this is the perfect entry-level size and price point for someone looking to get into off-roading, Wranglers ain't cheap - but the Renegade is! And, as far as aftermarket, you can add just about anything a Wrangler could.
I am 84 years of age and own a 2018 Trailhawk. It is difficult for me to get into the bigger SUV’s and dedicated 4-wheelers. But for me and my normal off-roading this vehicle is perfect. Took a trip to Yellowstone Park last weekend and averaged 30.6 mpg, then it dropped to 30.3. I go where I want to go and this thing does what I want it to. It has more road noise than I would like but I can live with that! Great review!
Your comment, thanks! Im on the fence looking at these. Found a Trailhawk manual with low miles for $11k. Imma gonna hafta check this "Fiat" out. Sounds nice. You're using it as a go anywhere Jeep.
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 My son and I planned on camping out tonite and I was prepared to use the Trailhawk to sleep in. I am 5’11” but there is ample room for one person, maybe two to sleep in it. Good luck with your decision!
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 You didn't really find a Renegade Trailhawk with a manual transmission. Thay're 9 speed automatic only. That's why the 20:1 mechanical gear reduction works so well on the trail. That gets augmented by the 2:1 torque multiplication potential of the automatic transmission's torque converter. So, on the trail, first gear acts like a variable 40:1 to 20:1 ratio and is on par with automatic transmission SUVs from past decades. I was an early adopter, buying the first 2015 Renegade Trailhawk I found at a Jeep store. I have 156,000 trouble-free miles on it now and aside from being pinstriped by trail brush, it looks and functions like new. I use mine to do Jeep Things, too. I have a REAL JEEP, a CJ 2 A, and it hasn't seen dirt in going on four years now. When I go fly fishing in Colorado or quail hunting in Arizona or camping in New Mexico, the Renegade Trailhawk is plenty capable of getting me where I want to go without much fuss or drama. And it's stock except for 225 65 17 Falken Wildpeak AT 3 tires. I have no plans of parting with mine. Maybe if I lived closer to the places I like to go in it, I'd think about getting a new two-door Bronco, but 30 mpg on the highway would be hard for me to give up. So would the 18 to 20 mpg it gets on the trails. And, I wouldn't be going anywhere in the Bronco that I haven't already been in my Renegade TH.
@jerroldshelton9367 Well, it sold. I took too long to decide. It was a manual. Maybe I can find a screenshot I saved to see for sure. Why would Jeep not make a manual trailhawk Renegade? Well, I need another midsized 4x4. I'd like a manual but auto is ok. Your comment is persuasive as to why I'm definitely still looking at possibly getting one of these. I found two more for sale at $11k to $16k in excellent condition. They have the trailhawk badges.
I have a 2019 KL Cherokee Trailhawk. I was out off-roading with other KL Trailhawks and we had a Renegade TH that joined us. That lil' spud went everywhere we did with no problem, and even had an easier time in some places because it was smaller. We all gave it more Respect after that trip!
People trash talk this but I feel it was a great vehicle for taking off the beaten path and it’s a shame Jeep has done away with it. Off road angles are up there with a Wrangler
@@theaveragewoodsman6002 you talk about non-systemic experiences while posting nothing more than the same narrative without anything to back it up. How long did you own your Renegade?
I was the only one on the road in this thing in harsh winters getting it. It was a horribly misunderstood and under appreciated vehicle. The torque management with a 1.5 inch lift and bigger than the stock traihawk tires made this thing the most capable subcompact vehicle of its time. Once you stop comparing it to a Wrangler is when it shines.
They shouldn't have called it a Renegade, then... I've seen videos here and there of these getting it done. But, they are so awkward looking, which I is probably why it wasn't particular popular.
@@JF-lt5zc I agree. Honestly "Compass" moniker would have been better for this than the acutal Compass because of how small it was. Giving the Renegade a prior Wrangler trim name was setting this up for fail and Jeep didn't have to rely on the "prior model to cuv trope" to sell this. That trope has few examples of success. My bet is that Fiat pushed them to it. After my .75 inch wheel spacers, 1.5 inch lift and 225/65r17 BFGs everyone loved this thing's look and it was still pretty capable stock.
@@JF-lt5zc They should have called it a Renegade because they already owned the name as a trademark and because it basically means being somewhere it isn't supposed to be. While other vehicles in its class are reserved for snow-covered mall parking lots, THIS vehicle can go "off the reservation" or the mall lot and actually do Jeep things.
Really impressive, and it still looks great after all these years. Does not look dated at all. Crazy that it has more ground clearance and underbody protection than the new Toyota LandCruiser.
TFLs original Renegade videos are what actually pushed me to go pick up my '16 Trailhawk. The addition of a 1.5" lift and it goes basically anywhere other than rock crawling. It's very interesting seeing them revisit it with Tommy. It's a more than capable off-roader and has been reliable so far.
@@matthewgaines10 It's barely better, and closer in size to the Cherokee, which is a far more capable vehicle. The bronco sport is proof that marketing works.
It's Sub Compact, which puts it up against things like the Kia Soul and Chevy Trailblazer. The Renegades biggest flaw is that it was actually made to go offroad somewhat and as such, was expensive compared to the plastic clad competition. Things like the Trailblazer with its "activ" trim and the Crosstrek with its CVT ate it up, and the Bronco Sport finished it. It's sales being cannibalized by its sibling Compass and even Jeep's Halo vehicle the Wrangler (why pay 35-40k for this micromachine when that puts you in the seat lf a Wrangler Sport with no frills?) did not help. People are more than happy to have something that looks offroady, but can't actually preform. And anyone actually wanting to offroad would pony up for a Wrangler or buy an older used model.
@@matthewgaines10 Uh, no, the Bronco Sport isn't "better" in the dirt. The Renegade Trailhawk beats the B.S. in approach, departure, and breakover angles, and also in overall low gearing. Sightlines out of the vehicle are better for off pavement driving, too. And the Renegade Trailhawk also has more wheel travel than the B.S. does. Okay, so it it doesn't have a "locker" in the ass end, but the traction control is so effective that you'd not miss it.
8:45 I agree with you, Tommy. The problem with Subaru is the CVT transmission. The Jeep Renegade proves that a vehicle with a non-CVT trans. & proper gearing is far superior for off-roading even with a small engine.
My cousin owns one and he bragged that he could haul his 3 kids around safely, while not worrying too much about getting stuck. Guess it depends on the driver's needs
I got my first jeep in my life a month ago at 55 yrs old... I got a 17 sport with 80k on it. 1.4 turbo 6 speed manual I absolutely love my first jeep ❤
Most trails are not even a challenge for a wrangler. Just a drive in the park. But with the renegade you have to work for it so you get a challenge. I have a power wagon and most times it’s just boring. It just crawls over everything. I also have a Compass Trailhawk and I have much more fun doing trails with it cause it’s a challenge. Took it up Imogene in Colorado no problem. Ophir pass no problem. Much more fun doing trails with something that makes you work a little for it. Makes that Jeep badge a little sweeter!😂
My Renagade Trailhawk now is about 235k km....and still going. Perfect vehicle as daily driver AND reasonable offroader. Did West-Alps with it couple of times. Never let me down. Unfortunately, no real comparable replacemet on the horizont ...
Not sure if the Renegade won't come again soon though. Here in Brazil, where it sells VERY well, Stellantis already announced we're getting another generation of Renegades soon, and also that they would grab our new facelift and use it to deliver an electric Renegade in the US at a very affordable price point. They thought about replacing it with a smaller and less off-roady Avenger, but now it seems they won't. Renegade will probably keep going for another 5-10 years here, so it's hard to see how it won't get another shot in the US and EU.
@@kisong1960 you say this as if there's nothing about newer vehicles that make them worth buying. Better integration with phones, electric or hybrid engines that generate different traction systems, improvements to weight, safety features... All 20 year old toyotas are great cars still, but none can have wireless Apple CarPlay and none score very high on crash tests since standards always go up. MPG is also quite bad, since it wasn't important, so making heavier cars with cheaper materials made sense instead of using lighter frames that are efficient and safer in collision. Also, not having a replacement means a probability of less customer service in the future, which isn't the fault of the car itself, since it has been widely successful in other markets, like here in Brazil.
I had a Renegade Trailhawk for eight years and loved it. I wasn't rock crawling with it (which I didn't think it was really made to do), but I would go kayaking wherever I could find to put in. Primitive roads, dirt, gravel, some mud (nothing deep) we're well within the vehicle's capabilities. I didn't modify it behind a more aggressive tire. Based on my use case, the Renegade was perfect.
The Fiat Panda is actually a decently capable off roader from what I've seen and I've seen these Renegades tackle similar stuff to some Subarus. Especially with the tiny turbo engine, it's a pretty compelling package if you want a "Jeep" without having to live with a JEEP!
It was never intended to compete with the Wrangler (why would it?). It was designed to be a compact, efficient, affordable vehicle that could comfortable carry a full family while also holding its own off road. It did all of those things right from the start (I remember when it first came out, the price started with a 1, and the fuel economy started with a 3), and this entire video is you describing elements of it that helped it do all those things, and how it does them well. Like you said, once you look at it through the right lens, it's actually quite a good car. It's always been in the top 2 or 3 cars that I would buy myself.
Agree 100 percent however this is based on the 500x platform. Different ball game, a lot heavier and overall bigger. A lot of the pandas ability comes from it dimensions and weight
I bought my 2018 Renegade Trailhawk brand-new. Still have it and I love it. I’ve had it off-road in the mountains here in West Virginia. It’s deceivingly tough.
My girl has had a Renegade Trailhawk since she bought it new in 2018 and honestly it has held up really well. Very capable off road for a little crossover, easy to maneuver around town, and I’ve even found it fun to hoon around on back roads and gravel trails. I’m a big fan of this thing. Combine that with luxuries like leather heated seats, dual zone climate, a panoramic roof, and Apple CarPlay… it’s a fantastic do-it-all vehicle.
I have the renegade TH with the turbo and I've never gotten stuck on any of the wild trails surrounding las vegas in NV. What you guys did in this video didn't even scratch the surface of the wild things we've done with just tires in these renegades! The turbo makes a MASSIVE difference. Love seeing the renegade get some love though!
