2016 Renegade is Steeped in Jeep® Heritage

2016 Jeep® Renegade
Class: Small SUV
Fuel Economy: 24/31
Base Price: $17,995 (Model as driven $21,080)

I’ve recently spent some time checking out the 2016 Jeep Renegade classified as a small SUV, but probably the most unexpected value is in the fuel economy – better than 30 mpg on the highway!

The 2016 model year sees some additional features for the Jeep® Renegade:

• Jeep® Renegade offers additional features for 2016, including Beats premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers and new exterior colors
• 2016 Jeep Renegade delivers a best-in-class combination of fuel efficiency and off-road capability
• Renegade Trailhawk model delivers best-in-class 4×4 Trail Rated capability with class-exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low, which includes 20:1 crawl ratio and Jeep Selec-Terrain system
• More than 30 miles per gallon (mpg) from both engines: 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 paired to the segment’s first nine-speed automatic transmission, or 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission
• Features technology once limited to premium SUVs: award-winning Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreen radios and the segment’s largest full-color instrument cluster
• Loaded with up to 70 available advanced safety and security features
• Designed in America, crafted in Italy, the 2016 Renegade highlights the Jeep brand’s global resources and dedication to meeting customer needs in more than 100 countries

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a fun combination that offers best-in-class off-road capability as well as a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission. Much thought and design has gone into up-to-date safety features and modern technology, making this vehicle highly sought after. New color choices include Granite Crystal Metallic and Jetset Blue Metallic Clear Coat and trims are Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

The 2016 Jeep® Renegade that I tested had a 1.4-liter 14 MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine offering 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque to provide a spirited driving experience. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine transmits its power through high-strength components throughout the drivetrain, including equal-length half shafts and a 4.438 final-drive ratio. Boost pressure is dynamically managed to provide a broad torque curve over a wide variety of ambient conditions, with a peak pressure of 22 psi at 4,000 rpm. Innovative MultiAir valve-actuation technology controls intake air cylinder-by-cylinder and stroke-by-stroke, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions and boosting fuel-economy up to 7.5 percent, compared with an engine with conventional valvetrain.

Borrowing technology from the Jeep Cherokee, the Renegade offers two 4X4 systems both of which can provide up to 1,475 lb.-ft. (2,000 N•m) of the engine’s available torque to any one wheel, for optimal grip and traction:

• Jeep Active Drive – full-time 4×4 system
• Jeep Active Drive Low – class-exclusive full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio

Keeping the Jeep heritage at the forefront of the appearance and the interior, many details will quickly remind you that you are driving a Jeep! The curvy exterior is symbolic and I always feel a smile coming on when I see the dashboard branding that says: SINCE 1941. Controls are simple and straightforward needing minimal familiarization. My test model had cloth, low-back bucket seats which I surprisingly felt comfortable in, even on long distances.

What is your favorite Jeep model? If you haven’t checked out the 2016 Jeep® Renegade head out and drive one today! You can thank me later.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles provided the Jeep Renegade, insurance and a tank of gas for this test drive. Opinions are 100% my own. Photos are also courtesy of FCA.