New for 2016

The Renegade was all-new for 2015, so changes for 2016 are fairly minimal. The only notable differences are the availability of a Beats premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers, and some new exterior colors.

A Different Type of Jeep

The 2016 Jeep® Renegade is a different type of Jeep. It’s smaller than any Jeep in recent memory, and is actually based on a Fiat car platform. Not to worry, though, because the Renegade still has the utility and off-road capability Jeep is known for. It just puts that in a smaller, cuter package.

Powertrains and Performance

Like the original military Jeep, the Renegade uses four-cylinder engines. But the two available in this modern Jeep pack a somewhat more powerful punch.

A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard equipment on the Renegade Sport and Latitude models, in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. It produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. That combination returns a thrifty EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)* with both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Optional on the Renegade Sport and Latitude, and standard on the Limited and Trailhawk models, is Chrysler’s 2.4-liter “Tigershark” four-cylinder engine. This naturally-aspirated engine produces 180 hp and 175 lb-ft, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission exclusively. The larger engine returns an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)* with front-wheel drive, and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway)* with four-wheel drive.

The Renegade has fuel economy and peppiness to rival other subcompact crossovers, but what sets it apart is genuine off-road capability. The Renegade Trailhawk includes features unavailable on the competition, including a 20:1 crawl ratio for its four-wheel drive system, skid plates, a driver-selectable “Rock” mode (part of Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system), and up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation.

The Trailhawk has 30.5-degree approach, 25.7-degree breakover, and 34.3-degree departure angles. It can also ford up to 19 inches of water. All of that means the Renegade doesn’t just look like a real SUV, it goes like one too.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a five-door, five-seat subcompact crossover. It’s available in four trim levels, priced starting from $17,995.**

The base Renegade model is the Sport, and it comes standard with features like a 3.5-inch TFT gauge-cluster display, cloth low-back front bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, tilt and telescope steering column, and steering wheel audio controls.

Each model builds on the previous one, incorporating its standard features and adding a few more. So the Renegade Latitude includes all of the applicable standard features from the Sport, plus items like fog lights, roof rails, ambient LED interior lighting, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and more.

Adding even more standard equipment is the Renegade Limited, which includes rain-sensing wipers, premium interior accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch TFT display screen, 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, leather seats with front heating and power adjustment for the driver, 40/20/20 split-folding rear seat, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.

The Renegade Trailhawk is the most off-road focused model, with a special four-wheel drive system, model-specific bodywork, and increased ground clearance. In addition to those changes, it includes more rugged tires, exposed tow hooks, and 17-inch wheels. The Trailhawk sacrifices some of the Limited’s more luxurious features in the name of off-road ruggedness, though.

Design 

The 2016 Jeep Renegade definitely stands out with a combination of traditional Jeep styling cues and general cuteness. It’s one of a growing number of subcompact crossovers that seek to offer the SUV experience without SUV bulk. But while it’s based on the Fiat 500X and sized perfectly for cities, the Renegade has its own personality.

The seven-slot grille and round headlights make the Renegade instantly identifiable as a Jeep, while big wheel arches and body cladding hint at its off-road prowess. The Trailhawk model turns up the attitude even more, with a blacked-out hood and bright red tow hooks. The optional “My Sky” roof system offers an open-air driving experience that’s only bested by convertibles.

The interior is based on a design language called “Tek-Tonic” that emphasizes the interaction between soft and tactile surfaces and more rugged details, says Jeep. So you get a mix of things like a soft-touch dashboard and beefy passenger grab handles, with plenty of neat details. The driving position is traditional-SUV high, and there’s a decent amount of space, including 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 50.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Renegade doesn’t come up short on technology either. Buyers can specify a 7.0-inch TFT display in place of a traditional gauge cluster, along with Chrysler’s Uconnect® infotainment system, with HD Radio and SiriusXM® satellite radio compatibility. Also available is the Uconnect® Access telematics system, which includes features like voice texting and emergency assistance.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Jeep Renegade includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, hill-start assist, and seven airbags. Optional features include hill-descent control, rearview camera, park assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross path detection.

Bottom Line

Despite its Fiat origins, the 2016 Renegade is a true Jeep through and through.

Be sure to contact us online or visit Cutter Automotive Galleries at 805 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813 to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

Image: Jeep