@henryjones6957 I'm married to a woman from Pescara. I have friends in Italy. Some of them have Renegades. Those who do use them for the same things I use mine for. I agree that they are great. But I have to wonder if the computer programing in theirs is the same as mine. There are some very annoying situations where the computers conspire to cut power to the wheels in mine and my Italian friends don't seem to have that problem with theirs. They can idle up to a rock, stop with the tire on the face of the rock, and apply just enough throttle to get the tire to roll over the rock, as I would do in a Discovery II with an automatic transmission. Sometimes in mine, in situations like that, the computers will cut power, so I have to back up and try again with a little momentum. It it wasn't for that, and if the thing would take a 235 75 15 tire with no modification required, it would be damn near perfect.
I doubt it will ever be a collector's item. It is a complex machine for what it is and I don't have much hope for ongoing aftermarket support for it, even from Stellantis. At the same time, I ain't getting rid of mine until I can't fix whatever might break on it. It's just too good a quail hunting' and fly fishin' car to part with.
I love these trailhawk videos. Coming from someone who wheels a TJ wrangler, i would love one of these to take on some trails and just have fun. CALL IT THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER!
I have a 23 with the 1.3L turbo and it's a quick little beast. They say you can't really access 9th gear which is false. The chassis was designed for European roads where speeds are much higher. Go over 75 and you can pull 9th gear. It is very competent in snow and on ice. It is surprisingly nimble for a Jeep. So far it's been flawless. The only difference in powertrains is the axle gears have a lower ratio in the Trailhawk and it starts in 2nd gear as opposed to 1st on all other models. The Low Range on the Trailhawk is just a marketing gimmick as it's really accessing and locking in 1st gear. In my opinion it will do 90% of what a Wrangler can do with a good driver.
I got a jeep Cherokee Trailhawk as a rental car 2 years ago, we decided to try to take it over Ophir pass in Colorado as we were headed to Durango from Telluride. Needless to say we renamed it the trail pigeon as it made it a 1/4 of the way before it really struggled and we turned around. It didn’t help having 3 guys and 3 MTBs on the back, but still.
I have one with a camo wrap that i put on it. We use for thermal hunting hogs in east tx. They are tuff, I bought mine about six months ago a friend of mine is a dealer so he bought me a used one at auction price. It was yellow like yours with 41k on it and got it for $9100.00. I have beat the hell out of it and had mudd/water coming in the doors and it still goes !
I had one for 3 years it was a 2020 model Trailhawk with the 2.0 Turbo diesel much better engine than the 2.4, quicker and more torque and 39mpg around town. In the deep snow I could fly through and some off roading. It’s not a lifted Wrangler but one hell of an all rounder, comfortable, well equipped, good mpg and good amount of luggage space. The downside to it was electrics with numerous glitches.
I had one of these as a rental back when I did drive-away car delivery. Drove a different vehicle every other day. My company wasn't happy I upgraded my rental to 4WD, even though they would've paid for the chains (that cost more) I would've had to buy on a 2WD. It did very well on the back roads getting around Donner Pass being closed on I-80. I somehow ended up on a different road from the intended detour with no traffic and thoroughly snow covered roads. One of the more comfortable seats I've been in too.
Great video... My Renegade is same color, same black patch on the hood, same skidplates, same 8.7 inch lift.. but is a Latitude, with the Upland Edition.. Biggest difference is... i have the 1.3 turbo.
Great for mild to moderate snow. Perfect and capable for 1st time suv drivers and young adults to get to work and school in inclement weather. There shouldn't be an issue for it at all.
The smaller Trailhawks are so cool. I have a '14 Cherokee TH with a 2" lift and 30s. I've never gotten stuck, but I've pulled my fair share of stuck vehicles out with it. The only downside is they are Fiat based, and come with gremlins and repairs.
Love my Renegade TH! Does killer on my 60+ mile commute to the office and is a freakin blast on the trails! I couldn’t justify spending twice as much on a used Wrangler that got worse gas mileage and less interior comfort.
I have a 22 Compass Trailhawk and it’s pretty much the same drivetrain. The 9 speed under normal driving uses 2-9 gears with 2nd being 1st. Only when in low range will the trans select the 1st gear and stay locked in 1st. With a mild lift and some beefier tires it is a very capable and comfortable vehicle while still getting very decent gas mileage. During snow and in the sand dunes it does surprisingly very good. Not wrangler good but definitely surprised.
Other than the oil consumption issues some 2.4 tigershark engines had they are overall very reliable with no other glaring issues other than not tons of power. The ZF 9 speed while it does have some odd shifts at times is reliable hardware wise. I have a 2014 Cherokee with the 3.2 Pentastar & ZF 9 speed and right at 140k miles with no issues. I tow 3k regularly with it in stop and go driving and no issues. Did change the fluid at 80k miles due to towing use even though FCA "claims" its lifetime fluid. No fluid lasts forever. There are other ZF 9 equipped vehicles on the roads with much higher miles as well such as the Ram Promaster vans. The weakest link with these awd/4x4 small Jeeps is the PTU. They are common to fail once over 100k miles. Other than that they generally go the miles with little issue.
Love the plastic! Sweeps hand across saying its easy to clean. Brings out a land rover type. Luxurious interior dash covered in the softest of hymen leather!
