Anyone here own a Jeep Renegade?

[AdventureHare]

Did a little Renny research over the weekend:
- A reviewer on CarConnection stated that interior room of the Renny is fairly comparable to the KL, except the hatch area but that it's not that small (bigger than a JKU at least). YMMV.
- The 1.4T/manual has 18.44:1 first gear, has more torque and lower in the revs than the 2.4, is 300lbs lighter, and you can get ECU tunes for +30hp/+50ftlbs (thanks to the 500 Abarth), and more if you upgrade some other parts.
- Active Drive (non-TH) vs. Active Drive Low (TH) is only missing the 'Rock' mode, hill decent, and the "Low" gear. With a manual, the hill decent isn't significant, and "Low" 20:1 isn't that much lower compared to the manual trans. 'Rock' mode hold that trans in low gear. With the manual gear selection, it isn't computer controlled, and in 'Mud' mode, it's almost the same. IOW, the torque transfer is exactly the same on both.
- non-TH vs. TH clearances: departure angle is the same as the TH, half of the difference in ground clearance (1") is due to the larger TH tires. The non-TH approach angle difference is entirely due to the front plastic chin spoiler, although the turbo intercooler does protrude into that space a little.

{Side note: the KL-TH actually has 2-speed front and rear differentials, with the rear having a locker.}

I'm liking the Latitude trim level, especially considering the dealer discounts/incentives over the TH.

 

[kojackJKU]

Did a little Renny research over the weekend:
- A reviewer on CarConnection stated that interior room of the Renny is fairly comparable to the KL, except the hatch area but that it's not that small (bigger than a JKU at least). YMMV.
- The 1.4T/manual has 18.44:1 first gear, has more torque and lower in the revs than the 2.4, is 300lbs lighter, and you can get ECU tunes for +30hp/+50ftlbs (thanks to the 500 Abarth), and more if you upgrade some other parts.
- Active Drive (non-TH) vs. Active Drive Low (TH) is only missing the 'Rock' mode, hill decent, and the "Low" gear. With a manual, the hill decent isn't significant, and "Low" 20:1 isn't that much lower compared to the manual trans. 'Rock' mode hold that trans in low gear. With the manual gear selection, it isn't computer controlled, and in 'Mud' mode, it's almost the same. IOW, the torque transfer is exactly the same on both.
- non-TH vs. TH clearances: departure angle is the same as the TH, half of the difference in ground clearance (1") is due to the larger TH tires. The non-TH approach angle difference is entirely due to the front plastic chin spoiler, although the turbo intercooler does protrude into that space a little.

{Side note: the KL-TH actually has 2-speed front and rear differentials, with the rear having a locker.}

I'm liking the Latitude trim level, especially considering the dealer discounts/incentives over the TH.

AM I reading correctly when your saying the cargo area in the gade is larger than the wrangler unlimited? you are mistaken there my friend.

 

[AdventureHare]

AM I reading correctly when your saying the cargo area in the gade is larger than the wrangler unlimited? you are mistaken there my friend.

Yes, I am mistaken. I meant to say JK (non-U).

I took a test drive of a Latitude trim 1.4T/manual. I was immediately comfortable as from behind the wheel it's amazingly similar to my '08 Scion xB, and by that token, not that impressed. I wanted to feel excited and that I could live with this vehicle, but instead I felt that I already lived with it for 8.5 years. This isn't a bad thing cuz I still like the xB but it wouldn't be "moving on" until it was modded. :squint:

From experience with the xB, a 2-day camping trip can be done if you're willing to pile to the roof. With a good rack and waterproof duffels, a longer duration may be possible, but not a week. For that, a trailer would be required, but it better be a light trailer. We're it just me, the wife and the dog, I could definitely make it work. But the kid and the car seat means it's probably too small. YMMV.

 

[kojackJKU]

phew, I was going to correct you on that one. My pat has more room in the rear than the gade too.

 

[Weeds]

Compass? Gee, I saw three new ones on the road today! There must be a good deal somewhere.

 

[kojackJKU]

You can always get a good deal on patriots and compii!

 

[AdventureHare]

Forgot to mention that the dealer, without me bargaining and it being only the middle of the month, took the MSRP of $28,900 to $25k out the door (we have 9.81% tax on everything plus a bunch of reg and dealer fees). Granted, that included FCA incentives, but it's still $6k off without even saying I wanted to buy. (I hate high pressure dealerships.)

 

[kojackJKU]

So you got a gade after? good deal too!

 

[AdventureHare]

So you got a gade after? good deal too!

Nope. I have an agreement with my wife that she test drives and approves before purchase. It is a good deal, and I have continued to research how to make it viable.

 

[kojackJKU]

Ha ha ha...right on. Well, the patriot is a decent rig too...just make sure you don't get the CVT. My wife LOVES hers.