The 2017 Jeep Renegade wears the badge of an iconic American brand… but it has international DNA. Made in Italy, it shares a platform with the Fiat 500X, and is sold in over 100 markets…

When it debuted for the 20-15 model year, it was easy to mistake this for just another cute-ute. But, we found it had some serious Jeep genes, especially in the TrailHawk and Deserthawk models. In fact, Jeep makes a Renegade for almost every taste, including this gloss-black trimmed “Altitude” model.

The shiny stuff is used throughout the Altitude, starting outside on the 18-inch aluminum wheels, around the grille, front and rear facias, and badging. Inside gloss black accents the vent openings, gauges, shifter, and cup holders. Along with new seat materials, it’s all pretty subtle but does make the still somewhat gimmicky interior pop.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 Altitudes can be fitted with either Renegade engines: the standard 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo-4 with 6-speed manual, or the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark I4 with a 9-speed automatic.

Our 2.4 4x4 proved even more solid than we remember. It showed an impressive amount of leap off the line, and there was minimal roll in corners. 

Based on Latitude trim, the 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude is available now starting at just over $22,000. 

Specifications

  • Engine: 1.4 liter / 2.4 liter
  • Horsepower: 160 / 180
  • Price: Starting at just over $22,000