2 inch lift and you can do that trail without question. It will do a 4-in lift but I don't recommend that because you're going to lose your suspension travel. That jeep already has fantastic off-road angles. You don't really need the clearance or the angles ... The lift is so that you can bump it a little bit in these situations to make up for the gearing. It's not that it locks it into first gear... It doesn't use first gear at all unless you are in low or unless you manually shift. First gear IS the low. It starts in second gear under normal driving conditions.
It's not the gearing that's the problem. An 86 Bronco II with EXACTLY the same gearing doesn't need to bumped over anything on the trail in this video. One of those on 235 /75 15 AT's will waltz over that trail. The problem with the Renegade isn't gearing, but computer algorithms that cut power (probably to protect the driveline) at times when you don't want it cut.
I feel kind of bad now because I really hated this vehicle that wore an iconic name of a vehicle that it was the complete opposite of...After watching this video, I had no idea that there was this particular version...Now I've changed my tune on it after watching what it is capable of...I'm man enough to admit that I was totally wrong about this little jeep and that I could see myself with one...Would have to learn about that transmission and it's problems though...Just too bad it isn't sold here anymore...
The ZF 9-speed in the Renegade is the same used in larger commercial vans. Mine's gone 160,000 miles so far with no problems and I use my Renegade TH harder than I suspect most owners do.
My 2015 Renegade TH has been offroad all over the west it has 115,000 miles on it and it has never given me any problems except for a bad engine temp sensor that the warranty didn't cover because it had just expired. That's it! Wanna get a new one but jeep just discontinued them. Rumor is that they will reintroduce this model in 2025 or 2026.
I’ve got 100k on my Jeep renegade now and beside the bs oil usage which isn’t much now from years of using Lucas oil stabilizer, it’s been a reliable vehicle. Haven’t done anything but change the oil in it. Only taken it on trails twice since I’ve had it tho. There’s only one real beep and that’s the two door wrangler.
well you can get a diff protector and better aftermarket protection all around from Archangel you can also add springs which will give you a bit more ride height no lift needed. this thing has more to it when its built up a bit. I run the 1.3 liter Turbo and its done that much and more. I understand the timid need when running with an unprotected under carriage though. safe call is the good call honestly.
I have the 2.4 Cherokee Trailhawk, so my jeep is basically a renegade until it's in low , then it's a different ball game. That said , the amount of time that I *actually* need the 56:1 low range is pretty rare. I also own the compass Trailhawk which is almost exactly the same as the renegade Trailhawk. The compass and renegade have better angles than the Cherokee Trailhawk does , from the factory. The compass will do a lot of what my Jeep will do. The huge difference between the compass and the Cherokee is the handling. The compass feels tippy compared to my Cherokee around turns at high speeds . Even with a 2 inch lift , my Cherokee Trailhawk handles better than my compass Trailhawk. Wheel spacers and spring rubbers or stiffer springs would probably fix the compass when it comes to handling. It's not bad at all, it's just not the Cherokee. Consider this : the regular, non Trailhawk Cherokee will slalom equally with a Taurus sho or Pontiac Grand am from the 1990s . It's pretty good at handling.
There are a lot these where I live, but that's mainly because it was the cheapest car on the DCJR dealership lots in recent years. I looked at buying one about six years ago, but the forums had too many stories about electrical issues (typical Fiat build complaint) so I passed. A co-worker even bought one new around that time. Still, there were videos that did see its value. I do find it odd that TFL is doing this series now that its been discontinued in the US, though.
I think this is a good opportunity for a Bronco Sport Big Bend edition, we all know the capabilities of badlands but big bend doesn’t have many test videos and I think the sand mode it’s surprisingly enough.
As long as you don't need clearance, it's 99% about the tires. Put these tires on 90% of cars and they would do fine. It does likely have somewhat decent approach/depart and breakover angle as it's short and the wheels are close to the corners.
The original Renegades were TJ Wranglers with a hard top incorporated into the frame (Not removable). They were great cars. I haven’t driven the newer version, but people that have them like them. There are some great mods you can do.
On-line, everybody's an expert, even when they don't know what in the f**** they're writing about. The "original Renegades" were NOT "TJ Wranglers" and zero TJ Wranglers had a "hard to incorporated into the frame." The original Renegade was a CJ 5 trim package first offered by AMC Jeep in 1970.
Honestly they're cute, and affordable. Wouldn't mind it if I couldn't afford a similar model year wrangler. Doesn't quite deserve the trail badge though, it really is more for less maintained fire roads at best.
Flush the ATF of the ZF 948TE transmission. I've had my, just bought, Trailhawk diesel done at 210.000 km. It was like black coffee, completely burned. Maybe too late, noticing some wear, but it shifts much smoother now...
Never forget batman driving one of these POS cars in batman vs superman, that was hilarious. Wouldve been a fun video if tommy didnt wimp out and went over that last obstacle.
Sand, mud and snow I never got stuck in mine. Never took it rock crawling and I never will. Put some AT tires on them and they are pretty off road capable.
I would of made that last obstacle in my 16 TH. You can also put it in Mud mode then manually put it in 1st with the shifter to get that lower gear and more wheel spin. Rock mode is good but really only works best for solid rock. Even then i sometimes prefer mud mode with a little momentum.
my 1999 honda crv had this trail. little shitter had this simple reliability . had slight lift and some aggressive off road tires hankook dyna pro MT 2015ish don't remember the size. i had so so much fun in that vehicle i pulled out many. f350 plow truck, a nissan juke, dodge Dakota, chevy 1500, mid 90s jeep Cherokee, nissan something or other. best vehicle i ever owned that didn't own me a dam thing. wish i had a channel at the time. mighty mouse.
