this is the perfect entry-level size and price point for someone looking to get into off-roading, Wranglers ain't cheap - but the Renegade is! And, as far as aftermarket, you can add just about anything a Wrangler could.
I am 84 years of age and own a 2018 Trailhawk. It is difficult for me to get into the bigger SUV’s and dedicated 4-wheelers. But for me and my normal off-roading this vehicle is perfect. Took a trip to Yellowstone Park last weekend and averaged 30.6 mpg, then it dropped to 30.3. I go where I want to go and this thing does what I want it to. It has more road noise than I would like but I can live with that! Great review!
Your comment, thanks! Im on the fence looking at these. Found a Trailhawk manual with low miles for $11k. Imma gonna hafta check this "Fiat" out. Sounds nice. You're using it as a go anywhere Jeep.
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 My son and I planned on camping out tonite and I was prepared to use the Trailhawk to sleep in. I am 5’11” but there is ample room for one person, maybe two to sleep in it. Good luck with your decision!
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 You didn't really find a Renegade Trailhawk with a manual transmission. Thay're 9 speed automatic only. That's why the 20:1 mechanical gear reduction works so well on the trail. That gets augmented by the 2:1 torque multiplication potential of the automatic transmission's torque converter. So, on the trail, first gear acts like a variable 40:1 to 20:1 ratio and is on par with automatic transmission SUVs from past decades. I was an early adopter, buying the first 2015 Renegade Trailhawk I found at a Jeep store. I have 156,000 trouble-free miles on it now and aside from being pinstriped by trail brush, it looks and functions like new. I use mine to do Jeep Things, too. I have a REAL JEEP, a CJ 2 A, and it hasn't seen dirt in going on four years now. When I go fly fishing in Colorado or quail hunting in Arizona or camping in New Mexico, the Renegade Trailhawk is plenty capable of getting me where I want to go without much fuss or drama. And it's stock except for 225 65 17 Falken Wildpeak AT 3 tires. I have no plans of parting with mine. Maybe if I lived closer to the places I like to go in it, I'd think about getting a new two-door Bronco, but 30 mpg on the highway would be hard for me to give up. So would the 18 to 20 mpg it gets on the trails. And, I wouldn't be going anywhere in the Bronco that I haven't already been in my Renegade TH.
@jerroldshelton9367 Well, it sold. I took too long to decide. It was a manual. Maybe I can find a screenshot I saved to see for sure. Why would Jeep not make a manual trailhawk Renegade? Well, I need another midsized 4x4. I'd like a manual but auto is ok. Your comment is persuasive as to why I'm definitely still looking at possibly getting one of these. I found two more for sale at $11k to $16k in excellent condition. They have the trailhawk badges.
I was the only one on the road in this thing in harsh winters getting it. It was a horribly misunderstood and under appreciated vehicle. The torque management with a 1.5 inch lift and bigger than the stock traihawk tires made this thing the most capable subcompact vehicle of its time. Once you stop comparing it to a Wrangler is when it shines.
They shouldn't have called it a Renegade, then... I've seen videos here and there of these getting it done. But, they are so awkward looking, which I is probably why it wasn't particular popular.
@@JF-lt5zc I agree. Honestly "Compass" moniker would have been better for this than the acutal Compass because of how small it was. Giving the Renegade a prior Wrangler trim name was setting this up for fail and Jeep didn't have to rely on the "prior model to cuv trope" to sell this. That trope has few examples of success. My bet is that Fiat pushed them to it. After my .75 inch wheel spacers, 1.5 inch lift and 225/65r17 BFGs everyone loved this thing's look and it was still pretty capable stock.
@@JF-lt5zc They should have called it a Renegade because they already owned the name as a trademark and because it basically means being somewhere it isn't supposed to be. While other vehicles in its class are reserved for snow-covered mall parking lots, THIS vehicle can go "off the reservation" or the mall lot and actually do Jeep things.
I have a 2019 KL Cherokee Trailhawk. I was out off-roading with other KL Trailhawks and we had a Renegade TH that joined us. That lil' spud went everywhere we did with no problem, and even had an easier time in some places because it was smaller. We all gave it more Respect after that trip!
TFLs original Renegade videos are what actually pushed me to go pick up my '16 Trailhawk. The addition of a 1.5" lift and it goes basically anywhere other than rock crawling. It's very interesting seeing them revisit it with Tommy. It's a more than capable off-roader and has been reliable so far.
@@matthewgaines10 It's barely better, and closer in size to the Cherokee, which is a far more capable vehicle. The bronco sport is proof that marketing works.
It's Sub Compact, which puts it up against things like the Kia Soul and Chevy Trailblazer. The Renegades biggest flaw is that it was actually made to go offroad somewhat and as such, was expensive compared to the plastic clad competition. Things like the Trailblazer with its "activ" trim and the Crosstrek with its CVT ate it up, and the Bronco Sport finished it. It's sales being cannibalized by its sibling Compass and even Jeep's Halo vehicle the Wrangler (why pay 35-40k for this micromachine when that puts you in the seat lf a Wrangler Sport with no frills?) did not help. People are more than happy to have something that looks offroady, but can't actually preform. And anyone actually wanting to offroad would pony up for a Wrangler or buy an older used model.
@@matthewgaines10 Uh, no, the Bronco Sport isn't "better" in the dirt. The Renegade Trailhawk beats the B.S. in approach, departure, and breakover angles, and also in overall low gearing. Sightlines out of the vehicle are better for off pavement driving, too. And the Renegade Trailhawk also has more wheel travel than the B.S. does. Okay, so it it doesn't have a "locker" in the ass end, but the traction control is so effective that you'd not miss it.
My cousin owns one and he bragged that he could haul his 3 kids around safely, while not worrying too much about getting stuck. Guess it depends on the driver's needs
Most trails are not even a challenge for a wrangler. Just a drive in the park. But with the renegade you have to work for it so you get a challenge. I have a power wagon and most times it’s just boring. It just crawls over everything. I also have a Compass Trailhawk and I have much more fun doing trails with it cause it’s a challenge. Took it up Imogene in Colorado no problem. Ophir pass no problem. Much more fun doing trails with something that makes you work a little for it. Makes that Jeep badge a little sweeter!😂
The Fiat Panda is actually a decently capable off roader from what I've seen and I've seen these Renegades tackle similar stuff to some Subarus. Especially with the tiny turbo engine, it's a pretty compelling package if you want a "Jeep" without having to live with a JEEP!
My Renagade Trailhawk now is about 235k km....and still going. Perfect vehicle as daily driver AND reasonable offroader. Did West-Alps with it couple of times. Never let me down. Unfortunately, no real comparable replacemet on the horizont ...
Not sure if the Renegade won't come again soon though. Here in Brazil, where it sells VERY well, Stellantis already announced we're getting another generation of Renegades soon, and also that they would grab our new facelift and use it to deliver an electric Renegade in the US at a very affordable price point. They thought about replacing it with a smaller and less off-roady Avenger, but now it seems they won't. Renegade will probably keep going for another 5-10 years here, so it's hard to see how it won't get another shot in the US and EU.
@@kisong1960 you say this as if there's nothing about newer vehicles that make them worth buying. Better integration with phones, electric or hybrid engines that generate different traction systems, improvements to weight, safety features... All 20 year old toyotas are great cars still, but none can have wireless Apple CarPlay and none score very high on crash tests since standards always go up. MPG is also quite bad, since it wasn't important, so making heavier cars with cheaper materials made sense instead of using lighter frames that are efficient and safer in collision. Also, not having a replacement means a probability of less customer service in the future, which isn't the fault of the car itself, since it has been widely successful in other markets, like here in Brazil.
Agree 100 percent however this is based on the 500x platform. Different ball game, a lot heavier and overall bigger. A lot of the pandas ability comes from it dimensions and weight
8:45 I agree with you, Tommy. The problem with Subaru is the CVT transmission. The Jeep Renegade proves that a vehicle with a non-CVT trans. & proper gearing is far superior for off-roading even with a small engine.
I doubt it will ever be a collector's item. It is a complex machine for what it is and I don't have much hope for ongoing aftermarket support for it, even from Stellantis. At the same time, I ain't getting rid of mine until I can't fix whatever might break on it. It's just too good a quail hunting' and fly fishin' car to part with.
I feel kind of bad now because I really hated this vehicle that wore an iconic name of a vehicle that it was the complete opposite of...After watching this video, I had no idea that there was this particular version...Now I've changed my tune on it after watching what it is capable of...I'm man enough to admit that I was totally wrong about this little jeep and that I could see myself with one...Would have to learn about that transmission and it's problems though...Just too bad it isn't sold here anymore...
The ZF 9-speed in the Renegade is the same used in larger commercial vans. Mine's gone 160,000 miles so far with no problems and I use my Renegade TH harder than I suspect most owners do.
My girl has had a Renegade Trailhawk since she bought it new in 2018 and honestly it has held up really well. Very capable off road for a little crossover, easy to maneuver around town, and I’ve even found it fun to hoon around on back roads and gravel trails. I’m a big fan of this thing. Combine that with luxuries like leather heated seats, dual zone climate, a panoramic roof, and Apple CarPlay… it’s a fantastic do-it-all vehicle.
