Model Tested: 2017 Jeep Renegade Deserthawk 4×4

Engine:2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 180 horsepower, 175 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined
Base Price: $26,895
As Tested: $33,665
Performance:
Extremely capable off-road and in snow
Very worthy of Jeep brand
Skid plates and sill rails

8.7-inches ground clearance; 8.1-inches wheel articulation
19-inches water fording capability
Adequate highway performance
Some downshifting on steep hills
Our best highway mileage was 23.8-mpg (less than EPA estimate)
Smooth highway ride
Super easy to U-turn
Nimble
Comfort:
Comfortable, good long trip driver’s seat

Power lumbar support
Heated seats are quite hot
Heated steering wheel almost too hot
Stretch-out driver legroom
Super stretch-out front passenger legroom
Excellent headroom
Extra thick, slightly contoured steering wheel
Great auxiliary controls
Good quality interior materials
Low rear floor hump

Very good rear shoe room
Rear seat knee room tight unless front seats are moved up
Big adult can fit in middle position, but not enough shoulder room for three across
Utility:
Sturdy tow hooks front and rear
Digital and analog speedometers
Deserthawk edition has rock protection sill rails
Two seatback pouches

Two small storage nets in cargo area
Cargo area on the short side
Flat cargo deck with no lift-over
High clearance liftgate
Split seats have slight slope
Small front door bins with bottle notches
Small, deep console bin
WOW Factors:
Great removable roof panels for open-air cruising

Sophisticated, highly capable 4×4 components
Nimble, fun-to-drive in town and in the woods
Whines:
Deserthawk graphics were a bit much
Heated steering wheel almost too hot
Bottom Line:
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Deserthawk 4×4 is a limited edition that’s very similar to the popular Renegade Trailhawk. Like the Trailhawk it’s highly capable and very maneuverable off-road and in foul weather. The Renegade is also a comfortable, nimble urban/suburban utility vehicle.
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