Yahoo Autos 2019 Jeep Renegade Updated with Better Looks, More Features, and a New Turbo Engine
Jeep's smallest SUV, the Renegade, is no less cute for 2019-but now it has more to offer thanks to a comprehensive update that brings refreshed looks, a new turbocharged engine, and several added features. After seeing a preview of the updated model earlier this year, we now have full info on the 2019 Jeep Renegade lineup, which will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of this year.
The visual updates serve to modernize the front and rear ends, with reshaped fascias and newly optional LED headlights and taillights that give the boxy Renegade a sharper look. There are also new wheel designs and new exterior colors as well as a revised instrument cluster inside.
Jeep has flipped the script on the Renegade's powertrain options. A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder was previously standard, with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder optional; now, the 2.4-liter engine is standard on Sport and Latitude trims. It makes the same 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque and continues to use a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new upgrade engine, optional on Sport and Latitude and standard on Limited and Trailhawk models, is a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that, despite its smaller displacement, makes more power and torque than the old 1.4-liter: 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft, upticks of 17 hp and 16 lb-ft. Unfortunately, the nine-speed automatic replaces the outgoing Renegade's six-speed manual transmission, meaning there's no longer a stick-shift option in the lineup.
For 2019, both engines will come standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional, and the off-road-oriented Renegade Trailhawk continues with its more capable all-wheel-drive system with a low range.
Jeep is promising that the 1.3-liter engine will deliver improved fuel-economy numbers. This new engine comes with engine stop/start functionality and automatic grille shutters that should provide an uptick compared with the 1.4-liter engine's EPA combined rating of 26 mpg for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.
There's no word yet on pricing, but the 2019 Renegade is likely to see a cost increase from the current model's low base price of $19,940 for a manual-transmission Sport model; that could rise by at least $1000 given that an automatic transmission is now standard.
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