2019 Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4Jil McIntosh Big changes are reportedly in store for everybodys favourite off-road brand, Jeep.The companys entire lineup is on track to get electrified by 2022, Jeep global president Christian Meunier revealed to Australias Car Advice at the debut of the 2020 Gladiator. This means in just a few years we can expect plug-in hybrid or battery-electric powertrains under the hoods of not just new products, but icons like the Wrangler as well.Its a lofty goal for the brand to complete in just two years, but its already got a start in the compact Hybrid Renegade.Jeeps also plans to expand its lineup into more on-road vehicles, according to reports from Auto Express, and has been confirmed to soon launch a rival to the extremely popular ultra-compact Suzuki Jimny.We want to make it more of a sustainable, iconic brand, not only an off-road brand, Meuniers said, which suggests this brand re-alignment rumour has legs. While its arguable Jeep is already an on-road brand, as probably less than half of owners actually take their vehicles out on the trails, a more road-friendly SUV would be a good move for Jeep.And a Jimny rival would do very well in North America, since Suzuki has decided not to bring the vehicle here thats a gap Jeep could potentially fill.With Jeeps new doctrine in mind, wed bet the vehicle could also be all-electric, making for the perfect little city car, especially for us Canadians that need a little more ground clearance for those particularly harsh winters.LISTEN: What do you get when you combine a cross-country electric vehicle road trip with a poignant love story? Mary Ann’s Electric Drive, that’s what. In this week’s episode of Plugged In, we chat with Harvey Soicher, a Vancouver man who tragically lost his soul mate 18 months ago but found some semblance of healing by embracing what he calls a ‘pioneer spirit’ to drive his Audi e-tron from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and back.
Origin: Jeep wants to electrify its whole lineup by 2022, says report
Jeep
Quick Spin: 2020 Jeep Compass
2020 Jeep CompassJil McIntosh When Jeep brought out the all-new Compass for 2017, it burdened it with the baggage of that old name. If you only knew the Compass as the plasticky little lump based off the Dodge Caliber, its now worth another look.For 2020, the Compass gets some updates, including new safety packages, ventilated front seats, and premium speakers on some levels, as well as a new exterior shade of red. I had the chance to take the Compass for a quick spin at an event earlier this year; pricing hasnt been announced for 2020, but the 2019 version starts at $25,900 before freight and taxes, or any discounts.Based on the same platform as the Cherokee and Renegade, the Compass carries a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport and North trim levels come in front- or all-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Trailhawk and Limited come only in all-wheel-drive, and use a nine-speed automatic. That all-wheel system is called Jeep Active Drive, and powers the front wheels until driving conditions dictate the rear wheels should see some action as well. On the Trailhawk, it also includes a selectable low range that gives it a 20:1 crawl ratio, plus skid plates and more ground clearance. While I drove the Limited, Ive taken the Trailhawk on a couple of tough off-road courses and was surprised at how capable it is on the rough stuff. The Wrangler has nothing to worry about, but a Compass Trailhawk owner can still have some fun.At the Limited trim, its more about appearance and comfort. To that end, this top trim includes 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming mirror, heated seats and steering wheel, and leather seats with perforated inserts. Standard items across all trim levels include a height-adjustable cargo floor, Uconnect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a tire pressure monitoring system.The Compass is a fairly hefty little machine, and this little engine has to churn pretty hard when you want to get somewhere in a hurry. If you put your foot down for passing power, theres a bit of a lag waiting for the transmission come on board with the right gear, and the engines noisy as it accelerates. But it gets quiet and moves along well once its up to speed, and while the transmission does its best to get up into the fuel-saving higher gears as quickly as possible, its fairly smooth as it shifts. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is quiet, and steering and handling are about average for the segment theres a little bit of lean around very sharp corners, but its fine for the daily commute. While the Limiteds all-wheel-drive system determines when to shift power to all four wheels, you can dial in settings to optimize it for snow, sand, or mud the Trailhawk adds a choice for rock. Theres also a 4WD Lock button that keeps the system engaged at low speeds for extra traction when youre pulling out of snow or mud.The Compass is handsomely styled inside, and with simple controls for the climate settings albeit without a lot of small-item storage to stash your phone or other everyday-carry items. As far as simplicity goes, all infotainment systems should be as good as FCAs Uconnect, with its intuitive icons and menus. But the Compass is still a small vehicle, and while legroom isnt that bad given the footprint, its also narrow and so there isnt a great deal of elbow room. But theres a decent among of cargo space, especially when the 60/40 rear seats are folded, and the multi-level cargo floor gives you the option of extra cargo height or setting it higher to hide valuables under it.I expect pricing to remain fairly constant to the 2019 models, and if so, youll probably find that the higher Compass trim levels seem a bit much for what you get. On the plus side, its nicely sized for tight city spots, and its got Jeep know-how for its all-wheel system. Its far from perfect, but its certainly worth a look in the
Origin: Quick Spin: 2020 Jeep Compass
SUV Review: 2019 Jeep Renegade Limited 4’4
2019 Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4Jil McIntosh OVERVIEW Jeep’s smallest ute gets a makeover PROSOff-road ability, comfortable seats, better-looking than before CONSLaggy passing power, not a lot of storage space, still kinda odd-looking VALUE FOR MONEYLimited has lots of features but doesnt quite look the price WHAT TO CHANGE?Fewer transmission gears might not be a bad idea HOW TO SPEC IT?I’d go all the off-road way with the Trailhawk Wow, is that the new one? That looks really sharp! Thats usually something I hear about an eye-catching sports car, but this interested onlooker was, instead, taking in my Jeep Renegade tester.Jeeps smallest sport-ute gets a makeover for 2019, including a tiny new turbocharged engine and a bit of a facelift. It still isnt a handsome beast, but it doesnt look as goofy-nerdy as it did before especially since its lost the white X marks in its taillights, which always reminded me of pedestrian crosswalk signs. (Or a Phillips-head screwdriver. –Ed.) The Renegade comes in five trim levels, starting with the Sport at $28,645, and rising to my top-line Limited tester at $35,045 (which ended up at $39,765 after several options were piled on). The mid-level North and Altitude can be ordered in front- or all-wheel drive, while the Sport, Limited, and the ultra-off-roader Trailhawk drive all four tires.The new engine is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 177 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic. Its standard equipment in the Trailhawk and Limited. In the other trim levels, its an option over a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite its higher torque rating, the 1.3L can get wheezy when its asked for power. Its not helped by the transmission, which seems to be a combination of too many gears for its own good, along with its habit of reaching for the top gears as often as possible in the name of fuel efficiency. Its fine when youre cruising along city streets, but theres annoying lag when you really want to pass at highway speeds, for instance.The Renegade is agile, responding quickly and accurately to steering input. The steering weight is confident at higher speeds, but its easy to spin it around tight parking lots. I wish the mirrors were wider, though theyre square when they should be rectangular; as such, they dont reveal as much to the sides as Id like, even when theyre adjusted all the way out. The short wheelbase and relatively narrow track give it a bouncy ride that isnt impossible to live with, but its there. Chalk it up to one of those Jeep things you either understand, or you dont.The all-wheel system features a rear axle that automatically disconnects when the rear wheels dont need to be powered, for extra fuel savings. When rear traction is needed, it seamlessly and immediately reconnects. A dial lets you select settings for snow, sand, or mud, as well as to lock the axles at low speeds for the extra sticky stuff. The Trailhawk is the true rough-stuff rebel of the bunch its surprising just how off-road capable it is, thanks to a Rock setting and 20:1 low-range crawl ratio exclusive to its system but the Limited will still get you through most tougher-than-average conditions.The Renegades interior styling is plain but functional, which is fine in the lower trims, but the expanses of hard plastic looked a bit out of whack with my testers nearly $40,000 price tag. Still, everythings put together very well, and there are some neat styling cues, including a passenger-side handle integrated with the air vent, a