2016 Jeep Renegade

What Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade?

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a five-seat subcompact SUV that competes with the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Mini Countryman, Buick Encore and Mazda CX-3. Trim levels include the Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all trim levels are available with four-wheel drive. 

What's New on the 2016 Jeep Renegade?

The 2016 Jeep Renegade has some new optional features: a Beats premium audio system with a 506-watt amplifier and 6.5-inch subwoofer, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

How Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade Compare to Other SUVs?

The Jeep Renegade differentiates itself from its competitors with unique features designed for handling off-road terrain, such as Koni selective damping struts. These features also offer a surprisingly smooth ride on the highway, all while retaining the style of the Jeep brand. The 2016 Renegade also stands out due to the quietness of its cabin compared with other subcompact SUVs.

What Features in the 2016 Jeep Renegade Are Most Important?

The 2016 Jeep Renegade comes equipped with a 160-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. A 180-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission are options. Front-wheel drive is standard. Other notable standard features include power windows and door locks, a removable cargo floor panel with height adjustment, and a split folding backseat.

Significant available features include 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the Trailhawk (a 0.8-inch increase over other models), air conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the Uconnect multimedia system (with a 5- or 6.5-inch touchscreen), a 7-inch instrument panel screen, a backup camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a backup camera, and a removable or power-retractable roof section.

Should I Buy the 2016 Jeep Renegade?

The 2016 Jeep Renegade offers an appealing design and stands out due to its comfortable ride, the quietness of its cabin and its on-road poise, together with the impressive off-road capabilities of the Trailhawk. On the other hand, its standard four-cylinder feels sluggish compared with the optional engine, its available automatic transmission is relatively unresponsive and the hard plastic upper door trim feels tacky in a vehicle that sports an otherwise inspired design.

These complaints are minor in terms of what the Renegade does well, though: It offers the trappings of a traditional SUV in subcompact form, serving up an impressive combination of capability and refinement. The 2016 Renegade is a good choice both for everyday driving and for limited off-road adventures.

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