Sometimes we get it wrong. I was at the launch event for this vehicle nearly four years ago and I was convinced small CUV drivers were going to “accidentally” set fire to their current cute ‘ute in order to collect money and pick up a new Renegade. The fires never happened.
Why the Jeep Renegade is not more popular is likely because it looks like a faux Jeep. It’s too piddly and dainty, when compared to all other Jeeps to be able to live up to the name. Fact of the matter is that it can hang with the best of them, especially once the pavement goes away.
For 2019, FCA’s given the baby Jeep a mild facelift with revised front and rear ends, new wheels, new colours, the usual in other words. The instrument cluster is new as well and overall, the changes are mild, but welcomed.
The best bit of news is a new turbocharged 1.3-litre 4-cylinder that, yes is smaller than the ousted 1.4-litre, however is more power and should be easier at the pumps. With 177-horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque (up 17 and 16 respectively) at its disposal, the 2019 Jeep Renegade should be more entertaining to drive. The downside is disappearance of the 6-speed manual ‘box in favour of the less-than-loved 9-speed automatic for every application.
2019 Jeep Renegade Limited
2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
2019 Jeep Renegade Limited