handsome steering wheel, and stereo speakers embossed with the signature Jeep grille. This is a small vehicle, and the interior reflects that. The front seats are roomy enough for all but the tallest folks, and I really like the seating position and seats that stayed comfortable on a five-hour drive, but those in the rear seats will notice a lack of knee room if the front seats arent slid considerably forward. The cargo compartment is equally narrow, with a maximum of 524 litres of space when the rear seats are up, although an adjustable cargo floor panel gives you some storage flexibility.All Renegade trim levels include air conditioning, push-button start, heated mirrors, and Bluetooth audio streaming, but you have to go one step from the Sport to the North to get dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and automatic headlamps. At my Limited tester, the goodies include a customizable instrument cluster, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat with a pass-through (the others are 60/40), a 115-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a 12-way power-adjustable drivers seat.Just about everything is simple and easy to use, including climate control functions operated with big buttons and a dial. The heated chairs and wheel are
Origin: SUV Review: 2019 Jeep Renegade Limited 4’4
Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
A Jeep dealer in Michigan is making us long for the 80s with this cool new retro Scrambler tribute.The vehicle is based largely on the Scrambler concept originally shown at Jeep’s annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.Motor1 spotted this beauty on the YouTube channel for the Preferred Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership of Grand Haven.The Scrambler features classic orange-and-red decals that run along the side of the all-white truck, and up towards the matching Scrambler script on the hood.White wagon alloy wheels with multiple spokes remind us of classic steel wheels found on almost every 44 of the 1980s, and look great on the Gladiator. All wheels are wrapped in 35-inch tires, and a two-inch lift keeps everything from rubbing.In the bed is a roll bar with fog lights, complete with iconic smiley-face covers, as well as a full-sized spare tire. Under the hood is the same 3.6-litre V6 engine thats found in every Gladiator, which offers significantly more power and reliability than the original engine in the CJ-8 Scrambler, which only made about 115 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.Is the dealer preying on nostalgia to sell more trucks? Maybe, but at least you can actually walk into the store and buy one (if you live in the U.S.). Youre not so lucky at least not yet with the Moab concept.The dealer-modified Scrambler will, be warned, put a US$51,220 dent in your wallet, which is a lot less than a fully tricked-out
Origin: Michigan Jeep dealer building new Gladiator-based Scramblers
Jeep Gladiators see stop-sale because driveshafts could fracture
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Jeep is issuing a stop-sale and recall on its new Gladiator trucks because a small percentage could see their driveshafts fracture due to an assembly error.Roughly five per cent of the nearly 3,500 new Gladiators built between Dec. 15, 2018 and June 25 may be affected by an issue wherein they were assembled without grease in the monoblock joint portion of the driveshaft.That CV joint in the center of the driveshaft could, without grease, overheat and seize, which could then fracture the rear driveshaft, causing a loss of forward power and possibly falling onto the road.Jeep hasnt connected any collisions or incidents to the issue, but says it has received six related warranty claims.Owners will be notified if their truck is affected beginning mid-October, but until then should be mindful if they hear any vibration in their Gladiators
Origin: Jeep Gladiators see stop-sale because driveshafts could fracture
Jeep adds a brace of new variants to the Wrangler line
2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition In a time-honoured tradition of keeping public interest high in the years after a vehicle launch, Jeep is introducing a pair of new trims to the Wrangler lineup. For 2020, customers will have the added choice of a Willys or Black Tan edition.The Willys trim was offered on previous-gen JK Wranglers, where it proved to be a popular option, but this is the first time weve seen it on the new JL.For those unfamiliar, think of the Willys as kind of a Rubicon-lite and youve got the basic idea.It features a limited-slip rear diff, Rubicon rock rails and shocks, heavy-duty brakes and 32-inch Firestone mud terrain tires. This kit, combined with the part-time Command-Trac 44 system which has a two-speed transfer case and a 2.72:1 low-range ratio, gives the Willys