Is There Something New About the Jeep Renegade?

Lately, there has been some buzz among fans about the Renegade. While others may disagree, some say it is not as good as the other Jeep. The sporty SUV is ideal for anyone who wants a stylish and practical vehicle. But is Jeep whipping up something new for the Renegade?

2023 model

If you're wondering if there's something new about the Jeep Renegade, there are some relatively minor changes—but nothing so drastic. The 2023 Jeep Renegade will retain the same design as the 2022 model on sale as a carryover model.

The entry-level Sport trim of the Renegade has been eliminated, which was the only version available with front-wheel drive. The Renegade Latitude is going to be the new base trim for 2023. The loss of the Sport trim will likely cause sticker prices to increase. But Jeep has not yet released pricing for the 2023 model.

Many people who like 4WD should be excited about the new Renegade since it is the only option for the entry-level sports trim of the 2023 model. The subcompact SUV belongs to the first-generation model that was released in 2015 and now enters its ninth year.

Exterior: The SUV's exterior features a boxy design with the iconic cues demonstrated in different Jeep accessories, such as a seven-slot grille, rugged body cladding, circular headlights, and boxy ends. There's a new paint color called Detonator Yellow. The Latitude package also includes a windshield wiper deicer, roof rails, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and cornering fog lights.

Interior: The Renegade's interior design blends some unique style elements with rugged materials. However, nothing will be unchanged for the 2023 model. You can still find two air vents sitting on top of the dashboard. For the lower portion of the center console, you will notice all the physical controls. You can also find other hidden Jeep grille images as they have been a playful touch by the brand for many years. The steering wheel and the maps imprinted into the cupholders and cabin are the same.

Tech: Buyers can opt for the new larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and six audio speakers on the 2023 model. But the 7-inch digital instrument cluster with a nine-speaker audio system is still available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition are also included in the infotainment system.

Safety features: The 2023 Renegade is expected to come with similar features as the current model. The standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, automatic park assist, and automatic high-beam assist are also available.

Powertrain: The automaker offers a single powertrain for the Renegade. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine spews 177 horsepower.

Drivetrain: The vehicle has a standard front-wheel drive, but there's also a four-wheel drive available.

The Jeep Renegade has a solid list of standard features and offers the best off-road abilities in its class. However, some trims that were available in previous model years were discontinued. The anticipated 2023-year model is set to be released in the last quarter of 2022. The subcompact SUV will compete against the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Kia Soul, Subaru Crosstrek, and other smaller SUVs.

Renegade vs. Cherokee

Most Jeep buyers are adventure-seekers who want to experience driving on rough terrains without worry. Driving off the lot in a Renegade is cheaper than a Cherokee if you're ready to go on an off-road escapade.

The Cherokee has a more luxurious reputation, while Renegade has a sportier vibe—that's why the price difference makes sense. Additionally, the Cherokee is bigger, providing more headspace and legroom, as it falls under the mid-size class.

The Renegade gets 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The Cherokee has various engine selections, so the fuel efficiency will vary. The mid-size SUV rings in at 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 combined. When it comes to fuel efficiency, it depends on the selected engine option.

Jeep’s plans for Renegade

Even though Jeep has not immensely changed the Renegade for the 2023 model, fans can still expect something new. The Detroit automaker is known to have a lot of surprises up on its sleeves.

Jeep has launched 4xe plug-in hybrid models of the Compass and Renegade in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The United States only gets the 4xe version of the Jeep Wrangler so far. People are excited about the Renegade 4xe version coming to the US. It might show a slight redesign on its grille, bumper, headlights, and taillights to attract new buyers to the 4xe model.

Moreover, spy photos of the "baby Renegade" have been circulating the web. The vehicle has been spied on testing ahead of the launch for the 2023 model. Some called it runt in the Jeep litter, while others say it's a pint-sized rig. Aside from the black Jeep wheels, the well-known grille design underneath the vehicle's camouflage on the front fascia is relatively easy to notice.

Moreover, it has a boxy design and a set of headlamps that has a familial resemblance to other cars in Jeep's lineup. Together with X-shaped turn signals, the stacked taillights can be seen on each side. It also has a trapezoidal exhaust pipe that sticks out from the passenger side.

The automaker's logo on the steering wheel is apparent despite being concealed with a gaffer's tape. According to reports, there will be features such as middling infotainment, single-zone climate control, and USB ports.

Sources have mentioned that they found a stick shift poking out the center console. That’s why manual transmission may be available. The powertrain options will likely have a plug-in hybrid with a single electric motor. The gas or diesel combustion versions may be offered in some markets. However, all-electric and hybrid are more prioritized in the United States.

Looking forward to the new Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is an excellent choice for an affordable yet reliable SUV. Although there haven't been many changes made to the 2023 model, Jeep fans can look forward to some newly added infotainment options and design elements.

Despite being small, it is making a big impact, thanks to its combination of performance, style, and value. With its solid list of standard features and impressive off-road abilities, the Renegade will continue its legacy as one of Jeep's most popular models.