I think it "failed" for the exact reason you mentioned - it was not classed right. Comparing it to a Wrangler was unfair and gave it a negative rep (like the general biker opinion of Harley-Davidson's Sportster). I think the Renegade actually introduced a NEW market with the Trailhawk version: Trail rated, Trail ready Mid-sized 4x4 SUV. Highly recommend lift kit and better tires! BTW: This Jeep is EXTREMELY comfortable inside - the newer Trailhawks came with leather(ish) seats. I love mine - 2019 Solar Yellow too!
Don't underestimate Fiats. The Panda 4x4 is incredibly competent off road and it can easily go through many places where larger and heavier rigs just can’t, much like the Jimny.
Was this ahead of it's time? Seems strange for Jeep not to have this, at least in an updated format, in their current lineup given the popularity of off-roading and overlanding themed vehicles.
The terrain modes in these are no joke. Put it in sand mode and give it a little gas, its no race car but I think the get up and go it suddenly has might suprise you. Sand mode is the only mode that makes it 60/40 with a rear wheel bias. The others are either split 50/50 or biased to the front.
60/40 is good extra, plus the selec-terrain has good working sensing and programing, many vehicles go nowhere on single wheel traction opposite to bias, including rav4
I think this would be a great winter beater that could be used as an yard truck after a couple winters. Then just scrap it. But only if I can get one in decent condition for $2,000 or less. They are currently to expensive to be worth it. But maybe in a few years. I also think Jeep missed an opportunity. If they were offered in 2 door with the 3.2 V6 out of the Cherokee and gave it a real low range, it could probably be a hit for less serious off road drivers that need something comfortable for daily driving and for the wife and kids.
2:15. I remember these days I have so much positive thoughts. But I’m not gonna say them because I will cry but you did outstanding with Alex in this new off-road video bud Hey Alex Outstanding work ❤ you Ps you should put a side by side picture of you tommy up so the fans can see how much you grown as a presenter. They are not ready
Nah, it’s not that we don’t appreciate Tommy and Alex. It’s just that TFL has phenomenal staff. Andre is quickly approaching Nathan as GOAT status. Nathan is a living legend. He’s not featured as much as he used to be. But I get it, Nathan is busy molding these younger kids into how to become a GOAT like him.
"Which I just dismissed and thought it wouldn't be enough for trail use." Every time Young Master Mica b****** about the Renegade's lack of a two-speed transfer case, and I catch him doing it, I'll be here in the comments section to give him a math and history lesson, rolled in to one. 4.71 x 4.33 = 20.3943:1 That's the MECHNICAL low gearing of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk that surprises Young Master Mica as being "low enough" for trail use. That doesn't sound very low, does it? Jeep was proud of that 20:1 MECHANICAL low gearing for a reason, though Let's compare to a 1986 Bronco II. The majority of those sold had 7.5" Corporate rear ends with 3.42:1 final drive ratios. The chain-drive Borg Warner 1350 transfer case had a 2.48:1 low range. The majority of Bronco II's had Ford's A4LD automatic transmission with a 2.47 :1 first gear rato. 3.42:1 x 2.48:1 x 2.47:1 = 20.949552:1 That's the MECHANICAL gear reduction of a typical mid to late 80's Bronco II with an automatic transmission. That's about where the automatic transmission equipped domestic and Japanese competition of the era was at, too. I'm picking the Bronco II here because, although I've never owned one, there was a time when every male member of my family did and I had a lot of experience running their vehicles on trails. When my dad bought his '86 Eddie Bauer, his first stop was Super Shops Automotive Performance for a set of 235 /75 15 DFG AT's mounted to his brand new stock alloy wheels. He went from there to the 3N10 John Bull Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest for the shakedown run. That trail was and is called "The Southern California Rubicon" for a reason. We took the scenic route to get there, taking 3N17 to 3N11 to 3N16 to Holcomb Valley.....Not the easiest trails in the forest, certainly not "fire road" material. .. 20:1 MECHANICAL compound low......... No problem..... I bought my dad's '73 Bronco with factory C-4 auto and 3.50:1 ring and pinion gears with front and real limited slip. It had a MECHANICAL compound low gear of 20.4974:1. How in the hell did we ever get anywhere in the back country with 20:1 MECHANICAL low gearing? Because American automatic transmissions historically had first gear ratios around 2.42:1 for a reason: THEY HAD TORQUE CONVERTERS which generally add ANOTHER 2:1 of torque multiplication that drifts toward 1:1 as input and output speeds equalize. Roll up to a rock in my '73 Bronco, stop with a tire on the face of the rock, and give 'er just enough juice to crawl the tire over the rock, and it's NOT 20:1, anymore. It's more like 40:1 as the input and output speeds of the converter remain unequal. I continue to be amazed at how supposed automotive journalists have a hard time grasping that 20:1 mechanical gear reduction in a slushbox equipped vehicle is plenty low enough for the overwhelming majority of legal, open routes on Forest Service and BLM land. I'm also continually amazed at Young Master Mica's apparent lack of understanding that when you hit the "four low button" on a Renegade Trailhawk, you're locked in variable gear ratio of 41:1 to a tick under 20:1 due to the torque multiplication of the torque converter. The Renegade Trailhawk, just like older S.U.V.'s of yore with automatic transmissions, ACT like they have lower mechanical gearing than they do because they can benefit from a hydraulic reduction of 2:1 on top of that. The Renegade isn't "running out of power" or "running out of gearing" in situations where none of the wheels seem like they want to turn. It has to fight its own algorithm, which is apparently intended to protect itself from "owner abuse." That is the most annoying aspect of running trails in a Renegade Trailhawk. I can't drive it like my '73 Bronco all of the time when running trails because, if I do, I will run in to situations where the computers cut engine power output in an effort to protect the drive train I paid for against me breaking it. Running the trail in this video in my own Renegade Trailhawk, I can get over that obstacle that sunk Young Master Mica's boat, but I can't get over it like he tried to. My '73 Bronco would more or less idle up that. My dad's '86 Bronco II would, as well. My Renegade would, as well, if there wasn't so much damn algorithm nannying going on. But since that's going on, in mine, I game the system by running in "sand mode" where the computer seems less prone to nanny be out of cooking the transmission or exploding a differential.