much of the Rubicons off-road cred without breaking the bank. Alert readers will have noted those Firestones as an oddity, given the mighty Rubicon wears KO2 shoes. Your author has heard through the grapevine that the manufacturer cannot keep up with tire demand, requiring a switch to Firestones for the Willys. Take that for what you will.Eagle-eyed Jeep spotters will identify a Willys mainly by way of its military-spec hood lettering and gloss black grille. LED peepers are on board as standard, a nice touch. Its available in ten colours and will cost $2,900 on top of a Sport S model.Adding some heritage flair is the Black Tan model which, as you may have surmised, deploys a black-and-tan colour scheme.Offered in all exterior colours, the BT edition features 17-inch dark wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, snazzy side steps, dark badging and a premium tan soft top. This bundle will set you back $1,995 over and above the Sport S, and is available on both the two- and four-door
Origin: Jeep adds a brace of new variants to the Wrangler line
Jeep announces fix for ‘death wobble’
2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4Jil McIntosh Anyone whos spent time behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler has heard about the dreaded death wobble. For some, it inhabits the same mythical dimension as Thanos and Freddy Kreuger, while others swear by (and at) their Jeeps propensity to exhibit steering wheel shake after hitting a road hazard.It is important to understand that Wranglers are equipped with a solid log of a front axle, meaning it can display wildly different handling characteristics than a traditionally sprung car or crossover vehicle. Longtime fans of the brand are well aware of this but, thanks to an explosion in popularity, Jeep has been welcoming many new customers to their house, not all of whom are as well versed in the quirks of a Wrangler especially if theyre trading out of a CR-V or RAV4.Now, it seems, Jeep is trying to get ahead of the issue. Those in the know over at the Detroit Free Press have reported FCA execs have announced a solution, one which takes the form of a new steering damper, also known as a stabilizer. Tech compliance officer Mark Chernoby told the Freep that the original damper had a tendency to form air bubbles within the units oil, particularly in cold weather. This reduced the parts ability to do its job namely, preventing the sort of issue about which customers are complaining. The new steering damper, produced by the same supplier as the old one, is said to be designed to let its oil move more freely, helping it quash steering vibrations more quickly. In a quote to the Free Press, Chernoby refused to throw that supplier under the bus, saying We steer away from any kind of blame game or even open discussion on suppliers even on safety recalls. For that, Chernoby gets the Driving.ca Pun of the Year award.The company quietly issued a customer satisfaction campaign in June aimed at addressing this problem. Targeting certain Wrangler JLs in the 2018 and 2019 model years, campaign code V41 attends to several components in the Jeeps steering system, including the steering damper. The fix is not VIN-specific, meaning it should apply across the board on this model. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all but three of the parts involved in this campaign are labelled as being of limited quantity. Just two of the parts were labelled as such the last time your author looked about one month ago. This speaks to FCA completing the campaign for those who ask for it, using up their parts bin in the process.FCA says it will send notifications to Wrangler owners offering to install the new damper if they wish. Jeep has also said theyll be building Wranglers with the new part going forward.It must be noted that, despite the colloquial name of death wobble, the company says there have been no known fatalities associated with the
Origin: Jeep announces fix for ‘death wobble’
New Jeep Gladiator looks like a gold mine for dealerships
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon Jeeps new Gladiator pickup truck, just launched this year, seems like a popular choice for truck-buyers so far, but the heft of some dealers markup on the model is proving it.According to Car and Driver, American dealers are asking as much as US$10,000 to $20,000 more than the vehicles MSRP on new Gladiators.Most Gladiators on dealer lots are the Overland and Rubicon, the top two of the models three trim levels, and dealers are adding extra options such as custom wheels and lift kits to further send the price up.Many of the advertised prices seem reasonable, the magazine said, but there are also some absurd Gladiator listings, with Rubicon models listed for more than US$80,000 although their highest MSRP, with options