2016 Jeep Renegade Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Great choice for those who insist on manual trans by davidandheathergriggs

I have a 2015 Latitude model, bought as a CPO vehicle for a great deal when my son (an FCA employee) turned it in after driving it some 8 months on an internal evaluation program. The vehicle had about 13k miles on it when we bought it, and it has nearly 18k miles now. It also has the 1.4 liter turbo and the 6 speed manual with AWD, and the premium Uconnect system, but is otherwise fairly simply equipped.

To date, we have had no problems with it (my son reported no issues during his time with it) and the build quality on this example seems fine. It seems to hold up vs. bumpy city streets pretty well, and the trim size is a big selling point for us.

It is a bit leisurely in accelerating, unless you get the engine up to around 3500 rpm and above, when it starts pulling hard--in that sense it seems very Italian in liking to "rev" up. You can shift the gears in a flash, unlike some other cars I've had with balkier gearboxes.

As long as I don't drive it "Italian style," I find that my mixed commute can return 30 mpg or more. On the open highway the mileage payoff isn't as great, because of its boxy shape and aerodynamics. But on our last couple of trips between Washington DC and NYC we were getting 33-35 mpg as manually calculated (not relying on the trip computer), staying at around 70mph on the highway, and which included driving in Manhattan for some of the time.

The looks/styling may be an acquired taste, but I like the fact that it doesn't bear much similarity to the more ubiquitous Asian CUVs that one sees around here. And the drivetrain is definitely becoming a rarity among even this class of vehicles--a big selling point IMO for the Renegade.

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I love our Jeep Renegade. There are still people who want to row their own gears, and my husband and I are prime examples. When we were looking for something to replace our (excellent) 2004 Scion xB with, we knew it was going to be difficult to find a vehicle that checked all the boxes--stick, sporty, AWD or 4x4, interesting, sunroof, 5-seater, decent gas mileage. We went to the Mazda dealer but were completely underwhelmed by the driving experience in the Mazda6, and the Mazda3 with the options we wanted was out of our price range. we had driven a Fiat 500x as a rental and liked the way it felt, but not the 9-speed so much. We found a Renegade with pretty much all the options we wanted AND an interesting color for about $24,500 which was a steal.
The 6-speed actually has more torque than the 9-speed, and with a few modifications it makes more horsepower too. It feels and looks very Jeep-y. There is very little body roll in corners, the handling is great. The only thing we don't like is the electronic parking brake. The gas mileage is...ok. It is possible to get 25-25mpg in city traffic, but not easy. 32mpg on the highway is pretty easily attainable IF you don't go over 70mph.
The Renegade is not for everyone, but it works for us. It feels fun.

Reviewed: 2016 Jeep Renegade

4dr SUV turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed manual AWD

Instantly recognizeable and easy to find in the parking lot. The ride height makes speed bumps a joy rather than a chore. There are lots of bright colors available. It has a lot of "Jeep"character.

The Renegade is a fun little SUV that is fun to drive in 6-speed form. Th 4x4 version is capable for light off-roading and bad weather. Lots (but not all) of options can be had with the 6-speed manual, unlike make other makes. Rear leg room is not the best in the class. If you want a vehicle with personality, 4x4, and good highway gas mileage, get the Renegade.

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2016 Jeep Renegade Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Great choice for those who insist on manual trans by davidandheathergriggs

A member in Virginia, United States

Introduction

Reviewed: 2016 Jeep Renegade

2016 Jeep Renegade Love Letter

Conclusion

Response from Bill H.

9:36 pm October 24, 2016