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