When you think of a Jeep model typically two model names come to mind, the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee. Although the Wrangler has benefited from years of carrying the same form and style in the market the Grand Cherokee has had some changes over the years, but they were accepted as part of what the model needed. See these two versions from Jeep were built for very different on road purposes and brought forth a range of possibilities while both still offered the off road capabilities we want our Jeep to have in order to give us the drive we are looking for.
Because we have known these two for so long it’s really not surprising the Compass, Patriot and Renegade have been met with a lot of skepticism. These models simply did not do justice to the Jeep name according to the die-hard Wrangler lovers, but if you actually give these models a chance to show you what they have you might find your mind being changed. the new Jeep Renegade from the onset looks a bit overblown and cartoonish in shape even though it does offer the seven slot grill and round headlights on the front.
As a low price model, the Renegade when fitted with four-wheel drive is able to handle the challenges of the Moab desert and shows up at a price of $20,990 with steel wheels, black plastic body cladding and a manual transmission. The Renegade Sport can be upped to just over $23,000 and bring in power mirrors, aluminum wheels and air conditioning to make the ride and comfort even better. To really raise the stakes you have to move into the mid-range Renegade Latitude which brings in a navigation system and an infotainment system that is easy to use and brings plenty of connectivity with it.
So far the Renegade seems like a great member of the Jeep lineup and the power for this little SUV is actually perfect for the model as a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower. This engine is matched up with a six-speed manual transmission to bring a very nice ride to the vehicle. There is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder offering that comes with a nine-speed automatic but this does add quite a bit to the price and comes on the Limited model which will have a ton of added equipment as well as an additional 300 pounds.
What’s really great about the Renegade is not only the size, which more shoppers are now looking for, but you can enjoy a ride that is smooth and engaged on the road. The Wrangler is a box on frame and probably always will be, but that lends itself to a very choppy ride that reminds you the vehicle is made for the off road action. The Renegade, on the other hand, is perfect on and off the road as it is able to handle all the challenges the trails can offer and be a great size to find anywhere to park in the tight quarters of a large city.
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