Judged on appearance and presence alone, there is plenty to like about the Jeep Renegade. This modern design features striking styling; a substantial, solid feel; and a respectable amount of rear cargo space for its diminutive size. It also offers a nine-speed automatic transmission and a ton of upscale options, including up-to-date crash-avoidance technology.
It doesn't take long, though, for the Renegade's charms to wear thin. For starters, handling proves cumbersome, the ride is choppy, front seats are uncomfortable, and the view out is restricted. What's more, that fancy nine-speed automatic doesn't quite have its gear-juggling act together. It's reluctant to downshift, leaving the 180-hp four-cylinder engine feeling underpowered and sounding raspy. At idle the TigerShark engine quivers more like a spawning grunion, sending its vibrations through the steering wheel and into the seats.
The whole point of the subcompact SUV class is to bring together most of the usefulness of compacts like the big-selling Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, but in a modestly smaller and more economical package. But the numbers don't pan out. Fuel economy was just midpack for the class, averaging 24 mpg overall.
More troubling, a decently equipped Renegade proves to be no bargain. Our tested mid-trim all-wheel-drive Latitude retailed for $27,525. That same money could buy a substantially larger, quicker, and handier CR-V, Forester, or RAV4.
Of course, you wouldn't take a CR-V or RAV4 off-roading, unless you were willing to walk back from the woods, and here the Renegade has an ace in the hole. Its up-level Trailhawk version (about $30K all in) can tackle some pretty wild country. Underbody cladding, a raised ride height, simulated low-range gearing, and other traction tweaks make the Trailhawk surprisingly capable off-road for a car-based vehicle.
That trail-rated capability brings a modest penalty to on-road handling, along with more cabin noise, generated by the off-road tires. Many buyers will be tempted by the Trailhawk simply for its more rugged looks.
In a near-fanatical and possibly tongue-in-cheek display of brand-awareness, miniature icons featuring Jeep's trademark round headlights and seven-slot grille adorn nearly every surface: headlights, taillights, speaker surrounds, even each side of the rearview mirror. Even more literal, "Jeep" is woven into the seat fabric and embossed into the trunk floor mat. That's a lot of mileage from a four-letter word.
Emblematic of a globalized auto industry, the Renegade is built in Italy. It joins a growing list of imported subcompact SUV competitors, including the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3.
As an everyday ride, the Renegade seems not fully developed. Like its larger Jeep Cherokee sibling, the Renegade has a lot of potential but comes off half-baked. A better-executed powertrain, more agile handling, and cushier seats -- and maybe $3,000 in incentives -- would help a lot.