Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Jeep Renegade 4x4 to see just how well it performs when the pavement ends. We’re putting this compact SUV through its paces in a series of off-road tests to determine if it lives up to the Jeep name. Is it a true off-roader, or just a stylish urban cruiser? Let's find out!

Why the Jeep Renegade?

The Jeep Renegade has carved out a unique spot in the subcompact SUV market. With its distinctive, boxy design and available 4x4 system, it promises a blend of urban practicality and off-road capability. Unlike many of its competitors that focus solely on fuel efficiency and city driving, the Renegade aims to offer more adventurous spirit. For those who want a vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend excursions, the Renegade seems like a compelling option.

What We're Testing

In our off-road test, we're focusing on several key areas to assess the Renegade's performance:

• Traction: How well does the 4x4 system handle slippery and uneven surfaces?
• Ground Clearance: Can it clear obstacles without scraping the undercarriage?
• Suspension: How comfortable is the ride on rough terrain?
• Engine Performance: Does it have enough power and torque for challenging trails?
• Off-Road Technology: How effective are the electronic aids like Selec-Terrain?

We'll be tackling a variety of terrains, including gravel paths, muddy trails, rocky inclines, and shallow water crossings. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Renegade's off-road capabilities, giving you a clear picture of what it can and cannot do.

The Test Course

Our test course is designed to simulate a range of real-world off-road conditions. We start with a relatively easy gravel path to assess the Jeep Renegade's stability and traction at higher speeds. This allows us to get a feel for the vehicle's handling and responsiveness before moving on to more challenging obstacles. Next, we venture onto a muddy trail with varying depths of ruts and puddles. This section tests the 4x4 system's ability to maintain traction in slippery conditions, as well as the tires' grip and self-cleaning capabilities.

The course then transitions to a rocky incline, where we evaluate the Renegade's ground clearance and suspension articulation. We carefully navigate over boulders and uneven surfaces to see how well the vehicle can maintain contact with the ground and avoid scraping its undercarriage. This section also tests the engine's low-end torque and the effectiveness of the electronic hill descent control system. Finally, we end with a shallow water crossing to assess the Renegade's water fording capabilities and ensure that no water enters the engine or passenger cabin.

Throughout the course, we pay close attention to the Renegade's overall performance, noting any strengths or weaknesses that become apparent. We also make sure to test the various off-road modes and features to see how they enhance the driving experience and improve the vehicle's capabilities. By the end of the test, we have a comprehensive understanding of what the Renegade is capable of in an off-road setting.

Traction and 4x4 Performance

The Jeep Renegade's 4x4 system is the heart of its off-road capability. The system is designed to automatically distribute torque to the wheels with the most traction, helping to maintain forward momentum in slippery conditions. We found that the system works effectively on gravel and loose surfaces, providing a confident and stable driving experience. In muddy conditions, the 4x4 system was able to maintain traction, but the tires occasionally struggled to find grip. Upgrading to more aggressive off-road tires would likely improve performance in these situations.

One of the standout features of the Jeep Renegade is its Selec-Terrain system, which allows the driver to choose from several different driving modes, including Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud. Each mode optimizes the vehicle's settings for the specific terrain, adjusting parameters such as throttle response, transmission shift points, and stability control. We found that the Selec-Terrain system made a noticeable difference in off-road performance, particularly in the Mud mode, which helped to maximize traction in challenging conditions. The Jeep Renegade handled the terrain well.

Overall, the Renegade's 4x4 system is well-suited for light to moderate off-roading. While it may not be as capable as more hardcore off-road vehicles like the Wrangler, it's certainly more capable than most of its competitors in the subcompact SUV class. With the right tires and a bit of driving skill, the Renegade can tackle a variety of off-road trails and obstacles.

Ground Clearance and Suspension

Ground clearance is a critical factor in off-road performance, as it determines the vehicle's ability to clear obstacles without scraping its undercarriage. The Jeep Renegade has a ground clearance of around 8.7 inches, which is respectable for its class. However, we found that this was sometimes a limiting factor on our test course. While the Renegade was able to clear most of the obstacles without issue, there were a few instances where we had to carefully pick our line to avoid scraping the bottom of the vehicle.

The suspension system also plays a crucial role in off-road comfort and control. The Renegade's suspension is designed to provide a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. On rough terrain, the suspension did a decent job of absorbing bumps and maintaining stability. However, the ride could be somewhat jarring at times, particularly on larger bumps and potholes. Upgrading to a more robust suspension system would likely improve the Renegade's off-road comfort and control.

Despite its limitations, the Renegade's ground clearance and suspension are adequate for most light to moderate off-roading. With careful driving and a bit of patience, it can navigate a variety of obstacles and terrain. However, those who plan to do more serious off-roading may want to consider a vehicle with more ground clearance and a more capable suspension system.

Engine Performance and Power

The Jeep Renegade offers a few different engine options, depending on the trim level and model year. Our test vehicle was equipped with the available 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. We found that this engine provided adequate power for most off-road situations. The turbocharger helps to deliver a strong surge of torque at low RPMs, which is useful for tackling steep inclines and navigating obstacles.

However, the engine could sometimes feel a bit strained when climbing steep hills or accelerating quickly on loose surfaces. More power would certainly be welcome in these situations. Additionally, we noticed some turbo lag at times, which could make it difficult to modulate the throttle smoothly. Despite these minor issues, the Renegade's engine is generally well-suited for off-road driving, providing enough power and torque to tackle most challenges.

The Jeep Renegade's engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to provide smooth and efficient shifting. We found that the transmission generally performed well, but there were a few instances where it seemed to hunt for the right gear. This could be particularly noticeable when climbing hills or navigating uneven terrain. Overall, the transmission is a decent match for the engine, but it could benefit from some refinement.

Off-Road Technology and Features

The Jeep Renegade is equipped with a range of off-road technology and features designed to enhance its capabilities. As mentioned earlier, the Selec-Terrain system allows the driver to choose from several different driving modes, each of which optimizes the vehicle's settings for specific terrain. Additionally, the Renegade offers features like hill descent control, which automatically modulates the brakes to maintain a constant speed when descending steep hills.

We found that these features were generally effective and helpful in off-road situations. The hill descent control system worked particularly well, allowing us to descend steep hills with confidence and control. The Selec-Terrain system also made a noticeable difference in traction and stability, particularly in the Mud and Sand modes. Overall, the Renegade's off-road technology and features are a valuable asset, helping to enhance its capabilities and make it easier to tackle challenging terrain.

Final Verdict

So, can the Jeep Renegade 4x4 handle off-road conditions? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. The Renegade is a capable off-roader for its class, but it's not a rock crawler. It's best suited for light to moderate off-roading, such as gravel paths, muddy trails, and gentle inclines. With the right tires and a bit of driving skill, it can tackle a variety of terrain. However, those who plan to do more serious off-roading may want to consider a more capable vehicle.

Pros:

• Capable 4x4 System: Provides good traction in most conditions.
• Selec-Terrain System: Optimizes vehicle settings for different terrains.
• Distinctive Design: Stands out from the crowd.
• Compact Size: Easy to maneuver on tight trails.

Cons:

• Limited Ground Clearance: Can be a limiting factor on rough terrain.
• Engine Can Feel Strained: More power would be welcome in some situations.
• Ride Can Be Jarring: Suspension could be more refined.

In conclusion, the Jeep Renegade 4x4 is a decent choice for those who want a compact SUV with some off-road capability. It's not the most capable off-roader on the market, but it's certainly more capable than most of its competitors. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend excursions, the Renegade is worth considering.