Whether you like it to not, here it is, the newest of Jeep’s products–the 2015 Jeep Renegade. The all-new product from Jeep has been talked about for nearly a year and for months now you’ve seen hints of it on the web, but this is it. Chrysler has officially release photos and information of the new vehicle. Here’s some basic facts:
The 2015 Renegade will come with a choice of two drive systems that can put 100 percent of the power to the ground. Jeep Active Duty, a full-time 4×4 system or Jeep Active Drive Low, a class-exclusive full-time 4×4 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio. The Renegade will also feature a disconnecting rear axle and power-take-off unit to provide the Renegade 4×4 with enhanced fuel economy. The system instantly engages when 4×4 traction is needed. Both systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system, providing five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, plus Rock mode on the Trailhawk version) for enhanced four-wheel-drive performance in any terrain condition.
A fully independent suspension system with 8 inches of articulation gives the small SUV what Chrysler claims is best-in-class off-road capability. The Renegade is the first Jeep to integrate Koni’s frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system. The Renegade’s suspension design gives it almost 9 inches of ground clearance (Trailhawk model).
The all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade is also the first of its kind available with a nine-speed automatic transmission. And it is offered with four engine choices–two gasoline and two diesel–the two most notable (and available in North America) being the 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine with a peak output of 258 pound-feet of torque, and the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 gas engine that puts out 184 HP and 177 pound-feet of torque.
While this may not be the killer next-gen Wrangler we were all hoping for, it is what Jeep thought it needed to expand its worldwide presence. As Mike Manley, President and CEO–Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC., said, “Renegade symbolizes the brand’s renowned American design, ingenuity and innovation, marking the Jeep brand’s first entry into the small SUV segment in more than 100 markets around the globe.”
What do you think of the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade? Will you buy one? Or if shopping for a new Jeep, will you go for a Wrangler?