The Jeep brand has grown remarkably in the 21st century through its expanded global presence and widening product line. Among the models offered is the Jeep Renegade, the smallest vehicle this off-road line has. Built in Italy, the Renegade shares its architecture with the Fiat 500X. But its off-road capabilities and style offer noteworthy separation from its Italian counterpart.
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Chronicling the Changes
2023 – Changes pending.
2022 – Jeep drops the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, leaving the turbo as the only engine choice this year. Jeep also pares the Renegades trims as the special edition models go away.
2021 – Special edition models, including one marking Jeep’s 80th anniversary, roll out. Blind-spot monitoring is now standard across the model line. The Renegade Limited is now four-wheel-drive only.
2020 – Convenience and package shuffling highlight this year’s model. A slight boost in power accompanies the available turbo engine.
2019 – Now in its fifth year, the first-generation Jeep Renegade receives fresh exterior styling, a reorganized interior, and performance changes. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now standard. A new 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is optional. Both engines work with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
2018 – The standard tech list now includes a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a six-speaker audio system. Also available are 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreen displays loaded with Jeep’s latest interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is now standard.
2017 – Keyless entry, automatic high beams, and Xenon headlights become available.
2016 – Light trim shuffling accompanies this second-year model.
2015 – Jeep’s initial foray into the subcompact crossover utility vehicle segment comes courtesy of Fiat. While the 500X and Renegade share bones, there are some distinctions when it comes to off-road capabilities. Indeed, the 500X is perfect for the urban environment, while the Renegade adds to that through its available trail-rated capabilities. Buyers here have a choice of a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a standard manual transmission or a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four paired with a 9-speed automatic. This model comes in Latitude, Limited, Sport, and Trailhawk grades.
First-Generation Jeep Renegade
Jeep Renegade Considerations
Small crossovers supply customers with an affordable entry point to the segment. On paper, these models seat five, but four is more like it and two is the ideal with the rear seat folded. Most models offer standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive. Towing capabilities, though, are not usually part of the equation.
Among the models we suggest cross-shopping include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford EcoSport, Kia Seltos, Fiat 500X, Hyundai Kona, and the Nissan Kicks. The Toyota CH-R, Buick Encore GX, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are other models on tap.
See Also — Your Next Jeep Might be an Electric Scooter
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