Low system with a 20:1 crawl ratio. This year's Renegade also includes the segment's first disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit (PTU) to enhance fuel economy.
Regardless of which system you pick, you'll have Jeep's Selec-Terrain system that comes with up to five driving modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud, plus Rock mode on the Trailhawk model), as well as Koni's frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system that helps you hug both the road and the rocks.
Cabin Comfort, Jeep Quality
There's no reason you can't be comfortable in a Jeep, and the 2016 Jeep Renegade satisfies on that score. Five different trim levels are available, and the Sport version provides amenities most base models can't touch. Soft-touch surfaces abound in the Renegade, and it comes with Chrysler's Uconnect 5.0-inch touchscreen with hands-free communication. Power windows and door locks are standard, and it comes with a six-way adjustable driver's seat and a four-way adjustable front passenger seat as well. Keyless entry, an engine block heater, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and 12-volt power outlets are at your fingertips too.
"For a Jeep-much less an entry-level Jeep-the Renegade's interior is refined and not all that Jeep-like… if it weren't for the military-inspired textures and numerous Jeep logos all over the car, you might not know it came from the Jeep brand at all." - The Car Connection
Move up to the Jeep Renegade North and features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, deep-tint privacy glass, exterior heated power mirrors, and cruise control are added. Select the 75th Anniversary Edition Renegade, and you'll enjoy a nine-speaker BeatsAudio system with subwoofer, bronze accents on the Jeep badge, roof rails, and grille, along with Jeep's My Sky open air roof system with fixed and removable roof panels. You'll also get the 75th Anniversary cloth seats with ombré mesh inserts.
For dedicated off-roaders, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is where you want to be. It comes with fuel tank, transfer case and front suspension skid plates, Active Drive Low system, Selec-Terrain traction management system, Hill Descent Control and a 4.334 final drive ratio. But it's not just about the mechanics of the Trailhawk. You also get keyless entry, remote start, a 6.5-inch full-colour customizable display in the centre stack, a full-size spare tire, and red tow hooks front and rear.
If luxury is what calls you, the Renegade Limited is waiting for you at your local Jeep Canada dealer. You get heated front seats including a 12-way power-assist driver's seat with four-way lumbar adjust, leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and air conditioning with dual-zone automatic temperature control. It also comes with a rear backup camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers with de-icer, and automatic headlamps. Audio and cruise control switches are mounted right on the steering wheel, and you also get hands-free communication with Bluetooth streaming audio. A 7-inch customizable color screen sits in the instrument cluster in front of the driver.
Safety Features Not an Afterthought
Seven airbags and stability control come standard on all 2016 Jeep Renegades. You can also get a frontal crash warning system with automatic braking, trailer sway control, and a rear backup camera. Blind-spot monitors, lane departure warning and correction systems, and rear cross-traffic alerts are also available. Edmunds commented in their Jeep Renegade review that the Renegade is the first one to prove that Jeep styling and playfulness can be successful in an SUV crossover.
"The Renegade is easy to park and its diminutive size helps it maneuver in tight quarters, be they crowded parking lots or small primitive trails". - AutoBlog
See for yourself why the 2016 Jeep Renegade was enjoyed by critics. Check our inventory on our website and call to schedule a test drive today.