Greeting all and Happy Holidays! Some background. My 2000 TJ Sport 5-speed is all but dead with 210k miles. 31" tired, cold air intake, a Borla exhaust and a dry cell battery are the only mods I did to it. I've owned it since it had 15 miles on it. I now need something more 'family' oriented, but I still want something capable of getting through bad weather and having fun in the snow (LJs and brand new Jeeps are too expensive). I've come down to 2 choices. Either a Renegade or a Cherokee (both Latitude models). For the Renegade I think I'm settled on a 2018 Latitude w/manual with the 1.4 4-cylinder. For the Cherokee I'm looking at 2018-2019 Latitude w/6-cyl I'd like to stay away from the 2.4 4-cyl engine as I know of the issues and lawsuit. I like doing my own work on my vehicle with regards to minor engine work and oil changes. I guess I'd like to hear about the good and bad regarding the Renegade and even the Cherokee if possible. Thanks!
Hello and welcome. I have a 2016 with the manual and the 1.4 turbo. No complaints from the power train. I've upped the boost on mine and it is a lot of fun to drive. I would say the back seat would be a little small depending on who is going to sit back there. If you have small children it might be fine but adults could feel a little cramped in the back. The cargo space would be the other concern. The Renegade is smaller than the Cherokee for sure. If you can test fit both to see if you need the extra room, that could be the deciding factor. I've not driven the Cherokee so I can not speak to the v6 in that. I chose the Renegade specifically for the manual which isn't even an option on the Cherokee. Mine served me well in Wisconsin from 2016-2019 and it did amazing in the bad weather and snow. With some snow rated tires, it is pretty unstoppable.
