FAST FACTS
* Model: Jeep Renegade Latitude 4x2* Exterior color: Glacier Metallic* Interior color: Black/Sandstorm* Engine: 2.4-liter, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 184* Transmission: nine-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 31 mpg highway, 22 mpg city* Dealer: Moss Motors (South Pittsburg, Tenn.)* Price (as tested): $23,690
"Renegade," a rock anthem popularized by the 20th century band Styx, is a song about an outlaw who has been caught by "the long arm of the law" and is waiting for his appointment with the gallows.
Just thought we'd share that little piece of music trivia with Millennials, the young target buyers for the new Jeep Renegade, who aren't likely to remember anything about 1979 when "Renegade" climbed to No. 16 on the pop charts.
Sometimes automotive trends, like popular songs, emerge from out of the blue. And the popularity of compact SUVs such as the Jeep Renegade qualifies as a big-time lightning strike. The segment, which didn't exist a few years ago, now includes the Chevy Trax, Buick Encore and Kia Soul. And on the horizon for later this spring looms the arrival of the new Honda HR-V.
The segment is becoming big enough to carve into slices. The Encore is for buyers who want luxury, the Trax is a blue-collar version of the Encore and the HR-V will appeal to import loyalists. Meanwhile the Renegade -- with an available off-road package -- is aimed at those who seek an element of edgy adventure in their rides.
We were able to snag a test drive in a new Renegade at Moss Motors, in South Pittsburg, Tenn., courtesy of Shawn Henson, sales manager there. Renegades are assembled in Italy alongside Fiats, so the roll-out of the highly anticipated new model has been a bit spotty. Prices for Renegades start at $17,995 for base Sport models and drift up to $25,995 for a off-road ready Trailhawk version. Our Latitude tester rings the bell at $23,690.
STYLING AND FEATURES
The Jeep Renegade blends the company's reputation for off-road prowess with rugged styling cues from the iconic Jeep Wrangler. It has a relatively low belt-line, which helps with outward visibility. Because of its squarish design, the second row seats are roomy and the rearward storage area is expansive for a small SUV.
Jeep fans will recognize the traditional seven-slot grille and flared wheel arches common on other Jeeps. Our tester has 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with Dunlop, all-season tires.
The company has sprinkled Easter Eggs -- little hidden images -- throughout the vehicle. If you get a chance to kick the tires on a Renegade try to find the silhouette of Sasquatch. (Hint: It's etched into one of the windows.) The tail-lights have distinctive "X's" in the center, which is supposed to be reminiscent of the X's on old Army Jeep fuel cans.
Our tester was outfitted in Glacier Metallic paint, which is one of the more sedate color options. If you like a little more spice in your stew check out Omaha Orange, Commando (Green) or Colorado Red. There's a blue-green shade called Anvil. (We would like to apply for the job of Head Jeep Color Namer. It must be a fun gig.)
The interior features a 5-inch, touch screen for infotainment functions. The handsome dash architecture is drawing raves in the automotive press. The bold interior styling, featuring a two-tone color scheme, has All-American themes but also reflects a dash of European panache -- perhaps it's the Italian influence.
Standard on our lightly-optioned tester are remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio, ambient LED interior lighting and fog lights. Options include a nine-speed automatic transmission and the larger of two engine options -- a 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor -- which are packaged together for an additional $1,400. Some Renegades have detachable roof panels for an open-air feel.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The Renegade's two engine choices are a tiny, 1.4-liter turbocharged unit and the 2.4-liter, normally aspirated powerplant on our tester, which makes 184 horsepower.
Our tester is a front-wheel drive model, but four-wheel drive is available on all the trim levels. The Trailhawk version of the Renegade is a true off-road vehicle with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Our test drive showed off the Renegade's solid character. Acceleration is adequate and there's a soundness to the build quality that makes this feel like a high-quality piece. It shares some of its mechanical parts with the Fiat 500X.
Ample visibility is a real selling point, and oversized side mirrors help keep the blind spots manageable.
BOTTOM LINE
The Renegade is priced competitively, and it has a "look-at-me" quality that is likely to appeal to first-time car owners. There's a trim level to fit budget. We think a fully-outfitted Renegade Trailhawk with detachable roof panels promises to be a blast.
Expect Renegade inventories to increase in the coming days. Fuel economy is 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.