Jeep Renegade 2.0 MTJ 120 CV 4x4 Game Changer, review and test drive

Every brand has one in its range, you won’t see any on the mountain trails and you’ll surely see plenty in the city: that’s the SUV segment. So-called crossovers have been widely accepted thanks to their design and driving qualities, such as a higher seating position than a saloon, but most of them will rarely leave the asphalt and some don’t even offer all-wheel drive.

Jeep has thrown itself fully into this segment, but with a note that stands out from the typical SUV. The Jeep Renegade isn’t afraid to leave the asphalt, as we saw in the special snow test in the Alps. After that, we were interested in the entry-level version of the 4×4 range to see whether, besides an attractive starting price, it also offers certain off-road qualities. Because in the Jeep Renegade range, demand for the 4×4 versions is significant, something that doesn’t happen in other SUV ranges. Under the name “Game Changer” is an entry-level 4×4 version with more equipment than the basic model, starting from 23,385 euros (after discounts).

Exterior design, the essence of Jeep on a smaller scale

The Fiat 500X and the Jeep Renegade are two models with more in common than it might seem, so much so that they share practically everything except the design. Jeep has managed to create a compact model with the essence of a true off-roader, something that shows in the robust, imposing look of the Renegade. At the front the seven slots that define any Jeep grille stand out, along with the two round headlights on either side. The daytime running lights sit lower, right beside the indicators, and finally there are the fog lights at the bottom, all within a bulky bumper.

On the side profile the wide wheel arches and the windows with an upward line stand out, as well as the 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard on this trim (the entry version has 16-inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are reserved for the top-of-range version). Another detail that adds to the sense of robustness is the huge door handles.

The square shapes of the Renegade also appear at the rear, where the lights draw attention, with Jeep details, and finally the two lights at the bottom of the bumper (reversing light and rear fog light) that are similar to those used on other Fiat models. All of this creates an exterior look with a lot of personality, originality and the DNA of Jeep present in every single line.

Interior design, with quality

One of the problems Jeep had in the past with its entry-level models was the quality of the interior finish, which was more suited to the American market than to European users’ expectations. Now the hand of the Fiat Group shows, and the Jeep Renegade has a quality interior with soft-touch plastics that feel pleasant to the touch, with more than adequate fit and a typically Jeep design. The verticality of the centre console stands out, along with the various details that add robustness to the interior design, without neglecting the finish. On the centre console the touchscreen radio takes centre stage, while below are the climate control controls (similar to those of other Group Fiat models) and at the bottom the knob that regulates the traction system with its different modes.

The large steering wheel stands out, as does the grab handle on the passenger side (a nod to the 4×4 world). The driving position is high with good visibility, thanks especially to the huge mirrors, though rear visibility could be better. The seats offer good lateral support and there is sufficient space for feet and head in the front seats.

In the rear seats legroom is adequate and there is enough headroom for an average-height person, although the backrests need improvement as they are too flat and don’t offer good lateral support, while a practical detail is the 230V / 150W socket in the rear. The rear seatbacks can be adjusted for recline.

As for storage and places to keep things, the door pockets are small (in the rear barely a small water bottle fits), but there are storage spaces in the centre tunnel (with several cup holders, a central compartment and a space in front of the gear lever), as well as a medium-sized main glovebox. The boot has a capacity of 351 litres, with a false floor.

Engine and performance

The diesel range of the Jeep Renegade starts with the well-known 1.6 Multijet engine producing 120 CV, a unit more than capable of moving the Renegade with ease, but all the 4×4 versions are associated with the two-litre engine in three power outputs: 120 CV (Game Changer and Limited), 140 CV (Limited) and 170 CV (Trailhawk). So our test car under the bonnet had the 2.0 Multijet engine producing 120 CV, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and the Active Drive all-wheel drive system with Selec-Terrain.

The engine is capable even in this 120 CV variant, accelerating forcefully thanks to its 320 Nm of torque at just 1,250 rpm, which translates into good low-revs response and a decisive push up to 4,000 rpm. We had the chance to try the 140 CV and there is barely any difference between the 120 CV 2.0 MTJ and the 140 CV 2.0 MTJ; in both cases the response is good and we’ll have no problems overtaking, climbing a long motorway gradient or merging.

Paired with the engine is a six-speed manual gearbox, with a short first gear suited to more off-road use and a longer sixth that helps reduce consumption on country roads and motorways.

Game Changer: all-wheel drive with M+S tyres

Our unit with the Game Changer trim is the entry-level version of the Renegade’s 4×4 range, equipped with the Active Drive all-wheel drive system. This system has no low-range gearbox, but allows all-wheel drive to be engaged automatically or at the press of a button; when traction isn’t needed the car runs in 4×2 mode with the rear axle disconnected, and if driving conditions or terrain require it, the rear axle engages. It also features Selec-Terrain: Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud (adapting traction to each type of terrain).

This drive system, combined with M+S tyres, means our Renegade has no trouble tackling off-road routes or low-grip areas, with the only limit being its ground clearance, which isn’t designed for extreme off-road use. In practice, both in snow and mud (two of the situations where we tested it) the response is very good and it becomes a good “compact 4×4”, handling most situations with ease.

