2015 Jeep Renegade - Latest New Car Information and Car Exporting News

Jeep is introducing a small crossover sport-utility called the Renegade that goes on sale in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2015. While the Renegade name has in the past been used for trim levels of other models, the 2015 Renegade represents a totally new model line.

Renegade is intended to offer better fuel economy and a smoother ride while remaining true to Jeep capability. Based on a car platform, the Jeep Renegade is intended to compete most directly with Kia Soul ($14,700-$20,300) and Nissan Juke $19,770-$25,550). Renegade is expected to achieve up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

A Renegade Trail Hawk model will be available with Jeep's Trail Rated label, meaning it has traversed the Rubicon Trail without suffering body damage. Trail Hawk allows aggressive approach, departure and breakover angles to reduce the chance of scraping the bottom. Renegade's relatively low curb weight enhances its off-road capability. Renegade comes standard with four-wheel drive, though two versions are available: Jeep Active Drive, which is a full-time 4WD system, and Jeep Active Drive Low, which includes a low-range 20:1 crawl ratio, just the thing for clambering over boulders near Moab.

The stance of the Jeep Renegade stance splits the difference between the upright windshield of the Wrangler and the faster, sleeker windshield of the Grand Cherokee. The intent is to strike a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and the rugged styling of a Jeep. Instantly recognizable as a Jeep the first time it's seen, Renegade features traditional Jeep styling cues. Among them: a seven-slat grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a hoop-style windshield intended to mimic the fold-down variety (though it cannot be folded down). The headlights and mirrors are intentionally a bit too big for the Renegade to give it an endearing growing-puppy look. An X-motif is used in a number of places, including the tail lights and roof panels.

The Renegade Trail Hawk model features less-aerodynamic front and rear fascia (the body work around and below the bumpers) for improved departure angles when traversing rugged terrain. Trail Hawk also has bright-orange tow hooks handy for pulling other vehicle out of the mud, or for pulling out the Trail Hawk when its considerable off-road capabilities are exceeded.

Roof panels on the Renegade can be lifted off and stored in back.

Inside, the Renegade dash echoes the X-motif. The cabin was designed by a young man (in his mid-20s) and its design looks young, active, sporty. The outer vents on the dash resemble goggles, while the tachometer looks like it was splattered by a paintball.

Front-wheel drive is standard, and two types of four-wheel drive are available: Active Drive is fully automatic. Active Drive Low includes a 20:1 crawl ratio.

Two engines are available: The standard 1.4-liter turbocharged diesel develops 160 horsepower and is designed to offer excellent fuel economy while being fun to drive. The optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers more power. Trail Hawks come with the 2.4-liter.

Two transmissions are available: a 9-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. All 2.4-liter engines come with automatics.

Renegade offers an array of electronic aids designed to improve safety: anti-lock brakes, traction control, blindspot detection, cross-traffic alert, voice commands for texting.

Renegade goes on sale in Italy and other European countries November 2014 before becoming available in the U.S. Pricing has not been announced, but Kia Soul ranges from $14,700 to $20,300 while Nissan Juke goes from $19,770 to $25,550. We are guessing Renegade will start below $20,000.