Jeep has certainly made a name for itself, producing some of the world’s most capable off-roaders. And whether they’d admit it or not, this can cause a problem to any new model not fitted with a live axle or mechanical locking differentials. Such is the hardcore nature of a typical would-be Jeep buyer that anything not remotely “Trail Rated” is dismissed as rubbish and sent packing to the junkyard in the sky. But at the same time, Jeep can’t stay blind and deaf to the world of the small crossover. It’s certainly lucrative and represents the fastest growing segment globally. If Jeep wants to ascertain its future in the world market, it needs a good one in in its line-up.

Enter the all-new Renegade, Jeep’s newest crack at the small crossover segment. It’s sure to appeal to a broader range of buyers while still managing to keep its small, but vocal loyalists quiet.



In a broad sense, the Renegade takes whole chunks from the Jeep styling book lock, stock, and barrel. The seven-slate grille, round headlights, square taillights; even the long flat hood, flared trapezoidal wheel arches, and short overhangs don’t look out of place in a Wrangler. Yet, stare carefully and there’s a dozen or so Easter eggs sprinkled around. The Renegade doesn’t go full-on-retro, but it’s not over styled either. It’s cheeky and cute; bordering on flamboyant, which is to be expected, since it’s the Italians (FIAT) that’s largely responsible for this number.

The same attention to detail makes the interior an equally fascinating place. From a tiny map of Moab, Utah on the center console to the jerry can influence on the cup holders to Big Foot climbing up the rear wiper mechanism, there’s no shortage of conversation pieces inside the Renegade. And thankfully, the cabin’s not just about design as well. The boxy styling translates to a surprisingly roomy cabin whether you’re in front or back. Head, shoulder, and legroom is in ample supply for those in front; and even those in the back, there’s solid knee room for two full-sized adults as well. For the driver, as well as front passenger, the Renegade comes with power adjustments for the seats. Combined with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and it makes for a comfortable driving position. Sightlines are reminiscent of the Wrangler in the way the hood looks low and long from behind the driver’s seat as well as the resulting blind spots from the upright A- and thick D-pillar.




Jeep has dropped in a curiosity of an engine in the Renegade: a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder from FIAT. With 168 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, the on paper performance figures seem reasonable enough.  And at first crank, it does. It’s reasonably quiet with minimal turbo lag. It offers decent acceleration and can belittle this crossover’s portly 1,450-kilogram curb weight. But as much as it feels racy, don’t try drag racing the Renegade. Physics will still rear its ugly head and it’s obvious whenever you try commanding it to overtake slower traffic. You’ll find yourself questioning where all that power went, as it takes some revs for the engine to get into the zone. Plus, it’s exacerbated by the 9-speed automatic’s propensity to hunt through gears too much. And sometimes, downshifts can be too aggressive causing some noticeable shudder.




Priced at P 1,941,000, the Renegade is at least half a million pesos more expensive than its similarly-sized rivals. And though the premium pricing seems like the most glaring mark against the Renegade, at least Jeep’s taking a chance here. With the crossover genre all about taking chances, Jeep has certainly dug into their well-known design heritage and off-roading know-how to produce a well-packaged crossover that’ll appeal to a wider range of consumers. And not only is it well-styled, but it’s also proving to be an able, entertaining, and roomy companion on both on- and off-road excursions.