Jeep announced two new special edition Renegades ahead of the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, each with their own unique personality and style. The Renegade Deserthawk is all about off-roading, while this, the 2017 Renegade Altitude is all about street cred with its murdered-out appearance. The Renegade Altitude continues Jeep’s use of the Altitude name and blacked-out styling cues, though this si the first time we’ve seen such a package on the Renegade.
“These two new Jeep Renegade models help to extend our popular small SUV’s continued global success since its launch last year, and to provide customers with the choice of two distinctive and unique special editions,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. Manley says the Renegade Altitude is “for customers looking for an edgy and aggressive appearance,” and mentions that this special-edition model builds off the other Altitude models across the Jeep lineup.
The 2017 Renegade Altitude is based off the Renegade’s Latitude trim level and brings many of the same features found on that model. These things include the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with its MultiAir2 valvetrain system, a six-speed manual transmission, and standard features that include ParkSense rear backup camera and Keyless Go. The Renegade Altitude can also be had with the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder and FCA’s nine-speed automatic transmission. Optional with either powertrain is Jeep’s Active Drive 4WD system.
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude will go on sale beginning in November 2016 for a starting price of $22,390. That represents a $995 increase over the 2016 Renegade Latitude model. There’s a ton more information about the 2017 Renegade Altitude, so keep reading for the full run-down.
Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Renegade Altitude.
2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude
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- Model: 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude
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What makes the Jeep Renegade Altitude special
Just like the other Altitude models in Jeep’s lineup, the Renegade model features a blacked-out look thanks to 18-inch Gloss Black wheels and Gloss Black accents on the grille rings, tail lamp rings, and badges. For the full murdered-out look, customers can opt for the black exterior paint, although the Altitude trim is available with the full range of exterior colors.
As the photo shows, the all-black version really is a sinister looking machine. Only the headlights, taillights, marker lights, and brakes show any sort of brightness. Contrasting the glossy wheels, grille inserts, and paint, the matt black lower trim adds an element of ruggedness.
Inside the Renegade, the Altitude package brings more blacked-out items like the black cloth seats, a black dash, black door panels, black carpet, and High Gloss Black access scattered around the cabin. Metal Diamond accents are found on several “key touch points,” like the shifter knob and door handles.
Aside from its color, the Renegade Altitude can be had in either FWD or 4WD models. On 4WD version, the Renegade uses Jeep’s Active Drive system. In normal driving conditions, power is sent only to the front wheels to help conserve fuel and limit vehicle emissions. When the wheel speed sensors detect slippery surfaces, the Active Drive system automatically begins transferring power to the rear driveshaft, which is then split between the two rear wheels though a differential.
The 4WD system can also be locked into 4WD mode via the Selec-Terrain system on the dash. The system also allows the driver to dial in the specific terrain, ranging from Auto mode to Snow, Sand, and Mud. In addition, the system features Jeep’s Brake-Lock Differential, which modulates the brakes on any particular wheel that is feely spinning on loose terrain. This automatically reroutes torque to the opposing wheel, giving the Renegade better traction in super slick situations.
Two engines are available on the Renegade Altitude. The standard mill is FCA’s 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder turbo. It generates 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. This engine, in FWD form, can deliver up to 31 mpg on the highway.
Optionally, the Renegade can be had with FCA’s 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder. It makes a peppier 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either FWD or 4WD. Like the smaller engine, the Tigershark can deliver up to 31 mpg on the highway in FWD form.
Jeep says the Renegade Altitude will be available starting in November of 2016 as a 2017 model. Prices start at $22,390 with the 1.4-liter and six-speed manual in FWD.