Jeep Renegade Sole Generation (2015-2023)
Italian-built subcompact Jeep. 1.4T or 2.4L. Trailhawk genuinely off-road capable. Discontinued US 2024.
BU platform — Fiat Small US-Wide architecture shared with Fiat 500X (also built at Melfi, Italy). Single generation across entire production run. Three engines: 1.4L Tigershark MultiAir turbo I4 (160 hp / 184 lb-ft) — initial launch engine paired with 6-speed manual (FWD only) or 9-speed automatic; 2.4L Tigershark I4 (180 hp / 175 lb-ft) — most common engine, 9-speed automatic only; 1.3L Hurricane turbo I4 (177 hp / 210 lb-ft) — replaced 1.4T from 2020 model year, 9-speed only. FWD standard, Active Drive or Active Drive Low 4WD optional. Trailhawk trim genuinely off-road capable: Active Drive Low (with low-range and 20:1 crawl ratio), rear-locking differential, 8.7-inch ground clearance, off-road bumpers, skid plates, 17-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks. Selec-Terrain with Auto / Snow / Sand / Mud / Rock modes (Rock Trailhawk-only). My Sky removable two-piece soft + hard roof option. Trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk, plus various special editions. Production exclusively at Fiat Melfi plant, Italy. Discontinued for US after 2023 — Renegade continues globally including 4xe PHEV in Europe.
Strengths
- Italian-built (Melfi)
- Trailhawk genuinely off-road capable
- Active Drive Low with locking rear differential
- 1.3L Hurricane turbo I4 (177 hp from 2020)
- Six-speed manual offered (1.4T only)
- My Sky removable roof option
Weaknesses
- 9-speed automatic shift quality on early years
- 2.4L Tigershark oil consumption
- 1.4T MultiAir turbo wastegate actuator failures
- Discontinued US 2024 — orphaned
- Resale below Honda HR-V / Subaru Crosstrek
Notable tech
- 1.3L Hurricane turbo I4 (177 hp, 2020+)
- 9-speed ZF automatic
- Active Drive Low 4WD (locking rear diff, low-range)
- Selec-Terrain with Rock mode (Trailhawk)
- My Sky removable two-piece roof
- Six-speed manual (1.4T FWD)
Common issues
- 9-speed automatic harsh shifts (early years)
- 1.4T MultiAir wastegate actuator failures
- 2.4L Tigershark oil consumption
- Power-window regulator failures
- Stop/start battery drain
Used-market budget
$15,000
2015-2018 Sport/Latitude $8-13k. 2019-2021 Limited $13-19k. 2022-2023 final-year cars $16-22k. Trailhawk commands modest premium ($14-24k). My Sky roof option cars rare and worth modest premium.
