Renegade Vs. JGC WK

Thought I'd share my thoughts coming from a 2005 Limited Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi V8 with Quadradrive II to a Renegade Latitude.

I really loved my WK, it was truly a beast. However over the two years I owned it I ended up paying out pretty much a new car payment every month to keep it on the road, that is why I decided to bail and pay a new car payment for an actual new car.

I was really nervous about giving up that Hemi, there was always enough power under the pedal to get out or get around traffic, on the other side, I averaged about 12 MPG and my husband averaged 10. I just drove the Renegade from Oklahoma to California and got 34.1 MPG average for the trip, the WK would average 15.7. So I am really happy with the gas mileage, especially now that I am commuting much more. The Renegade is a little laggy in the transmission department, but I've gotten used to flooring it as soon as I think I might need power, this takes care of almost all problems.

I was worried since the Renegade is smaller, but that hasn't been an issue. The headroom in the front is greater which my husband likes since at 6'2" his head brushed the ceiling in the WK, now he has tons of space. There is also more legroom in the backseats. I love the under-shelf storage in the back and there is always the roof rack if I need it!

Off-road capability was my greatest fear. I had so many problems with the electronics of the Quadradrive II that I did not buy the Trailhawk version of the Renegade, although now I wish I had. The main issue is ground clearance, with the WK having almost 2 more inches. I crammed the biggest tire that (almost) fit under there and gave myself another .9 inches, but I have yet to see how much of a problem this will be. My main reason for owning a Jeep is light off-roading and so far I have not even had to kick the Renegade into 4wd, as soon as I do I will let you all know though! I accidentally took it off a curb the other day when I missed a driveway and followed the ruts of those who had missed it before me, I thought it was just a concrete sill, maybe 2" tall, but afterwards I went back and looked and it was a full curb, so I'm glad to know it can at least do that!

All-in-all I am very happy with the Renegade and do not miss the headaches of the WK one bit!

 

Welcome to you and Praise indeed for the Renegade. Good to hear a real world review from a multi jeep owner thank you for the information
Regards Mick