Jeep Renegade Trailhawk: A Capable Small SUV with Big Off-Road Dreams
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is a small SUV that packs a surprising amount of off-road capability. While it may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of tackling tough trails, the Trailhawk version of the Renegade is specifically designed for adventure. With its rugged features, advanced 4×4 system, and Trail Rated® badge, the Renegade Trailhawk proves that you don’t need a massive SUV to have fun off the beaten path. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Renegade Trailhawk’s capabilities and see how it performs in various off-road conditions.
Design and Features
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk stands out from the rest of the Renegade lineup with its unique design elements and functional features. The exterior boasts a more aggressive look, with prominent tow hooks, skid plates, and unique front and rear fascias that improve approach and departure angles. The Trailhawk also features a raised suspension, which provides additional ground clearance for navigating obstacles.
Inside, the Renegade Trailhawk offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The seats are supportive and feature cloth or leather upholstery with red accent stitching. The dashboard is user-friendly, with an intuitive infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Other notable features include a premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
Off-Road Performance
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk truly shines when it leaves the pavement behind. Its advanced 4×4 system, known as Jeep Active Drive Low, is designed to tackle challenging terrain with confidence. This system includes a two-speed transfer case with a 20:1 crawl ratio, which provides exceptional low-speed control and torque for crawling over rocks and obstacles.
The Renegade Trailhawk also features Jeep’s Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System, which allows drivers to choose from multiple driving modes, including Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock. Each mode optimizes the vehicle’s settings for the specific terrain, adjusting the throttle response, transmission, and stability control to maximize traction and control.
In addition to its advanced 4×4 system, the Renegade Trailhawk boasts impressive off-road credentials, including:
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
- Approach Angle: 30.5 degrees
- Departure Angle: 34.3 degrees
- Breakover Angle: 25.7 degrees
- Water Fording: Up to 19 inches
These specifications allow the Renegade Trailhawk to confidently navigate a variety of off-road obstacles, including rocks, ruts, and water crossings.
On-Road Performance
While the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is designed for off-road adventures, it also performs admirably on paved roads. The ride is comfortable and composed, thanks to the well-tuned suspension. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making the Renegade Trailhawk easy to maneuver in city traffic.
The Renegade Trailhawk is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, although it can feel a bit strained when accelerating on the highway. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional off-road capability for a small SUV
- Rugged design with functional features
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Comfortable and well-equipped cabin
- Available advanced safety features
Cons:
- Engine can feel underpowered at times
- Fuel economy is not the best in its class
- Limited cargo space compared to some competitors
Real-World Testing
To put the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk to the test, we took it on a variety of off-road trails, ranging from mild dirt roads to more challenging rocky terrain. The Renegade Trailhawk performed admirably in all conditions, demonstrating its impressive capabilities.
On dirt roads, the Renegade Trailhawk felt stable and controlled, soaking up bumps and ruts with ease. The Selec-Terrain system allowed us to optimize the vehicle’s settings for the loose surface, maximizing traction and minimizing wheel spin.
When we encountered more challenging rocky terrain, the Renegade Trailhawk truly shined. The Jeep Active Drive Low system provided exceptional low-speed control, allowing us to carefully crawl over obstacles without damaging the vehicle. The raised suspension and skid plates protected the undercarriage from rocks and debris, while the impressive approach and departure angles allowed us to navigate steep inclines and declines with confidence.
We also tested the Renegade Trailhawk’s water fording capabilities, and it performed flawlessly. The vehicle easily traversed streams and puddles, with the water never reaching the interior.
Overall, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk proved to be a capable and fun-to-drive off-road vehicle. It’s not the fastest or most luxurious SUV on the market, but it’s one of the most capable when the pavement ends.
Comparison with Competitors
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk competes with other small SUVs in the market, such as the Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-5, and Honda HR-V. While each of these vehicles has its strengths, the Renegade Trailhawk stands out for its exceptional off-road capabilities.
The Subaru Crosstrek is another popular choice for those seeking a capable small SUV. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers decent ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. However, the Crosstrek lacks the advanced 4×4 system and rugged features of the Renegade Trailhawk, making it less capable in more challenging terrain.
The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sporty handling and upscale interior. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize on-road performance and comfort. However, the CX-5 is not designed for off-roading and lacks the necessary features and capabilities to tackle tough trails.
The Honda HR-V is a practical and fuel-efficient small SUV. It offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. However, the HR-V is not designed for off-roading and lacks the necessary features and capabilities to compete with the Renegade Trailhawk.
Verdict
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is a capable small SUV that offers a unique blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, it’s an excellent option for those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. With its rugged design, advanced 4×4 system, and impressive off-road credentials, the Renegade Trailhawk proves that you don’t need a massive SUV to have fun off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a small SUV that can handle tough trails with confidence, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is definitely worth considering.
