Overview:
This is the 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4X4 small SUV. Happy 75th Anniversary to Jeep. The most impressive part of the Jeep product includes the memories for me that began in my Navy days. We drove the WWII Jeeps and developed a bonding that has lasted for my life thus far. Secondly I had the great opportunity to experience a “Jeep Jamboree” when I was invited by Jeep to join them on the Mohawk Trail in Northwestern Massachusetts.
Anyone who has attended a Jamboree will attest to the amazing off road capability of Jeep. For those who don’t know what they are you can find details at the Jeep Jamboree USA website:https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/tripsregister/. When my wife and I attended the Mohawk Trail there were 26 venues in the US and there are a few more today.
Jeep® Jamborees are off-road adventure weekends that bring together the outdoors, down-to-earth people, and their Jeep 4x4s. These off-road treks have a long tradition dating back to 1953 when 4×4 pioneer Mark A. Smith organized the first ever Jeep Jamboree and voyaged across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the old Rubicon Trail. In 1954, Willys Motors — then manufacturer of Jeep vehicles — became involved with the adventure, and Jeep Jamborees have been an off-road tradition ever since.
Mark A. Smith
General Information: It is assembled in Wentzville, MO, USA. Parts – US/Canadian 22%, Italy 62% Engine & transmission – USA; Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Jeep: Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.
Handling & Performance:
All the Jeeps I have driven have been a credit to the brand ever since the early models of the 1940’s. I have a great confidence in their off road prowess.
Styling:
Traditional consistency for 75 years.
Fit and Finish:
Obviously they have evolved since WWII and in fact are more luxury then they need to be. Jeep devotees don’t care all that much about how pretty they look. I believe they are more interested in Function over Form.
Cost:
Cheap – if off-road is your thing.
Conveniences and comfort:
Okay, so comfort is important, but so is getting places where other cars and trucks just can’t go.
Consumer Recommendation:
My next car will be a Jeep Wrangler to tow behind a Motorhome to visit many places in the US I have not yet seen. I know first-hand how handy they are off road as well as an ‘easy tow’ vehicle. I highly recommend attending a Jeep Jamboree if you own a Jeep. It is an experience of a lifetime. Our experience was in October 1995. There were 120 Jeep owners plus 18 of us from the press. Really fun and you meet some great folks.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Trailhawk $27,000, Chevrolet Trax $28,000, Mazda CX-3 $27,000, Honda HR-V $27,000, Subaru XV Crosstrek $26,000.
Good News:
Equipped well for off road use with many safety features, competitively priced, good fuel economy,
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, 17” aluminum wheels, two front tow hooks and one rear hook, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brakes, parkview rear back up camera, front, side and side curtain front and rear airbags, front suspension, transmission and transfer skidplates, stability control, remote keyless entry, electronic roll mitigation, select – terrain with rock mode, traction control, cruise control, capless fuel fill, hill decent control, hill start assist, tire pressure monitor, rain sensitive windshield wipers, Uconnect, 5” touchscreen, Bluetooth with voice command, Sirius XM sat. Radio with 6 speakers, tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, remote USB port for charge, media hub with USB and Aux., manual 6-way driver and 4-way passenger seats, rear 60/40 folding seat, height adjustable rear cargo floor.
Gas Stats:
$2.95/ Gal avg. May 22, 2016
for more information.
20 City 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,495.