Love my Renegade TH! Does killer on my 60+ mile commute to the office and is a freakin blast on the trails! I couldn’t justify spending twice as much on a used Wrangler that got worse gas mileage and less interior comfort.
well you can get a diff protector and better aftermarket protection all around from Archangel you can also add springs which will give you a bit more ride height no lift needed. this thing has more to it when its built up a bit. I run the 1.3 liter Turbo and its done that much and more. I understand the timid need when running with an unprotected under carriage though. safe call is the good call honestly.
I’ve got 100k on my Jeep renegade now and beside the bs oil usage which isn’t much now from years of using Lucas oil stabilizer, it’s been a reliable vehicle. Haven’t done anything but change the oil in it. Only taken it on trails twice since I’ve had it tho. There’s only one real beep and that’s the two door wrangler.
Never forget batman driving one of these POS cars in batman vs superman, that was hilarious. Wouldve been a fun video if tommy didnt wimp out and went over that last obstacle.
I have a 22 Compass Trailhawk and it’s pretty much the same drivetrain. The 9 speed under normal driving uses 2-9 gears with 2nd being 1st. Only when in low range will the trans select the 1st gear and stay locked in 1st. With a mild lift and some beefier tires it is a very capable and comfortable vehicle while still getting very decent gas mileage. During snow and in the sand dunes it does surprisingly very good. Not wrangler good but definitely surprised.
I think this is a good opportunity for a Bronco Sport Big Bend edition, we all know the capabilities of badlands but big bend doesn’t have many test videos and I think the sand mode it’s surprisingly enough.
Honestly they're cute, and affordable. Wouldn't mind it if I couldn't afford a similar model year wrangler. Doesn't quite deserve the trail badge though, it really is more for less maintained fire roads at best.
I would of made that last obstacle in my 16 TH. You can also put it in Mud mode then manually put it in 1st with the shifter to get that lower gear and more wheel spin. Rock mode is good but really only works best for solid rock. Even then i sometimes prefer mud mode with a little momentum.
Flush the ATF of the ZF 948TE transmission. I've had my, just bought, Trailhawk diesel done at 210.000 km. It was like black coffee, completely burned. Maybe too late, noticing some wear, but it shifts much smoother now...
Great for mild to moderate snow. Perfect and capable for 1st time suv drivers and young adults to get to work and school in inclement weather. There shouldn't be an issue for it at all.
Sand, mud and snow I never got stuck in mine. Never took it rock crawling and I never will. Put some AT tires on them and they are pretty off road capable.
2 inch lift and you can do that trail without question. It will do a 4-in lift but I don't recommend that because you're going to lose your suspension travel. That jeep already has fantastic off-road angles. You don't really need the clearance or the angles ... The lift is so that you can bump it a little bit in these situations to make up for the gearing. It's not that it locks it into first gear... It doesn't use first gear at all unless you are in low or unless you manually shift. First gear IS the low. It starts in second gear under normal driving conditions.
It's not the gearing that's the problem. An 86 Bronco II with EXACTLY the same gearing doesn't need to bumped over anything on the trail in this video. One of those on 235 /75 15 AT's will waltz over that trail. The problem with the Renegade isn't gearing, but computer algorithms that cut power (probably to protect the driveline) at times when you don't want it cut.
Love the plastic! Sweeps hand across saying its easy to clean. Brings out a land rover type. Luxurious interior dash covered in the softest of hymen leather!
The original Renegades were TJ Wranglers with a hard top incorporated into the frame (Not removable). They were great cars. I haven’t driven the newer version, but people that have them like them. There are some great mods you can do.
On-line, everybody's an expert, even when they don't know what in the f**** they're writing about. The "original Renegades" were NOT "TJ Wranglers" and zero TJ Wranglers had a "hard to incorporated into the frame." The original Renegade was a CJ 5 trim package first offered by AMC Jeep in 1970.
my 1999 honda crv had this trail. little shitter had this simple reliability . had slight lift and some aggressive off road tires hankook dyna pro MT 2015ish don't remember the size. i had so so much fun in that vehicle i pulled out many. f350 plow truck, a nissan juke, dodge Dakota, chevy 1500, mid 90s jeep Cherokee, nissan something or other. best vehicle i ever owned that didn't own me a dam thing. wish i had a channel at the time. mighty mouse.
I think it "failed" for the exact reason you mentioned - it was not classed right. Comparing it to a Wrangler was unfair and gave it a negative rep (like the general biker opinion of Harley-Davidson's Sportster). I think the Renegade actually introduced a NEW market with the Trailhawk version: Trail rated, Trail ready Mid-sized 4x4 SUV. Highly recommend lift kit and better tires! BTW: This Jeep is EXTREMELY comfortable inside - the newer Trailhawks came with leather(ish) seats. I love mine - 2019 Solar Yellow too!
