So, FOURWHEELER pitted a Jeep Renegade TrailHawk against its bigger brother the Jeep Cherokee TrailHawk and a Toyota 4Runner TRD and guess what....... It took last place. Well DUH, thanks for pointing out the obvious guys - LOL!! Having said that, I did find what they had to say about the all new Jeep Renegade to be of interest and you can see a part of the article below: 3rd Place - Jeep Renegade Tralhawk What’s New The Renegade is all-new for 2015. It’s built in Melfi, Italy, on a platform shared with the Fiat 500L (in case you’re wondering, that’s a front-wheel-drive car). Our preproduction tester was powered by the 2.4L I-4 Tigershark MultiAir II engine mated to the segment’s first nine-speed automatic transmission. In lieu of a transfer case, the four-wheel-drive system incorporates a single-stage Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that transmits torque through a driveshaft assembly to the Rear Driveline Module (RDM). The RDM incorporates an open two-pinion differential and wet clutch assembly that governs torque distribution through an electromechanical actuator. The entire four-wheel-drive system is controlled by an external Driveline Control Module that utilizes real-time CAN data to control torque output. The Jeep Active Drive Low system creates a 20:1 crawl ratio without having a two-speed transfer case (or equivalent, like the Cherokee). Among other things, the Renegade Trailhawk offers an exclusive Rock mode in the Selec-Terrain system, increased ride height, skidplating, improved approach, departure, and rampover angles, unique wheels with more aggressive tires, improved wheel articulation, and up to 19 inches of water fording capability. Ramp and Track The Renegade Trailhawk traveled a so-so 34 inches up our 20-degree RTI ramp to earn a score of 336 points. At the track, the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II pulled the approximately 3,490-pound SUV from 0-60 mph in a respectable 10.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 18.1 seconds at a speed of 76.6 mph. Four-wheel disc brakes helped to reign in the Renegade from 60-0 mph in 129.2 feet, albeit with a fair amount of nose-over and rear end lift, possibly due to the front springs being out of spec, we’re told, from what will be used on production vehicles. Exterior/Interior It was clear that a lot of thought went into the exterior of the vehicle to integrate the Jeep look and functionality. We dug the exceptional approach and departure angles, 30.5 and 34.3 degrees, respectively, which makes the Trailhawk second only to the Wrangler vehicles and the Grand Cherokee (in the raised suspension position) in the 2015 Jeep lineup. We also liked the use of plastic along the lower body panels, which is more forgiving, less expensive, and easier to fix than metal when it comes to repairing trail damage. Judges also noted that they liked the easy-to-clean wheels and the included roof rack. One astute judge noted that the rear of the vehicle looked like a dead clown. He attributed this to the “X” on each taillamp, the red rear tow hook that looked like a tongue, and the vehicle’s color. Yep, judges analyze everything. Inside, judges felt that Jeep did an outstanding job and there was a quality feel, the controls weren’t overly complicated, and it looked good, too. We were amused at the number of Jeep-related logos and such inside, which seemed to us like the Renegade was screaming “I’m really a Jeep!” On-Road The Renegade garnered accolades from the judges for its on-road performance. Terms like “tossable” and “sporty” mixed with statements like, “Amazing corner-carving ability.” The electric rack-and-pinion steering had a great feel and was precise. The steering was the catalyst for one judge to write, “Confidence-inspiring feel. You can feel the road—especially in the twisty sections—way better than I expected.” The cohesiveness of the engine and transmission was also positive, and power delivery was adequate. On that topic, one judge noted, “Great combo.” Engine sounds under load weren’t all that popular, however. One judge said the 2.4L engine sounded “pathetic” when being worked. Off-Road With open differentials and a quasi-low range, we weren’t expecting much out of the Renegade off-road. The Renegade proved us wrong. Well, most of the time. In the sand, it was a blast. After dune carving, one judge wrote, “Way fun. Just rev it. Even better if you manually shift.” After effortlessly driving it on a rocky trail, a judge noted, “I’m shocked at where it will go!” The Renegade was easy to drive thanks in part to its tight, 35.3-foot turning diameter and the excellent visibility from the driver seat. We appreciated that the 4WD controls were easy to see and operate, too. The Renegade’s Achilles heel seemed to be hillclimbs. One long, loose dirt climb stopped the Renegade cold. Even with a long run at the hill it was unable to make the climb. It felt like it had run out of gearing, but we suspect the overactive traction control and smaller tires played a part. It just sat on the hill with the engine whining and only occasional wheelspin. In the snow it went everywhere we asked it to go, but it seemed the traction control made some deeper areas a challenge (typical for some electronic traction control systems). After driving it in the snow, a judge wrote, “It’s not an exercise in grace.” Nonetheless, it made the trek to the top of a snowy 10,000-foot-tall mountain. Bottom Line The Renegade is small, agile, easy and fun to drive. Power is more than adequate, its road manners are quite good, and it returns good fuel mileage. It impressed us with its ability to conquer some very rough terrain, though we think the traction control is overactive in some situations. We think the little SUV is far superior to other vehicles in the segment and thus a complement to the Jeep lineup. Fun in the sand. Cruises around effortlessly. What's Hot: -Approach and departure angles -Nimble -Solid body structure -Driver-seat visibility -Simple switchgear and HVAC controls -Fuel mileage -Power-to-weight ratio What's Not: -Overactive traction control -20:1 crawl ratio isn’t that crawly -Needs a locker -Sad engine sounds under load Logbook Quotes “Two front towhooks and one rear. More than any vehicle in its segment.” “Traction control is overactive and will stop forward movement before it will let a tire spin. Very capable though.” “While it does have shortcomings on serious obstacles, it can get through most places people would never dream of taking it, like to the top of a 10,000-foot mountain after a snowstorm.” From: http://www.fourwheeler.com/vehicle-reviews/1504-2015-four-wheeler-of-the-year/#ixzz3PfQRLxiH So, take from that what you will as there really is no other competitor out there that can compete in the same class as the Jeep Renegade
