Flash Drive

2016 Jeep Renegade

April 12, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV that's very capable in all types of weather and road conditions.,
The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV that’s very capable in all types of weather and road conditions.,

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower, 175 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 21/city, 29 highway, 24 combined

Base Price: $23,395

As Tested: $28,755

Performance:

Smooth engine and automatic transmission

Excellent 4×4 controls

4×4 modes: Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud

4WD locking differential

Hill Start Assist

Nimble, outstanding off-road prowess

Short overhangs; great approach/departure angles

The Renegade has short overhangs and great approach/departure angles for rugged terrain.
The Renegade has short overhangs and great approach/departure angles for rugged terrain.

Fun to drive

Excellent city commuter

Easy to park

OK fuel economy; we averaged 20.2 mpg mostly city driving

Electric parking brake

Attractive 17-inch alloy wheels

Comfort:

Very comfortable, supportive cloth upholstery

Soft headrests

Cowboy hat headroom

Stretch-out front legroom

Tight backseat unless fronts seats are moved up

Front seat room is excellent and the cloth seats are comfortable and supportive.
Front seat room is excellent and the cloth seats are comfortable and supportive.

Driver seat height pump

Quality soft fabric headliner

Thick, comfortable steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

No rear seat center armrest

Utility:

Very small door bins front and rear

Huge storage bin under flat cargo floor

Additional segmented storage under sub-floor

Two nice seatback pouches

Massive passenger side grab bar on dash

Four overhead grab handles

Medium locking glovebox

Small, but deep console bin

Big sun visors with sliding center additions

Solid door shut

Cornering front fog lamps

Wow Factors:

Impression off-road capabilities

The Jeep Renegade is also a great highway/city commuter vehicle.
The Jeep Renegade is also a great highway/city commuter vehicle.

A real Jeep in tough terrain

Quality built; solid

Fun to drive

Stands out in a crowd

Beats premium sound system

Whines:

Polarizing styling more funky than Jeep

Limited interior small item storage areas

Very dim interior lights

Back seat fit impossible unless front seats are up some

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 looks like another cute Ute, but it’s loaded with sophisticated technology that makes it very worthy of the Jeep brand. The Renegade is very impressive in limited traction/clearance situations, but it’s also a great little city commuter. The Renegade is comfortable and solid as well as fun to drive.