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2018 Jeep Renegade Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: An Apprasial of the 2018 Renegade 4x4 by saulsse

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Introduction

A simple jeep without the bells and whistles. While not made it the United State, the Itlian built Renegade gives good on being an effective Jeep.

Reviewed: 2018 Jeep Renegade

4dr SUV 180-horsepower 2.4L I4 9-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Why the 2018 Jeep Renegade?

Exterior styling

It has a "happy face" to the vehicle, it is of course square and boxy, what do you expect of a SUV. Being short in length is a positive because you can literally turn inside its own length in very tight situations; and manuver quickly from one lane to another in tight city environments. Depending on the specific model you can have additional lighting features.

Reliability & durability

Except for a minor issue with the Psuh Button Start Module, the Renegade has been well behaved and only has seen the dealer for oil changes. To the extent of hard service I put the Renegade through, using it for Rideshare with Uber it has not had a single issue. This includes below freezing to triple digit tempuatures. It has seen so far around 8,000 miles of Rideshare service. The motor is strong, despite it being a 2.4L 4-Banger, and having had to haul luggage and passengers with it, the Renegade has not complained.

Tires

If you buy new or used, and it has the OEM tires, ditch those and go with something that can handle what is thrown at them. I use Toyo Celcius All Weather tires which not only do well in heavy summer downpours, but can handle ice and snow as well without issues.. Note the Toyo's are stiffer, so the ride will be a bit rougher but considering you want something of substance under you, that is a trivial matter.

Cargo capacity

Being that I use the Renegade regularly as a Rideshare Uber vehicle, it can swally two max size suit cases and store two small ones on either side without folding down a seat. You have secondary storage beneath the floor if yuou Renegade comes without a spare tire and jack, since that helps save weight. You would have to order a $300 spare tire kit if you want that, but you would lose below the floor storage space.

Materials & workmanship

Mine has cloth seats, with rubber floor matts that cover the carparting. So far, wear tear is not notiable and the plastic side panels on the doors clean easily which makes it easier look a lot cleaner.

Why Not the 2018 Jeep Renegade?

Rear seat room & comfort

Some may find the back seats cramped, but then again it is a small SUV, so those with long legs may find it problematic.

Off-road capability

There are two versions that have 4-wheel drive. The standard one has a simple selector that will get you the basic stuff. If you need hard core, you will have to opt for the more expensive Trailhawke version. Frankly. The Trailhawke needs to be standard, which has lower gearing. You will have to opt for the unnecessary expense of that to get it.

Conclusion

You can either hate it or like it, but it is still a fun little driver. Don't sell it too short, and if used in the proper off-roading or the unexpected mess will give a good accounting.

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