2017 Jeep Renegade Deserthawk 4X4
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2017 Jeep Renegade Deserthawk 4X4. I’ve been looking to revisit and review all Jeeps because I have a personal reason – I’m looking to buy one. I’m looking more to the Wrangler to tow behind a motorhome. If you have experience with that application your thoughts would be appreciated.
In the meantime, this new DesertHawk keeps with the tradition of the Jeep image. I have attended “Jeep Camps” and “Jeep Jamborees” and that has influenced my decision to renew my opinion of the product and is why it fits into my travel plans..
General Information:
It is assembled in Melfi, Italy. Parts – US/Canadian 22%, Italy 62%, Engine and Transmission – USA; Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Jeep: Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.
Handling & Performance:
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and on my Jeep Jamboree in Northwest Massachusetts on the Mohawk Trail I found this picture explains what is possible because I did it.
Styling:
Jeep stayed true to what make Jeep a classic all the way from WWII military days up to today and it remains an image of can-do and wanna do.
Fit and Finish:
Built for the out of doors so it is necessarily basic and as good as it needs to be.
Cost:
2017 MSRP of this Renegade is under $27,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
For the road ahead, it has many more features than necessary for the rough and tumble guys and gals who choose the out-of-doors lifestyle. But it incorporates most of the mechanical safety features that will give added safety to operation and keep the average driver out of trouble.
Consumer Recommendation:
I always recommend that you consider attending one of the 26 venues around the country where they hold Jeep Jamboree’s. They are rated according to level of difficulty of the venue from 1 to 10, where 10 is the most difficult. Visit the link for more – https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/tripsregister/
… and for real action try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5AWZvB1FuU
Most people will likely never be in the most difficult venue like Rubicon (10) but the video will give you an idea of what these Jeep’s can actually do.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Renegade $28,000 (Italy), Chevrolet Trax $28,000 (Canada), Fiat 500X $28,000 (Italy), Nissan Juke $28,000 (Japan), Honda HR-V $27,000 (Mexico), Mazda CX-3 $27,000 (Japan).
Good News:
Affordable, good fuel economy for 4-wheel drive, great off road equipped sport utility.
Bad News: n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter inline 4-cylinder multi-air engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, 4X4, front and side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, keyless pushbutton start/stop, park view rear camera, fuel tank, transmission, front suspension and transfer case skid plates, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, stability control, roll mitigation, traction control, cruise control, capless fuel tank fill, daytime running lights, hill descent control, hill start assist, tire pressure monitor, rain sensitive wipers, Uconnect, 5” touchscreen display, voice command with Bluetooth, 6-speakers, Sirius XM Satellite radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Tilt and Telescopic column, air conditioning, remote USB port for Charge, USB and Aux hub, ambient LED interior lighting.
Gas Stats:
$2.89/ Gal avg. August 20, 2017
for more information.
Average MPG: Jeep Renegade 24, Chevrolet Trax 27, Fiat 500X 24, Nissan Juke 28, Honda HR-V 29, Mazda CX-3 29.
Pricing:
MSRP $26,895.