When it comes to sub compact SUV s i'd say this vehicle is king it is severely more capable than a Honda crv and it has better. Torque management than a Subaru cross track I have driven the cross track on the roads but never off roads but I have driven Subaru foresters off-road. 2002 generation and they do off-road well but the problem with the Subaru is that you cannot configure anything this Jeep you have the ability. To configure your traction control thus more capable.
Does everyone forget the that Jeep Renegade literally has almost the same specs as the Jeep YJ Renegade? And i doubt that anyone would call the YJ Renegade a "bad" off roader.
I wouldn't still love my 1015 Renegade Trailhawk if it was just "mildly reliable." Mine's been way more reliable than that and with 160,000 miles on it, it still works and looks (aside from a little bush pinstriping) like new. It's one of the best vehicles I've owned in terms of trouble-free use, and mine gets used in dirt.
I suspect that little "soft roader" would do better than my 85 Holden Jackaroo (Isuzu Trooper / big Horn), which is a "real body on frame four wheel drive, complete with two speed transfer case... in those conditions... Of course my Humble Jackaroo is not equipped with locking diffs, things might change a little if it were, but stock vs stock, I reckon you would have me. It would be interesting to compare the Baby Jeep up against something like the 80 series land cruiser (do you still have that?).
I argue with a good friend because I like TFL, and he doesn't. When Tommy quit on that little bump, I had to write to my friend and surrender this round to him.
I think for 99% of any people the Trailhawk can do what they expect. My Trailhawk never let me down on every muddy and rocky forest trails. Sure it's not a Wrangler and not made for rock crawling, but he is so much better as the most other suv's on the market. My uncle owns a Hyundai Tucson, and he stuggeld very often on offroad trails here in the Black Forest. Whatever, I like the Trailhawk and I never got dissapointed for now
My compass upland gets me plenty of places people claim are 4x4 high clearance only. Just gotta know how to drive a crossover, and use that front skid plate a bit 😂
Why are you so surprised? Renegade has a pretty solid 4x4 system, underbody protection and respectable ground clearance. It's lightweight, short with wheels far in the front and back - very good attack angles. In terms of off-roading, what's not to like?
What's not to like? The computer nannies that cut engine power when I'd rather it didn't. Other than that, I can't think of much about my 2015 that I don't like.
I like videos like this, fun to see what stuff that isn’t on the top end can do sometimes!
this is the perfect entry-level size and price point for someone looking to get into off-roading, Wranglers ain't cheap - but the Renegade is! And, as far as aftermarket, you can add just about anything a Wrangler could.
I am 84 years of age and own a 2018 Trailhawk. It is difficult for me to get into the bigger SUV’s and dedicated 4-wheelers. But for me and my normal off-roading this vehicle is perfect. Took a trip to Yellowstone Park last weekend and averaged 30.6 mpg, then it dropped to 30.3. I go where I want to go and this thing does what I want it to. It has more road noise than I would like but I can live with that! Great review!
Your comment, thanks! Im on the fence looking at these. Found a Trailhawk manual with low miles for $11k. Imma gonna hafta check this "Fiat" out. Sounds nice. You're using it as a go anywhere Jeep.
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 My son and I planned on camping out tonite and I was prepared to use the Trailhawk to sleep in. I am 5’11” but there is ample room for one person, maybe two to sleep in it. Good luck with your decision!
@@Starry_Night_Sky7455 You didn't really find a Renegade Trailhawk with a manual transmission. Thay're 9 speed automatic only. That's why the 20:1 mechanical gear reduction works so well on the trail. That gets augmented by the 2:1 torque multiplication potential of the automatic transmission's torque converter. So, on the trail, first gear acts like a variable 40:1 to 20:1 ratio and is on par with automatic transmission SUVs from past decades.
I was an early adopter, buying the first 2015 Renegade Trailhawk I found at a Jeep store. I have 156,000 trouble-free miles on it now and aside from being pinstriped by trail brush, it looks and functions like new. I use mine to do Jeep Things, too.
