Certified 2018 Jeep Renegade Latitude

The Jeep Renegade is offered with a choice between two 4-cylinder engines. The FIAT-designed 1.4L turbocharged MultiAir engine comes as standard; it delivers 160 hp and 184 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbocharged engine is connected to the front or to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Automatic buyers get the 2.4L Tigershark engine, rated at 180 hp and 175 lb-ft. The bigger, 2.4L engine sends power to the wheels via a 9-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on most trim levels, though the Trailhawk trim includes it as standard equipment.

The 2018 Jeep Renegade is available in six distinct trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk and Deserthawk. The Sport trim is the most value-oriented of the trim levels, costing several thousand dollars less than the Latitude, at an MSRP of $17,995. This trim level comes standard with a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, cloth upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a 4-speaker audio system, a USB port and push-button start.

The Latitude trim adds a little bit of luxury and style to the Renegade. The Latitude trim adds air conditioning, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, an additional USB port, a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth and a rearview camera.

The Altitude trim is edgy and aggressive. It wraps around a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include a ParkSense rear backup camera and Keyless Go; an optional 180-horsepower 2.4L "Tigershark" 4-cylinder engine and FIAT's 9-speed automatic transmission up the game. Jeep's Active Drive 4WD system is an option with either powertrain.

The Limited trim level focuses on turning the Renegade into a compact luxury SUV. This trim, with prices starting at around $25,000, includes 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and remote start.

Standard options for the Trailhawk and Deserthawk models is a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The off-road-oriented Trailhawk trim, priced at $26,895, includes a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, Jeep's Selec-Terrain system, an increased ride height, skid plates, all-terrain tires, tow hooks and full-time 4-wheel drive with low range.

Classic Jeep Look Provides For Lots Of Visual Interest

Nimble Handling In Turns

Accessible And Intuitive Technology Features

Trailhawk Model Provides Best-in-class Off-road Capability

The Jeep Renegade returns for 2018 mostly unchanged, but it does get a few revisions to some of the trim levels and options. Jeep's Uconnect 4 system is now standard on Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models, while the rearview camera has now been made standard across the whole range. A revised interior actually makes a little bit more room for storage with better packaging efficiency and new seat fabrics. In addition, the dual-pane sunroof can now be ordered on Sport models.

The Jeep Renegade proves that Jeep styling can translate successfully to a subcompact crossover. Think: rewarding but practical. The smooth highway ride, well-shaped front seats and, optional Uconnect infotainment system give a modern vibe to the cabin. The Renegade's high profile and boxy design provide for plenty of headroom. The Renegade can be configured from rugged to elegant; it goes off-road and handles challenging weather and road conditions.