“Run’n the Renegade” – 2010 Jeep Renegade review

Text and images by Michael A. Marrs

Off-road vehicles take several different shapes, styles, or even sizes as the market place has expanded to include almost anything that will move.  There are four-wheeled ATVs, two wheeled dirt bikes, two wheel bike bikes, and monster looking 4X4s that are now roaming the streets looking for a piece of ground not covered in asphalt or restricted by the EPA where they can pounce.  Regardless of age, or background, the mention of actually going off-road can bring on visions of a Jeep – the epitome of off road vehicles.

Automotive engineer Karl Probst delivered the first Jeep prototype to the army in 1940, when they were looking for an all-around utility vehicle that could meet their immediate needs in a war zone.  As the original design progressed through the approval process, there were a few changes that included a more powerful engine.  When the when Army finally found the design to fit the need, more than 700,000 of the vehicles were produced for use in World War II. 

During the next 70+ years of production, there would be a variety of designs that would lead to the creation of commercial vehicles that could be had in various sizes and shapes.  But regardless of the model, first and foremost, it has always been understood that the ability to go off-road must be respected.  There is a difference between a big luxury 4X4 SUV that is very capable in snow and rain on asphalt, or maybe even on some sandy shores, but a truly off-road off-road vehicle can go where no asphalt has gone before.   In modern Jeep, the term ‘Trail Rated’ means just that – there are truly off-road capabilities.

The new Jeep Liberty Renegade builds on that same Jeep history, with a staunch body style that fits a market segment that wants to have ‘it’ both ways with a multi-purpose vehicle.   The broad hood covers a taller grille that houses a set of round headlights, which combines to promote the overall strong, rugged look often associated with the off-road activities more than on-road.  The Renegade has a wheelbase of 106.1 inches, with an overall length of 176.1 inches, and 7.8-inchs of ground clearance.  The Renegade comes with the Selec-Trac II 4WD as a standard offering, which is a full time shift-on-the-fly system that includes an electronic 2-speed transfer case.  In the 4WD AUTO position, the system works to prevent wheel slip using a Brake-traction Control System (BTCS) by anticipating wheel slip.  The 4WD LOW is for actual off-road conditions where speeds will not exceed 30mph, and the NUETRAL position will actually release the drive gear for flat towing, such as behind an RV to a favorite off-road site.  Additional standard equipment that attest to the Renegades more aggressive positioning in the market as an off-road option include a Hill Start Assist that senses being on a hill, and holds brake pressure momentarily when the brake pedal is released.  This will give the driver time to use the accelerator or chicken out go back to the brake pedal before the Renegade starts to roll.  There is a Hill Descent Control that works in a similar manner – apply braking without the driver actually on the pedal, which is kind’a weird the first time it is experienced.  

The test Renegade also included the optional Trailer Tow Class III Group, which brings in a full-size spare tire, a Class II receiver hitch, a wiring harness, the trailer sway control, and some heavy duty engine cooling components.  The test ride also had the Skid Plate Group which includes tow hooks, transmission skid plate, and even a skid plate to protect the 19.5-gallon fuel tank.   

To keep all of this roll’n, whether on the way to the school yard to drop the kid’s off, or heading to the coast for the weekend, the 4,290 lb. Renegade utilizes the standard 3.7L V6 for power.  This system is an electronic multi-port fuel injection system that has a 9.7:1 compression ratio producing 210 hp at 5200 RPM, along with 235 lb-ft. of torque down at 4, 000 RPM.  This will also allow the Renegade to pull up to 5,000 lbs as equipped for our test vehicle.  Fuel economy estimates put the city mpg in at 15, while the highway mpg is at 21.  Of course, any real 4WD activity, towing, or just a heavy foot will change that, as the V6 will respond when asked.    

As this is the more aggressive, or off-road oriented model of the Liberty lineup, the interior of the Jeep Liberty Renegade starts with some basic equipment such as manually adjustable seats, basic CD/MP audio gear and power this and that for driver convenience items.  The test vehicle was a little better equipped with the optional leather-trimmed buckets up front that are heated, and have the memory package that includes memory seat, radio, and mirrors.  There was also a Navigation convenience Group option that includes all kind of things.  This is where you find the auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, the 8-Premium Infinity amplified speakers with subwoofer, universal garage door opener, and even a GPS setup.  Ah, but it continues with the Chrysler standard 6.5-inch touch-screen display that controls the CD/DVD/HDD/Nav radio, along with the 30 GB built in hard drive – all in the name of navigation of course.  An additional option package on the test Renegade was listed as Premium Group I, and this is where the power window with one-touch up/down is found.  Here also is the display for the tire pressure monitoring, the automatic temperature control, and a ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.  Strangely, this is also where the remote start option is buried, which, in the Texas summer, quickly became one of the most impressive assets for the Renegade.  Other Liberty standard features such as a lay-flat passenger seat, rear 60/40 seating are also included.

 Jeep has made use of the improvements in safety and technology over the last 70-years.  There are side curtain air bags to go along with the Advanced Multistage Front air bags, and the Active Head Restraints.  If the air bags are deployed, and the electrical system is still intact, there is an Enhanced Accident Response System that will unlock the doors and 5-seconds after the vehicle is no longer moving, the interior lights will turn on.   Additional techno features for 2010 include the Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO) which literally shuts off fuel to the engine during deceleration as a method of improving fuel economy, and includes an ECO indicator on the dash when the system is working.    

The test 2010 Renegade with Natural Green Pearl paint starts at a base price of $27,860, and with options pushed our Trail Rated ride up to the $33,290 mark.