I have a REAL JEEP, a CJ 2 A, and it hasn't seen dirt in going on four years now. When I go fly fishing in Colorado or quail hunting in Arizona or camping in New Mexico, the Renegade Trailhawk is plenty capable of getting me where I want to go without much fuss or drama. And it's stock except for 225 65 17 Falken Wildpeak AT 3 tires.
I have no plans of parting with mine. Maybe if I lived closer to the places I like to go in it, I'd think about getting a new two-door Bronco, but 30 mpg on the highway would be hard for me to give up. So would the 18 to 20 mpg it gets on the trails. And, I wouldn't be going anywhere in the Bronco that I haven't already been in my Renegade TH.
@jerroldshelton9367 Well, it sold. I took too long to decide. It was a manual. Maybe I can find a screenshot I saved to see for sure. Why would Jeep not make a manual trailhawk Renegade? Well, I need another midsized 4x4. I'd like a manual but auto is ok. Your comment is persuasive as to why I'm definitely still looking at possibly getting one of these. I found two more for sale at $11k to $16k in excellent condition. They have the trailhawk badges.
@deryaner35 thanks for mentioning that! I was wondering about the full cargo floor length.
I have a 2019 KL Cherokee Trailhawk. I was out off-roading with other KL Trailhawks and we had a Renegade TH that joined us. That lil' spud went everywhere we did with no problem, and even had an easier time in some places because it was smaller. We all gave it more Respect after that trip!
110k on my 2017 and no issues, removable my sky panels, full skid plates, decent 1st gear, mid 20’s mpg.
People trash talk this but I feel it was a great vehicle for taking off the beaten path and it’s a shame Jeep has done away with it. Off road angles are up there with a Wrangler
The reason people trash this vehicle is because it's a Fiat with horrible reliability.
@@theaveragewoodsman6002100% correct...
@@theaveragewoodsman6002my latitude is less than 5 years old 67000 miles hasn't given me a single problem
@SpyderDan1985 I'm glad, but personal anecdotes aren't evidence. They're non-systematic observations, nothing more.
@@theaveragewoodsman6002 you talk about non-systemic experiences while posting nothing more than the same narrative without anything to back it up. How long did you own your Renegade?
I was the only one on the road in this thing in harsh winters getting it. It was a horribly misunderstood and under appreciated vehicle. The torque management with a 1.5 inch lift and bigger than the stock traihawk tires made this thing the most capable subcompact vehicle of its time. Once you stop comparing it to a Wrangler is when it shines.
They shouldn't have called it a Renegade, then...
I've seen videos here and there of these getting it done. But, they are so awkward looking, which I is probably why it wasn't particular popular.
@@JF-lt5zc I agree. Honestly "Compass" moniker would have been better for this than the acutal Compass because of how small it was. Giving the Renegade a prior Wrangler trim name was setting this up for fail and Jeep didn't have to rely on the "prior model to cuv trope" to sell this. That trope has few examples of success. My bet is that Fiat pushed them to it. After my .75 inch wheel spacers, 1.5 inch lift and 225/65r17 BFGs everyone loved this thing's look and it was still pretty capable stock.
@JF-lt5zc it was actually very popular
I drive a Gladiator Mojave and I absolutely love the Renegade. I think it looks sick.
@@JF-lt5zc They should have called it a Renegade because they already owned the name as a trademark and because it basically means being somewhere it isn't supposed to be. While other vehicles in its class are reserved for snow-covered mall parking lots, THIS vehicle can go "off the reservation" or the mall lot and actually do Jeep things.
Really impressive, and it still looks great after all these years. Does not look dated at all. Crazy that it has more ground clearance and underbody protection than the new Toyota LandCruiser.
TFLs original Renegade videos are what actually pushed me to go pick up my '16 Trailhawk. The addition of a 1.5" lift and it goes basically anywhere other than rock crawling. It's very interesting seeing them revisit it with Tommy. It's a more than capable off-roader and has been reliable so far.
Arguably the most off-road worthy compact crossover ever made. It is definitely worthy of the Jeep badge.
You mean the Bronco Sport? It’s better and in the Compact class.
@@matthewgaines10 It's barely better, and closer in size to the Cherokee, which is a far more capable vehicle. The bronco sport is proof that marketing works.
It's Sub Compact, which puts it up against things like the Kia Soul and Chevy Trailblazer.
The Renegades biggest flaw is that it was actually made to go offroad somewhat and as such, was expensive compared to the plastic clad competition. Things like the Trailblazer with its "activ" trim and the Crosstrek with its CVT ate it up, and the Bronco Sport finished it. It's sales being cannibalized by its sibling Compass and even Jeep's Halo vehicle the Wrangler (why pay 35-40k for this micromachine when that puts you in the seat lf a Wrangler Sport with no frills?) did not help.
People are more than happy to have something that looks offroady, but can't actually preform. And anyone actually wanting to offroad would pony up for a Wrangler or buy an older used model.
@@matthewgaines10 Uh, no, the Bronco Sport isn't "better" in the dirt. The Renegade Trailhawk beats the B.S. in approach, departure, and breakover angles, and also in overall low gearing. Sightlines out of the vehicle are better for off pavement driving, too. And the Renegade Trailhawk also has more wheel travel than the B.S. does. Okay, so it it doesn't have a "locker" in the ass end, but the traction control is so effective that you'd not miss it.
