The spacious cabin is illuminated by a pop-off sun roof.Fast facts
- Model: Jeep Renegade Latitude 4X4 - Exterior color: Granite Crystal Metallic - Interior color: Black - Engine: 2.4-liter, four-cylinder - Horsepower: 180 - Transmission: 9-speed automatic - Fuel economy: 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city - Local Dealer: Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 2120 Chapman Road - Price (as tested): $29,505
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Every vehicle needs a hook - something for owners to brag about to their friends.
A Mercedes-Benz S-Class has an aromatherapy device in the glove compartment. A Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has two keys - one red, one black - each triggering a different level of horsepower.
For the Jeep Renegade Latitude sub-compact SUV, the conversation piece is an optional two-section sunroof with lift-off panels that turn the little run-about into a warm-weather fun-mobile. When I told my 10-year-old son what vehicle I was testing this week, he immediately said, "Oh, the one with the pop-off roof."
So, on a 68-degree day in late January, I removed the roof panels and stowed them in our garage, while scanning the skies for rain clouds. There is a vinyl storage bag in the cargo area of the Renegade, but I didn't have time to figure out the packing order. Meanwhile, the ensuing 10-minute drive to pick up my son at soccer practice had me wishing it was April.
This marks the third time I've driven a Renegade, which was introduced in 2015, and it seems more refined each time. For those with shallow pockets, the Renegade serves as a starter Wrangler. Assembled in Italy alongside the Fiat 500, it is the only Jeep built outside North America. Perhaps because of the association with the Italian automaker, the Renegade is a bit more stylish and buttoned-down than the raw and raucous Wrangler.
Locally, the Crown Jeep dealership at 2120 Chapman Road had 23 Jeep Renegades in stock as of this week. Trim lines include Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Limited and Trailhawk models. The Trailhawk is equipped for off-road duty.
Our tester is a mid-trim Renegade Latitude model with four-wheel-drive that lists for $29,505 after options. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. Prices for base Renegades start at $17,995 and top out at $28,140 before options.
STYLING AND FEATURES
Jeep likes to show the Renegade in a garish burnt-orange color, but our tester is a more traditional dark gray shade called Granite Crystal Metallic. The interior, which features patterned cloth seats, is black from headliner to floor.
There's no mistaking the Renegade for anything but a Jeep. From its upright stance to its seven-slot grille, it showcases all the iconic design cues of the brand. Meanwhile, its compact dimensions make it borderline cute; imagine a Jeep puppy.
Of all the sub-compact SUVs we've tested, the Renegade is perhaps the most comfortable. The squared-off cabin yields lots of head- and shoulder-room and excellent outward visibility. The front seats are wide and well-constructed, obviously built to handle American-size derrieres.
The dash features a 6.5-inch touch screen to channel Jeep's excellent Uconnect telematics system for your navigation, stereo and smartphone needs. A five-year satellite radio subscription as part of the $1,245 navigation option package.
The cockpit, while not plush, is at least modern and comfortable. A leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel fills up your hands. Three dials, located ahead of the center stack, handle the climate controls. An electronic parking brake and new-for-2017 push-button ignition are upscale touches for the segment. A handy pull-bar on the dash, positioned just ahead of the passenger seat, is a subtle invitation to take the Renegade 4X4 off road.
Our tester comes equipped with fog lights, rear-view camera, six-speaker sound system, LED ambient lights, the Uconnect interface and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The My Sky dual sunroof is a $1,495 option.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Last summer we tested a Renegade with a standard 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and manual transmission. While the combo made for a sporty ride, commuting in stop-and-go traffic was a bit of a chore. This week our Renegade tester came equipped with an optional 2.4-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower, about 20 more horses than the little turbo.
The bigger motor is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth on highways but sometimes struggled to a comfortable gear on our mountain roads. Still, the overall effect of the bigger motor and automatic transmission is a more relaxed driving experience.
The automotive website, Edmunds.com, clocked a four-wheel-drive Renegade like our tester at 9.4 seconds in the 0-60 mph dash. Perhaps owing to its Fiat pedigree, the Renegade corners like it's on rails.
While the front seats are comfy, the back seats are a bit snug for three adults. Kids should have no such issues.
BOTTOM LINE
Drivers with an adventurous streak will love this pop-top Renegade with four-wheel-drive. Those two features alone elevate it from a mere cute-ute to a weekend thrill-mobile. Meanwhile, the more refined powertrain makes it a comfortable daily driver.
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.