As long as you don't need clearance, it's 99% about the tires. Put these tires on 90% of cars and they would do fine. It does likely have somewhat decent approach/depart and breakover angle as it's short and the wheels are close to the corners.
My compass upland gets me plenty of places people claim are 4x4 high clearance only. Just gotta know how to drive a crossover, and use that front skid plate a bit 😂
When it comes to sub compact SUV s i'd say this vehicle is king it is severely more capable than a Honda crv and it has better. Torque management than a Subaru cross track I have driven the cross track on the roads but never off roads but I have driven Subaru foresters off-road. 2002 generation and they do off-road well but the problem with the Subaru is that you cannot configure anything this Jeep you have the ability. To configure your traction control thus more capable.
The terrain modes in these are no joke. Put it in sand mode and give it a little gas, its no race car but I think the get up and go it suddenly has might suprise you. Sand mode is the only mode that makes it 60/40 with a rear wheel bias. The others are either split 50/50 or biased to the front.
60/40 is good extra, plus the selec-terrain has good working sensing and programing, many vehicles go nowhere on single wheel traction opposite to bias, including rav4
Why are you so surprised? Renegade has a pretty solid 4x4 system, underbody protection and respectable ground clearance. It's lightweight, short with wheels far in the front and back - very good attack angles. In terms of off-roading, what's not to like?
What's not to like? The computer nannies that cut engine power when I'd rather it didn't. Other than that, I can't think of much about my 2015 that I don't like.
Does everyone forget the that Jeep Renegade literally has almost the same specs as the Jeep YJ Renegade? And i doubt that anyone would call the YJ Renegade a "bad" off roader.
I argue with a good friend because I like TFL, and he doesn't. When Tommy quit on that little bump, I had to write to my friend and surrender this round to him.
I think for 99% of any people the Trailhawk can do what they expect. My Trailhawk never let me down on every muddy and rocky forest trails. Sure it's not a Wrangler and not made for rock crawling, but he is so much better as the most other suv's on the market. My uncle owns a Hyundai Tucson, and he stuggeld very often on offroad trails here in the Black Forest. Whatever, I like the Trailhawk and I never got dissapointed for now
Don't underestimate Fiats. The Panda 4x4 is incredibly competent off road and it can easily go through many places where larger and heavier rigs just can’t, much like the Jimny.
"A proper Jeep trail, now." Hahaha. 🤣 Looked like a dirt road to me. My '17 Outlander Sport (also with 8.7" clearance) has tackled more challenging trails than this. And a larger/better infotainment screen. ✌️
I own one, I quite like it despite some of downsides. Some are things you can fix yourself, others are things you learn to work around or live with. For example I learned they actually have decent power, but the programing just doesnt let you use it for fuel economy reasons. Sand mode, or manual shifting actually lets the engine rev up to its full power.
EU SPEC! EU SPEC! EU SPEC! Come in Europe and try the EU SPEC Jeep Renegade Trailhawk! Try the 2.0 170hp diesel engine and the plug-in hybrid that we have here!
I had a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk from this era. I sold it to CarMax in 2019. It was a great little off-road package. I just questioned the longevity of its transmission. It was clunkerfuck driving around. Harsh shifts, slow to down shift when you put your foot down. The scariest thing was pulling out into busy traffic and the transmission just decides it can’t make up its mind and decides to give you no power with traffic coming right for you. It also never saw 9th gear unless I manually shifted it. Even at 90 mph. How could ZF build such a trash transmission and also build the best transmission ever made at the same time? The ZF 8 speed RWD.
The 2023 models have an airbag issue that they don't know how to repair. I bought one brand new in April, and now I have to park it and still make payments on it. They said a formal recall will be issued in 5 weeks, but there is no guarantee they will know how to fix it. Stay away from this vehicle!
Subaru screwed up by putting CVT's in their vehicles. They could have gone to an 8-10 speed transmission and made better offroaders. Subaru could have made a better version of this Jeep Renegade. Subaru doesn't make anything that can do what this Jeep can do...
It won't go where my Renegade Trailhawk has been. It doesn't have the angles, the clearance, the skid plates, the wheel travel, the traction control, or the gearing necessary.
Jack of two trades, master of none. Sure it might get 24 mpg, but you can get 28-30 mpg with a Crosstrek, and the interior is nicer with fewer rattles and a less buzzy motor. When it comes to offroad, it might perform better than other subcompacts, but if off roading is your thing, you're going to buy something that is better at it and most definitely more reliable. It's a decent vehicle and I think off roaders maybe didn't give it enough respect, but it's still a cheap unreliable econobox.
