Auto123 critiques the 2020 Jeep Renegade.
Final yr, the Jeep Renegade lastly acquired its first mid-cycle redesign, an operation that has turn into important in at this time’s aggressive crossover section. One purpose for Jeep revisiting the runt of its SUV litter could be that the Renegade, pleasant face, superior off-road capabilities, Jeep badging and all, had failed to ascertain itself as one of many leaders in its class. Why did not it make it?
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Admittedly, this city mini-SUV’s odd silhouette is to not everybody’s style, however there’s extra to its mitigated monitor document. With a view to clarify that, it’s behooves us to look first to the rising, but additionally very aggressive, section it competes in. Every year, the class welcomes one or two extra new fashions and every time the bar is raised a notch greater.
Then there’s the selection of powertrains out there with the Renegade, which can not please a clientele that’s ever-more spoiled for selection.
Lastly, the worth charged for some variations is an actual chilly bathe for a few of these small-crossover patrons who could be sniffing across the Renegade. At $43,760, the 2020 Jeep Renegade Restricted is a long way faraway from the entry-level Sport mannequin, priced at $29,345. Notice that neither of those quantities contains the $1,895 preparation price.
As a comparability, a far-larger Mazda CX-5 Signature with the 250-hp 4-cylinder turbocharged engine comes with a sticker value of $42,050 earlier than choices and different charges. What shopper wouldn’t hesitate?
The Jeep look
Relating to the Renegade’s uncommon look, I do not truly consider it’s in charge right here. In truth, I applaud the braveness of Jeep’s designers for having given start to such a car. The query individuals inevitably ask themselves is, Nicely yeah it’s unique, however is it stunning? The Renegade is clearly a car that polarizes opinions. However the truth it’s not like another car in its class would possibly represent a plus within the eyes of the distinct people which might be Jeep patrons.
For me, I do not suppose there is a lack of appeal on this Restricted mannequin, particularly with its outsized 19-inch wheels, an choice that provides $750 to the whole invoice. The Renegade now not has the off-road look of the Trailhawk model, however it seems to be prefer it’s able to devour the streets with its massive hooves.
Past the brand new look that was renewed final yr (principally on the two ends), I ought to point out the presence of the detachable roof, often known as My Sky. It is not low cost ($1,595), and it takes a bit of work to take away the 2 panels, however as soon as they’re put in within the carrying bag that slips simply into the trunk, the Renegade transforms right into a mini Wrangler, or virtually. On this configuration, I feel my two boys loved the Renegade expertise greater than I did!
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The inside
A listing value hovering north of $40,000 means it’s within the small 4×4’s curiosity to ship the products by way of high quality of execution. The Renegade is not good by any means, however if you suppose again to the poor high quality of the Patriot of yesteryear, this little Jeep is a lot better constructed, and the supplies used to construct it are higher. Then again, the white leather-based upholstery in my Restricted model, then again, leaves me perplexed. Let’s simply say that with one or two youngsters in tow each day, this color would not be my first selection.
Whereas the dashboard and its presentation are nice – particularly with the superb UConnect infotainment system in place – I do discover the drive choice wheel is a bit far-off, because it’s situated beneath the A/C controls. That stated, this function is not used fairly often, so I’ll forgive and transfer on! A fast phrase, earlier than I deal with the driving expertise, on the again seat: the rear seats aren’t probably the most snug, principally as a result of their backrests are too upright.
On the wheel of an city crossover
Let’s get one factor straight: The 2020 Jeep Renegade Restricted is just not a sporty car. Its mission is sort of completely different, and that is to move its occupants from level A to level B with a sure agility and even a utilitarian practicality… naturally! It’s not in the identical league by way of driving dynamics because the most-engaging autos within the class, which go by the names Mazda CX-30 (a turbocharged model of which is coming within the new yr), Subaru Crosstrek (particularly with its new 2.5-litre engine) and Hyundai Kona (a Korean mannequin the plumbing of which is most spectacular when that includes the 1.6L turbo engine).
That stated, the Jeep Renegade is much from being probably the most disagreeable little fella to drive both. The 19-inch wheels undoubtedly helped sharpen steering precision, whereas the 1.3L, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (modified final yr, and making 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque) has no purpose to really feel any complexes versus the competitors. It is the automated transmission that could be a bit hesitant, which might turn into annoying in the long term.
In the long run, the Jeep Renegade is just not a mannequin that can freeze a smile on drivers’ faces. Then again, it’s not the worst within the section both. There are protagonists on this class which might be virtually disagreeable to drive each day, however the Renegade is just not that.
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The final phrase
My thoughts retains wandering to the plug-in hybrid model of the Jeep Renegade, tagged with the 4xe badge equally to the Wrangler 4xe set to debut on our market in just a few weeks’ time. The producer just lately launched such a variant to the European market, however I assume it’s nonetheless making calculations as as to whether the addition of this model can be helpful to gross sales of the mannequin in North America. Making an allowance for authorities EV reductions and the 4xe’s vary in electrical mode (estimated at 50 km on the European cycle), a Jeep Renegade PHEV would definitely be extra engaging, particularly with a achieve in energy.
Nevertheless, wanting on the mannequin’s precise value vary, I discover it laborious to consider that Jeep would have the ability to slip that Renegade 4xe’s value level beneath the $45,000 CAD mark wanted to qualify for the federal authorities’s rebate program.
In any case, as for the 2020 Restricted mannequin I test-drove, the conclusion is easy: the top-end model of the small SUV seems to be good, however the asking value is simply too steep given what you get with the package deal. If the Renegade is one thing you need, maybe it will be smart to think about a barely inexpensive model.
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We like
The Jeep look
Superior off-road capabilities
The My Sky roof panels you may stick within the trunk
We like much less
The efficiency of the transmission
High quality of development nonetheless not absolutely on level
The small measurement of the trunk (with these roof panels there)
The competitors
Buick Encore / Encore GX
Chevrolet Trax / Trailblazer
Fiat 500X
Ford EcoSport
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Kia Soul / Seltos
Mazda CX-3 / CX-30
Mitsubishi RVR / Eclipse Cross
Nissan Kicks / Qashqai
Toyota C-HR
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