Renegade

Make
Jeep
Segment
SUV

A few months ago, the 2019 Jeep Renegade was revealed in European-spec, leaving questions as to what changes would carry over to the American market car. For instance, we didn't expect the American version to arrive with any diesel powertrains, a guess that has turned out to be correct.

Jeep has now revealed the 2019 Renedage for the U.S. market, and although there is no diesel, Jeep's smallest model does feature a new engine. Replacing the old 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a new 1.3-liter unit with engine stop-start mated to a nine-speed automatic.

The 1.3-liter mill may be small, but it produces a healthy 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque (both improvements over the 1.4-liter at 160 hp and 184 lb-ft). Jeep says this new engine will be more efficient and produce fewer emissions thanks to stop-start technology, the new nine-speed automatic, and available active grille shudders.

We'll have to wait for official EPA figures, but expect the new Renegade to produce better fuel economy figures than the outgoing model's 24-mpg city and 31-mpg highway. The 2.4-liter Tigershark returns as the base engine and comes as standard on Sport and Latitude models (though the 1.3 can be optioned), while the Limited and Trailhawk models get the new 1.3-liter engine as standard.

Like the outgoing 2018 model, the Renegade continues to be a surprisingly capable off-road vehicle. Jeep says the Renegade delivers Trail Rated capability with standard Jeep Active Drive Low and an improved 21:1 crawl ratio. Keeping with the theme of off-road ability, the Renegade features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, 8.1 inches of wheel articulation, hill-descent control, 19 inches of water fording, and up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Inside, Jeep has offered a segment exclusive My Sky open roof panel system, which can be removed and stored in the rear cargo area. Safety features are not lacking with forward collision warning and lane departure warning both available. The 2019 Renegade will be available in four trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to align closely with the outgoing 2018 model.