2015 Jeep Renegade Photo Gallery

Designed in America and built in Italy for sale in over 100 countries all around the world, the 2015 Jeep Renegade is a new compact crossover suv designed to hold five people. Don’t fret; if you get the Renegade Trailhawk model, it will still go places most other SUVs can’t. That’s what Jeep says, anyway.

When the 2015 Renegade arrives in Jeep showrooms later this year, it will compete with the Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Juke, and Subaru XV Crosstrek.

Jeep will sell the 2015 Renegade in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels. Depending on the version selected, Renegade buyers can equip the SUV with a choice between two different MySky open-air roof systems, two different Uconnect infotainment systems, and several safety technologies including Forward Collision Warning Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection.

The 2015 Renegade can be equipped with one of two engines, each rated to get more than 30 mpg on the highway, according to Jeep.

Renegade Sport and Renegade Latitude models are equipped with the same turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as the FIAT 500L, making 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard equipment, with a new 9-speed automatic transmission available as an option. Front-wheel drive is standard, with a Jeep Active Drive 4-wheel-drive system optional. The 4WD system includes Selec-Terrain technology with Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, along with a Hill Descent Control system.

A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is standard for the Renegade Limited and Renegade Trailhawk. It generates 184 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, and is bolted only to the 9-speed automatic, which drives the front wheels. The Limited model is available with the same 4WD system offered for the Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk gets a unique Jeep Active Drive Low system with 20:1 low-range gearing and an added Rock setting for the Selec-Terrain system.

Additionally, note that Renegade 4WD models are equipped with a unique power take-off unit driveshaft design, which de-couples the rear axle from the drivetrain when the 4WD system is not in use. This helps to maximize fuel economy on paved roads.

Delivering “best-in-class” off-roading capability, according to Jeep, the Renegade Trailhawk is equipped with more than just a more capable 4WD system. Thanks to an increased ride height, Trailhawk models provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and this version of the Renegade boasts 8.1 inches of wheel articulation, 19 inches of water fording capability, and increased approach, breakover, and departure angles. Additionally, the Trailhawk is equipped with skid plates, red tow hooks, and unique 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in on/off-road tires.

Putting rugged Jeep design cues on a crossover SUV hasn’t proved successful in the past, but this latest effort looks like it might just work, especially when paired with the great-looking aluminum wheels on the 2015 Jeep Renegade Limited model, seen here. Note the X-themed taillight detail, too.

With the new Renegade, Jeep says it debuts a new interior design language that it calls ‘Tek-Tonic,’ one that blends soft and tactile forms with rugged and functional details all rendered in an X-shaped theme derived from extreme sports equipment. The new Renegade holds 18.5 cu.-ft. of cargo behind its rear seats, and is equipped with a removable, reversible and height adjustable cargo floor panel. Fold the rear seats down, and this Jeep swallows 50.8 cu.-ft. of junk in its trunk. A fold-flat front passenger’s seat allows longer items to be carried with the tailgate closed.

Unlike Jeep’s previous attempts at downsizing its Trail Rated capabilities, the appealing 2015 Jeep Renegade has a good chance at success, as long as the price is right and that new 9-speed automatic plays nicey-nice with the engines.

2015 Jeep Renegade photos taken by Megan Green for Autobytel