The line between crossovers and SUVs has been blurred in recent years, as it’s not defined by the platform anymore. Nowadays, you get big high-riders with unibody constructions and small ones that still boast body-on-frame architectures, like the Suzuki Jimny.
So, where does this put the Jeep Renegade? In theory, in the crossover section, as it’s based on the Fiat 500X. In practice, depending on how you spec it, you could call it a small SUV, despite the short overhangs and sturdy looking exterior.
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Designed to look like a smaller version of the Wrangler, the Renegade is arguably one of the best-looking high riders in the small segment. It offers impressive headroom at the back and the legroom isn’t bad either, especially with two rather than three passengers. The front seats are decently comfortable, you get enough storage spaces and new tech gear, including automatic emergency braking, cruise control and navigation system, although to benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you will have to go for the higher trim levels.
The range starts with the $22,620 Sport, which packs a 2.4-liter four-pot with 180 HP and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The $24,640 Latitude has the same engine and so do the $25,270 Upland and $25,635 Altitude, whereas the $27,245 Limited is powered by the 177 HP turbocharged 1.3-liter unit. The Trailhawk and High Altitude make use of the same engine and start at $28,215 and $29,240 respectively. If you’re in the market for a Renegade, then you may want to go easy on the options, though, as it could end up costing close to $36,000, like KBB’s tester, and that is Wrangler Sport Altitude territory.