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Definitely an interesting concept. It seems decent for what it is though I personally see two major turnoffs.
1. Price: The Renegade costs $1k more than a Patriot with the base 1.4L engine and $3k more with the 2.4L engine which is standard equipment on the Patriot. A base model Renegade with the 2.4L engine costs more than a base model JK Wrangler. As much as I dislike the looks of the KL Cherokee (I've come to tolerate them more than when they first came out, but I'm still not a fan of the styling) a 2.4L Renegade is only slightly cheaper than a 4-cyl (2.4L) KL. I didn't expect the Renegade to be much (if any) cheaper than the Patriot/Compass, but I didn't expect them to be significantly more expensive either.
2. The fact that the 2.4L is only available with the 9-speed auto. I've never been a big fan of the 9-speed auto and they are still working out all the "bugs" in it. The 1.4L is likely to be a bit anemic in a 3,200 lb. vehicle, the 2.4L is probably about right for the size/weight of the vehicle, but I would much rather have it with a manual or the proven 6-speed auto used in the compass/patriot.
I've read a few reviews that they are great at what they are meant to be. Not to replace a wrangler, but be a wrangler for the class that its in, where it really has no competition. Cool little truck.
I think the Renegade will be a great little Jeep. It's based off the Fiat Panda, which is a true 4x4 platform in the rest of the world. Hopefully we'll be able to lift it a little. I definitely like the way it looks better than the KL. Still haven't seen them at the dealership here in Boulder, CO. Were thinking about getting one, but we needed more cargo room. :/ Waiting for the Cherokee redesign.
I love it. haha. I wish it was a tiny bit longer so my two dogs would be a little more comfortable in the back, but for now with one car seat they could still get to the window. We just stopped by a dealer yesterday, so I haven't test driven it. So far so good though. Might be a nice addition to my 93 XJ. Cute thing, but much bigger and better looking in person than I thought. More cargo room than the 2-door Wrangler which is nice. I would like to look at how the top comes off. As much as I hate to admit it, this would make a better family car for us than a 2-door Wrangler. We already sold our JKUR because of gas mileage. With a lot of traveling from Denver to Seattle, the 9.5 mpg with a supercharged JKU on 37's, just wasn't going to cut it. Plus, I will always have my Cherokee for Moab trips and and trails the Renegade couldn't do.
I wonder if they would take all the red trim out of the trailhawk, and paint the tow hooks black. I hate the red highlights. haha.
Any thoughts now that it's been out for a bit? I haven't looked into engine/trans options, but I'm wondering if they've been out for awhile and what possible big issues it might have. I'll have to do some more research.
I was riding with my friend this week and he looked out the window and asked "Is that an International Scout?" I had to look twice before I figured out he was looking at the new Renegade on the Jeep Dealer lot.
After looking at it again when we drove back by, I kinda see what he meant, they do remind me a little of the old Scout on the front end. Just look at the red on on that second video posted by emptypockets.
02-03-2015, 12:26 AM
2015 Jeep Renegade
Cute thing, but much bigger and better looking in person than I thought. More cargo room than the 2-door Wrangler which is nice. I would like to look at how the top comes off. As much as I hate to admit it, this would make a better family car for us than a 2-door Wrangler. We already sold our JKUR because of gas mileage. With a lot of traveling from Denver to Seattle, the 9.5 mpg with a supercharged JKU on 37's, just wasn't going to cut it. Plus, I will always have my Cherokee for Moab trips and and trails the Renegade couldn't do. 