For those seeking more extreme 4×4 use there is the Trailhawk version, which adds a low-range gearbox and improves the Renegade’s approach and departure angles for more demanding situations. For use in snow (in winter) or in mountain areas where mud or low grip is common, or even on forest tracks where traction may be needed at some point, the unit we tested is perfect.

Handling: agile SUV

One of the qualities we liked most about the Renegade is its agility. Despite being a capable 4×4, it has never sacrificed agility on the road. The Renegade and the Fiat 500X debuted a new platform, and the feel behind the wheel is very good. On winding roads there is no sense of inertia, and the car moves with an agility closer to that of a saloon than to an SUV or 4×4; in fact, there are other SUVs on the market with fewer off-road qualities that corner worse than the Jeep Renegade.

While on the road it is a comfortable car, its exterior design doesn’t help aerodynamics, but the interior insulation is adequate. The suspension is comfortable without being excessively soft, and on the road or motorway the feeling is one of stability. Another environment where it moves with ease is the city, thanks to its dimensions: it is a compact car and that lets it move through urban areas without problems.

Consumption

On our usual route on the motorway between Madrid and Vigo, average consumption was 6.4 litres per 100 km, a figure that can be reduced on country roads if we are careful with the accelerator and driving style, achieving consumption below 6 litres per 100 km; in normal driving on the road the figure is around 6-6.2 litres per 100 km.

In the city, on our usual test through the streets of Vigo, average consumption was 7.2 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

Our unit with the “Game Changer” trim offers more equipment over the “Longitude” base, in addition to all-wheel drive. The “Longitude” comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, electric mirrors, a multimedia system with a 5-inch touchscreen and 6 speakers. The “Game Changer” adds: automatic two-zone climate control, keyless entry and start system, 230V socket in the rear seats, electrically folding mirrors, boot with false floor, 17-inch alloy wheels and M+S tyres. Externally, however, it can only be chosen in two colours: “Rojo Colorado” and “Gris Changer”.

The equipment in this version is quite complete, with no detail missing, although only two colours can be chosen. The touchscreen multimedia system has a USB port, AUX input and even Bluetooth connection for your phone. The sound quality, however, is not the same as with the navigation system despite having the same number of speakers.

Prices of the Jeep Renegade

• Renegade 1.6 Mjet Sport 4×2 120CV 19,185 euros
• Renegade 1.6 Mjet Longitude 4×2 120CV 20,300 euros
• Renegade 1.6 Mjet Limited 4×2 120CV 21,830 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Longitude 4×4 120CV Active Drive 23,150 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet G4ME CH4NGER 4×4 120CV Active Drive 23,150 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Limited 4×4 120CV Active Drive 24,670 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Longitude 4×4 140CV Active Drive 24,065 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Limited 4×4 140CV Active Drive 25,600 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Limited 4×4 140CV Auto AD Low 28,000 euros
• Renegade 2.0 Mjet Trailhawk 4×4 170CV Auto AD Low 29,320 euros
• Renegade 1.4 Mair Longitude 4×2 140CV 21,370 euros
• Renegade 1.4 Mair Limited 4×2 140CV 21,510 euros
• Renegade 1.4 Mair Limited 4×4 170CV Auto Active Drive 29,840 euros

Prices include the various promotional discounts. For more information it is advisable to visit a dealership Jeep, since some versions fall under the PIVE scheme and may have further discounts.

Personal verdict

After two tests of a Jeep Renegade – one of them in quite adverse conditions – I can say that Jeep has a very interesting model for those looking for an SUV that offers something more. The first thing it has is personality: it is not just another SUV design, nor a car that goes unnoticed. It has also captured the brand’s DNA very well, with constant nods in the design to the typical Jeep models, the Italian touch is felt in the interior, where the quality of the finishes and the various design details stand out, again marking its personality and undoubtedly making it an original proposition (a Jeep Willys climbing the windscreen, the Jeep front at the base of the rear-view mirror, the grab handle on the passenger seat…).

Although from the outside it looks small, when we get inside the story changes, there is more than enough space for four adults, who will also travel comfortably, especially those in the front seats. Behind the wheel the visibility is good and the seating position is high and more upright than in other models. The boot is not huge, but it is in line with what other models in the segment offer (Renegade 351 litres, Opel Mokka 356 litres, Mazda CX3 350 litres…).

This version is interesting for those looking for all-wheel drive, there is no need to go for the more equipped versions, and in return we get reasonable equipment, all-wheel drive and M+S tyres, enough for use off the asphalt in complex conditions, and it will come out better than any of its equivalents in the segment. That said, where the Renegade performs best is on the road, so if you only go off-road occasionally, it is advisable to opt for any 4×2 version.

In short, an SUV that offers something more, that isn’t afraid to leave the road, and that keeps the essence of the Jeep brand with an original design and good interior finishes. With discounts, financing and the PIVE scheme, it is available from 18,385 euros with the 120 CV diesel engine and the Longitude trim.

Photos | Test team, R. Rodriguez, Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJeep Renegade4 versions · from 34,800 €