2015 Jeep Renegade

2015 Jeep Renegade

Episode 3436 , Episode 3449
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While we as automotive enthusiasts tend to be wary of returning nameplates, as they rarely live up to the cars that originally used them, it can be done with success, as jeep proved with the new cherokee. Well, with that success in hand, jeep is now focused on the rapidly growing small crossover segment, and has placed the venerable Renegade name on an new model, with a new DNA.  

Renegade is defined as “one who deserts or betrays an organization.” So it’s a fitting nameplate for the 2015 Jeep Renegade, as it enters into a new segment for brand, and is clearly unlike any other jeep in the stable… …or is it? 

Jeep fans know that renegade not as a model name, but rather a trim package found mostly on cjs and wranglers. 

And while early photos, with its borderline-cartoonish appearance, made it hard to take seriously, in person, the subcompact renegade sports much better proportions while still saying classic jeep up front. But, less so in the rear ¾ view with the upwardly arched quarter windows. But, the x-motif in the taillights and elsewhere, playing off a ww II-style fuel can, is pretty cool.

As for its new DNA, the renegade is on fiat’s small-wide 4x4 platform that it shares with the 500l and upcoming 500x. Built in Italy, FCA hopes renegade will make jeep as popular in global markets as it is here.

One feature we haven’t seen on other new smallish-utes is removable roof panels. Renegade’s basic mysky system has two separate pieces that, when taken off, deliver some of that open air experience jeeps are known for. Mysky with a power sliding front panel is also available.

There’s not an abundance of room in the comfortable front seats, but more than you’re expecting; and that just means all of the controls fall close to hand.

Seat controls were manual in our latitude-trimmed tester, but they’re very beefy felling, not compact car flimsy. The instrument panel looks nice, if a bit gimmicky. there’s jeep logos and “since 1941” script everywhere. It can get a bit cheesy and some materials are more economy than rugged.

The uconnect screen is on the small side, but it gets the job done, and the overall look of the interior will undoubtedly appeal to the younger set. Rear seat room is good, but the seatbacks don’t quite fold flat for cargo.  

And while total cargo space is decent at 50.8 cubic-ft; 18.5 behind the rear seats; it falls well short of the Honda HR-V. Also, the mysky panels storage bag takes up a lot of floor space. 

Now, jeep wanted to make sure you can still do jeep-type things in the renegade, and the trailhawk model features a standard active drive low 4x4 system with terrain select  modes for snow, sand, mud, and rock. It’s clearly the only suncompact ute designed for true off-road use.

And you can still get jeep’s regular-strength active drive full-time 4x4 system in all other trims, which worked fine for us.  

On road, the renegade feels very car-like, with minimal roll in corners and heavy steering. It’s a solid package overall, with no squeaks or rattles from the roof panels, though wind noise can ring out at speed. 

As for powertrains, there are two. The larger, 2.4-liter tigershark I4 boasts 180-horsepower, and 175 lb-ft. of torque. Though a little rough at idle, there’s an impressive amount of power for a segment that mostly consists of sub-2.0-liter engines. 

And of course there is one of those available here as well, fiat’s 160-horsepower 1.4-liter multiair turbo-4 which comes with a 6-speed manual. 

The 2.4-liter gets a 9-speed automatic which worked okay. There’s still some occasional stumbling, but it’s definitely an improvement over early cherokees. 

At our test track, the 2.4 renegade snaps off the line like a sprinter, but quickly settles down into a marathon pace; reaching 60 in 8.6-seconds. Leisurely shifts compound the ¼-mile situation, which took 16.5-seconds to climb to 83 miles-per-hour. 

A relaxed pace was the way to go through our cone course too; as anything more, turns manageable understeer into full-on plow. An average stopping distance of 120-feet from 60 was not bad, but random locking and an unsettled rear needs to be improved upon. 

Government fuel economy ratings for a 2.4 4x4 are 21-city, 29-highway, and 24-combined. Our average of 25.4 of regular is certainly superior to an old xj; but we expected better from such a small-fry. Still the energy impact score of 13.7-barrels of oil use and 6.1-tons of annual CO2 emissions is healthier than average. 

We think jeep’s first attempt at a truly global small crossover will represent the brand well throughout the world, as it will be available in more than 100 countries. Pricing here in the good old U.S. of America starts at $18,990 for a sport; 4-wheel-drive adds 2-grand more. 

So, while its origins are off-shore, the 2015 Renegade still embodies much of what has made the jeep brand an American icon. Combined with a low price, it’s the perfect jeep for people who think they want a jeep, but really want a rugged-looking small crossover with all of the modern comforts they’ve become accustomed to. so, renegade is one traitor with a good cause. 

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4 liter / 1.4-liter
  • Horsepower: 180 / 160
  • 0-60 mph: 8.6 seconds
  • 1/4 mile: 16.5 seconds @ 83 mph
  • EPA: 21 mpg city/ 29-highway
  • Energy Impact: 13.7 barrels of oil/yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 6.1 tons/yr
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
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Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW