Jeep Renegade 4xe – they didn't hurt him for many years

The drive is an important modification, because now we can order Renegade in the “Hybrid Plug-in” version. This is a recipe for tightened emissions in the European Union. The Small JEEPA drive unit consists of a 1.3 gasoline engine with 180 HP, engine-generist connected to the combustion strap and an additional 60-horsepower power engine that works on the rear axle and provides a 4×4 drive. The total power of the entire system is up to 240 HP. A lot for a car of this size – and Renegade is an urban SUV.

The battery we have at our disposal is not large – it has a capacity of 11.4 kWh, but it would be difficult to put more links in a small car so that there is still a place for luggage. As a consequence, the electric range of Jeep is about 40 km, if we drive calmly. In winter, of course, it can be smaller. Is this a problem? In everyday use, not very much, because we usually do not overcome more kilometers in urban traffic. And if so, we'll go to gas and there will be no drama either.

Of course, this 240 HP paper does not mean that the SUV weighing up to 1770 kg will drive like a sports car, although the speed of acceleration to a hundred is fine – it is only 7.1 s. Of course, it is only to be obtained when we use the entire drive system. And how much gasoline does hybrid jeep use? In the city it will be about 7.5 l/100 km, unless we use the full charged battery – then you can drive for weeks without gas consumption. The best result will be obtained on suburban roads, at about 90 km/h – it is real even 6.5 l/100 km. And because under the hood we have a small turbo engine, with fast driving, the appetite for gasoline definitely grows: to around 8.5 l/100 km at 120 km/h and to almost 10 l/100 km at 140 km/h. The fuel tank has a capacity of only 37 liters, so Renegade's range is not very impressive.

Jeep Renegade 4xe – interior from a decade ago?

While the hybrid drive belongs to quite modern, inside Renegade it is clear that it is not a model straight from under the needle. We have a lot of physical buttons and knobs here, which – to be honest – I often lack in modern models. Meanwhile, we have a functional panel for controlling electronic air conditioning, we can also change the volume of music without the need to search for a virtual button on the touch screen. It suits me.

On the other hand, the SUV cockpit is not outdated at all, because we have a large touch screen in the center. There is also a display at the point of indicators, but with simple graphics. He is far from the virtual cockpit we know from Volkswagen. Attention, however, is drawn to the old -fashioned lever for choosing the automatic transmission mode. In new cars we usually have either a small, sliding switch or a lever at the steering wheel. The solution used in the jeep takes a lot of space on the middle console. Probably better if more storage compartments were made in return.

The cubicle of a small SUV Jeep is quite large, if you consider the toy appearance of the car and its small size. You sit comfortably and from the front, and back. However, the trunk has a volume of only 330 liters, which is not much more than in ordinary urban cars. Well, somewhere you had to fit batteries.

Jeep Renegade 4xe – Dziarski in the field, good on asphalt

While most urban SUVs only pretend to be a “roadster”, Renegade is from a completely different fairy tale. Yes, he is far from a properly equipped Wrangler, but a car, such as tested – in the Trailhawk version – actually works in moderately difficult terrain. It has changed wheels, increased suspension and a large selection of different driving modes, including on sand, snow, mud or stones. And it must be admitted that apart from asphalt, little jeep is doing quite well. The manufacturer also ensures that he can wade in water up to 40 cm deep. I take my word for it. I didn't check.

Importantly, decent competence in the field does not mean that Renegade rides poorly on asphalt. Quite the opposite. It runs well and pleasantly, although supporting the steering wheel – for me – is too strong. I lack a good sense of what is happening to the wheels. However, if you get used to this shortcoming, then all the rest is fine. The car drives stable, does not tilt the corners and absorbs unevenness well. However, I have to admit that if someone does not need the field capabilities of Renegade Trailhawk, it is better to reach for a regular SUV of similar size. For example, Ford Puma rides much better.

Jeep Renegade 4xe – is it worth buying it?

The Trailhawk version does not currently appear in the price list. It's a pity, because she is really effective. Hybrid Renegade, however, can be bought, but its price is unfortunately quite high – it is almost 200,000. zloty. At this price, however, I would prefer a larger SUV, even without the field abilities of a small jeep. Alternatively, I would choose a version with a 1.5 gasoline engine with 130 HP. Yes, there are less horses, fuel consumption is higher, but the price is 137 thousand. zloty. The difference is huge, although it partly justifies the equipment, because the plug-in hybrid is only available in the richest version.

Jeep Renegade 4xe, technical data:

R4 gasoline engine, 1.3T, 180 HP, 270 Nm (internal combustion), 60 HP, 250 Nm (electric), 240 HP (total). Automatic, 6-speed gearbox. Acceleration 0-100 km/HW 7.1 p. Maximum speed-199 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 1.9 l/100 km (WLTP). Price: from 196 800 PLN.