loaded on, comes in around $62,000.With high demand and high resale value, theres little chance of price negotiation, the magazine said. And if youre a Canadian looking for a Gladiator, it doesnt seem to be a heck of a lot better. According to Jeeps official site, before adding any options, youll pay $46,995 for a Sport S; $50,995 for an Overland; and $53,995 for a Rubicon. If you added every possible option to a Rubicon, right down to a trail camera, extra top, and a cigarette lighter, you could take it as high as $74,745but thats with everything.Meanwhile, weve seen dealer ads on some Canadian sites that are running $9,000 to $15,000 over the base prices, with a Rubicon listing topping out at $69,000. Things will start to level out as more vehicles make their way to dealer lots it only started to trickle into dealer lots in February but if you cant wait until then, be prepared to
Origin: New Jeep Gladiator looks like a gold mine for dealerships
This Hellcat-powered Wrangler Rubicon 6X6 is the Jeepiest Jeep ever
What would you do with a six-wheeled Jeep? For most of us, this is and will always be a hypothetical question. But whoever buys this custom 750-horsepower Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will actually have to answer it. Nicknamed “Inferno” by its creators at Exotic Custom Motorsports in California, this heavily modified and barely driven 2016 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 75th Anniversary Hard Rock Edition made an appearance at last year’s 2018 SEMA show and is now about to cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson.Under its Jeep skin is the heart of a Dodge Hellcat, a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 pumping out 750 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, tied to an automatic transmission.Coordinating those six wheels is a nifty bit of custom driveline work. This from the description over on Barrett-Jackson’s website: “Inferno is a true 6×6 with three live axles. It was not built with a tag axle or a transaxle, but rather employs a completely custom driveline, specifically built for the vehicle. This allows it to put down the most amount of useful torque to the ground to keep the vehicle accelerating and moving. It still maintains the ability to lock the differentials if desired.” To ensure it would be able to put all that to good use off road, the Inferno gets 20-inch wheels wearing 35-inch tires, and a five-inch lift with King off-road shocks. Theres also steel bumpers with tow hooks and a winch at the front. Its a Jeep all right!The custom work continues with a special paint called Inferno Red and other unique elements like the carbon-fibre grille; gloss black wheel arch extensions; a rack with LED light bar; and embroidered leather interior.The one-of-a-kind Jeep 66 with 125 miles (201 km) will sell with no reserve at the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Northeast auction from June 26 to 29 in
Origin: This Hellcat-powered Wrangler Rubicon 6X6 is the Jeepiest Jeep ever
Fiat Chrysler faces lawsuit over Jeep steering wobble
2018 Jeep Wrangler RubiconJeep Fiat Chrysler’s lawyers have been having a good year, financially speaking. The latest overtime they’re taking on comes thanks to a New Jersey resident who’s behind a new class-action lawsuit recently filed against the international automaker. The suit claims Fiat Chrysler Automobiles defectively designed and/or manufactured front axle and damping system,” which, when triggered, can cause the steering of Jeep Wranglers made from 2015 to 2018 to shake while travelling over certain speeds or terrain, and that it didn’t warn drivers about the flaw. The Wrangler’s solid front axle allegedly can’t handle the road the same way the suspension can, occasionally causing the front axle and steering to fall out of line and begin oscillating at highway speeds, reports the Detroit Free Press. The automaker acknowledges the issue exists, but claims it’s due to faulty aftermarket equipment, damaged steering components and/or improper tire pressure, not bad building. No fatalities or injuries have been reported, but the suit takes aim at the fact FCA has neglected to declare the issue a safety hazard, and doesn’t warn potential buyers of the problem. “Rather than address it – or disclose its possibility and/or warn drivers at the point of sale – FCA simply claims in a news article that the Death Wobble’ is not a safety issue’ and that it can happen with any vehicle that has a solid front axle (rather than an independent front suspension), such as the Wrangler,’” reads the lawsuit. The class-action litigation is seeking to force FCA to offer a buy-back program to affected drivers, along with punitive damages.
Origin: Fiat Chrysler faces lawsuit over Jeep steering wobble
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