2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude new car reviews

If you want to be a new Jeep owner, the Renegade is the most attainable model. Jeep's least expensive model can be purchased for $17,995. However, our test vehicle was an optioned-out example of the Altitude trim, which meant the sticker price ballooned up to $32,195.

That meant we were getting the bigger 2.4-liter engine and all the convenience and safety options you'll usually find in a modern crossover.

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David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

The Renegade and I had the following conversation:

“You’re a Fiat.”

“No I’m not, look at my seven slot grille.”

“You’re a Fiat.”

“No I’m not, look at all of these clever Jeep icons. I got Jeep logos and stuff on my headlights, my taillights, my speaker surrounds. I even have a Jeep hiding on my windshield. Plus right there in the center of the dash is my bonafides: ‘since 1941.’”

“You’re a Fiat.”

“Did mention the Sasquatch hiding on my rear window? Jeep people love Sasquatch.”

“Okay, fine, you’re a Jeep.”

The Renegade is a close cousin of the Fiat 500X but has been fitted with Jeep-like styling, Jeep-like knobby tires and a burly Jeep-like interior. I don’t see people cross-shopping this against a Wrangler, but I can see where it gives the brand an entry-level offering. Want to send the kids to school in a new vehicle that bears the Jeep name? Step right up.

First impressions: It looks like a Jeep. Kinda.

Second impressions: Fairly roomy cockpit. The back seat is ample.

According to the paperwork, our car had the nine-speed automatic transmission. A few of those gears must be hiding. I would have sworn that this had an old-school, four-speed automatic–harsh shifts and much reluctance to kick down a gear.

There’s a fair bit of wind and road noise, too. Fuel economy is only in the mid-20s.

And the price for all of this? Our fairly loaded example–4x4, MySky giant sunroofs and a host of options–stickered at $32,195. That seems a bit steep to me, and I’m going to guess that most consumers go with the FWD model and spend less. The base car starts at $17,995 and comes with a 1.4-liter turbo engine–something you have probably seen before inside a certain little Italian car.

Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard
Publisher

I wanted to like the Renegade. I really did—heck, when they came out, I even found myself test-driving one at the local dealer, convinced I’d found my next daily driver.

But it’s just, so… average. I think it looks cool, and I like the idea of it–a small SUV-ish vehicle with just enough four-wheel-drive to make it to my parent’s cabin, but not enough to tank fuel milage. But it drives like, well, I honestly don’t remember, and I just drove it a few days ago. It’s boring, and that cool, boxy shape doesn’t seem to have translated to interior space. One magazine called its larger brother, the Cherokee, a “reverse Tardis,” referring to the larger-on-the-inside-than-outside phone booth that Dr. Who flies around the universe. I’d go a step further and say the Renegade is like a reverse Tardis on a diet, and I filled the little Jeep from floor to ceiling with a small magazine booth, even stacking magazines on the front seat. It’s just not that big, despite the exterior being larger than it looks in photos.

Don’t get me wrong—I still think the Renegade looks cool. I think it’s awesome that you can buy a turbocharged, manual-transmission four-wheel-drive Jeep for $20k, though our test car was optioned up with the “big” 2.4-liter engine and an automatic, ramping the total up above $32,000. Also cool: Our Renegade had removable roof panels, meaning you could get a Wrangler-esque feel if you were willing to read instructions, find the panel unlock key, and tessellate them into their storage cubby in the trunk. I did do all that, then remembered this is Florida, and one doesn’t drive without A/C in August.

Overall, the Renegade is cool. And I still have a soft spot for it. But it’s not as cool as I think it should be, and it’s not for me.

Ed Higginbotham
PunchyWrench - Ed Higginbotham
UberDork

Okay, to start: It's cool that you can get a Jeep for less than $20,000.

But our $32,000 Renegade seemed hard pressed to prove its worth. The removable roof panels were a cool touch, and the navigation and infotainment unit was good. But it just didn't do it for me.

I think if I were looking at the stripped-down version for $17,995, my tune might change a little.

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Comments
MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
9/1/17 2:39 p.m.

So, were you able to get any "altitude" under hard braking?

Driven5
Driven5 Dork
9/1/17 2:43 p.m.

Altitude?...As in: You'd have to be 'high' to buy one?

Nick (Bo) Comstock
Nick (Bo) Comstock MegaDork
9/1/17 2:54 p.m.

In reply to Driven5:

It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
9/1/17 3:13 p.m.
Driven5 wrote: Altitude?...As in: You'd have to be 'high' to buy one?

Funny (maybe) I see these things all over the place.

Driven5
Driven5 Dork
9/1/17 3:19 p.m.

In reply to Nick (Bo) Comstock:

I heard getting that 'Jeep thing' makes it burn when you pee, and the Renegade just means you're already sitting down when it happens.

TIGMOTORSPORTS
TIGMOTORSPORTS Dork
9/1/17 4:57 p.m.

The removable roof panels are a must. It took a while for them to be released. My wife likes the bright blue and green colors.

I like the looks for a small SUV.

Since I would not go off road with a new one, I'm OK we bought an AWD Juke but my wife would be happier with the Jeep.

Feedyurhed
Feedyurhed SuperDork
9/1/17 8:06 p.m.

So the sticker is $32K? I really don't think anybody pays retail for a Chrysler product. With incentives and rebates....... should be a few thousand off. Heck, you will probably be able to lease it for $179 a month with no money down. I have a friend who's leasing a $57K Dodge Ram for $279 a month with nothing down. Unemployed, bankrupt? Chrysler will finance you. You just have to have a pulse and you are golden. Seriously I don't know how Chrysler/Fiat does it. They can't possibly be making any money on some of their sales/Leases. Anything to move metal.

RealMiniParker
RealMiniParker UberDork
9/2/17 9:52 a.m.
MadScientistMatt wrote: So, were you able to get any "altitude" under hard braking?
Driven5 wrote: Altitude?...As in: You'd have to be 'high' to buy one?

Like this

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/2/17 10:27 a.m.

People who hate on the Renegade don't understand that it's more Kia Soul! and Scion xB than Jeep. With the removal roof panels, it gives the open air jeep feel, but buttons up to be an actual car.

Also, if you need a traditional Jeep to do offroad things, you're doing it wrong.

dxman92
dxman92 Reader
9/2/17 10:37 a.m.

I wanted to like these since you can get a manual transmission with 4wd but they are just too small fo me and kinda goofy looking...

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