8:45 I agree with you, Tommy. The problem with Subaru is the CVT transmission. The Jeep Renegade proves that a vehicle with a non-CVT trans. & proper gearing is far superior for off-roading even with a small engine.
If Subaru makes use of conventional automatic or manual gearbox they are going to be basically rock crawler
My cousin owns one and he bragged that he could haul his 3 kids around safely, while not worrying too much about getting stuck. Guess it depends on the driver's needs
@@KG-kq9tk Not if you want to go off-road more than just gravel roads. I've owned a couple of Subarus.
I got my first jeep in my life a month ago at 55 yrs old... I got a 17 sport with 80k on it. 1.4 turbo 6 speed manual I absolutely love my first jeep ❤
Most trails are not even a challenge for a wrangler. Just a drive in the park. But with the renegade you have to work for it so you get a challenge. I have a power wagon and most times it’s just boring. It just crawls over everything. I also have a Compass Trailhawk and I have much more fun doing trails with it cause it’s a challenge. Took it up Imogene in Colorado no problem. Ophir pass no problem. Much more fun doing trails with something that makes you work a little for it.
Makes that Jeep badge a little sweeter!😂
I'm impressed by this Renegade Trailhawk. Seems pretty capable.
My Renagade Trailhawk now is about 235k km....and still going. Perfect vehicle as daily driver AND reasonable offroader. Did West-Alps with it couple of times. Never let me down. Unfortunately, no real comparable replacemet on the horizont ...
Bronco sport badlands
@@malaw514 ... unfortunately not available in Germany.... I hope Toyota will introduce the Mini Landcruiser in Germany...
Not sure if the Renegade won't come again soon though. Here in Brazil, where it sells VERY well, Stellantis already announced we're getting another generation of Renegades soon, and also that they would grab our new facelift and use it to deliver an electric Renegade in the US at a very affordable price point.
They thought about replacing it with a smaller and less off-roady Avenger, but now it seems they won't. Renegade will probably keep going for another 5-10 years here, so it's hard to see how it won't get another shot in the US and EU.
I mean if it were a Toyota or an older Jeep, you would not be needing to talk of the lack of replacement because it would last for at least 20 years.
@@kisong1960 you say this as if there's nothing about newer vehicles that make them worth buying.
Better integration with phones, electric or hybrid engines that generate different traction systems, improvements to weight, safety features... All 20 year old toyotas are great cars still, but none can have wireless Apple CarPlay and none score very high on crash tests since standards always go up.
MPG is also quite bad, since it wasn't important, so making heavier cars with cheaper materials made sense instead of using lighter frames that are efficient and safer in collision.
Also, not having a replacement means a probability of less customer service in the future, which isn't the fault of the car itself, since it has been widely successful in other markets, like here in Brazil.
I had a Renegade Trailhawk for eight years and loved it. I wasn't rock crawling with it (which I didn't think it was really made to do), but I would go kayaking wherever I could find to put in. Primitive roads, dirt, gravel, some mud (nothing deep) we're well within the vehicle's capabilities. I didn't modify it behind a more aggressive tire. Based on my use case, the Renegade was perfect.
The Fiat Panda is actually a decently capable off roader from what I've seen and I've seen these Renegades tackle similar stuff to some Subarus. Especially with the tiny turbo engine, it's a pretty compelling package if you want a "Jeep" without having to live with a JEEP!
put this with the crosstrek on a trail.
It was never intended to compete with the Wrangler (why would it?). It was designed to be a compact, efficient, affordable vehicle that could comfortable carry a full family while also holding its own off road. It did all of those things right from the start (I remember when it first came out, the price started with a 1, and the fuel economy started with a 3), and this entire video is you describing elements of it that helped it do all those things, and how it does them well. Like you said, once you look at it through the right lens, it's actually quite a good car. It's always been in the top 2 or 3 cars that I would buy myself.
Fiat pandaa was a good offroader tho
Agree 100 percent however this is based on the 500x platform. Different ball game, a lot heavier and overall bigger. A lot of the pandas ability comes from it dimensions and weight
I bought my 2018 Renegade Trailhawk brand-new. Still have it and I love it. I’ve had it off-road in the mountains here in West Virginia. It’s deceivingly tough.
My girl has had a Renegade Trailhawk since she bought it new in 2018 and honestly it has held up really well. Very capable off road for a little crossover, easy to maneuver around town, and I’ve even found it fun to hoon around on back roads and gravel trails. I’m a big fan of this thing. Combine that with luxuries like leather heated seats, dual zone climate, a panoramic roof, and Apple CarPlay… it’s a fantastic do-it-all vehicle.
It's already doing better than the new Tacoma! 😂
I have the renegade TH with the turbo and I've never gotten stuck on any of the wild trails surrounding las vegas in NV. What you guys did in this video didn't even scratch the surface of the wild things we've done with just tires in these renegades! The turbo makes a MASSIVE difference. Love seeing the renegade get some love though!
Dear Americans: you should see what the Italians, French and Spanish doing with these Renegades in the alps and Pyrenees. They are great.
Got a YT channel recommendation?
driving through snow like they would in a quattro?
@henryjones6957 I'm married to a woman from Pescara. I have friends in Italy. Some of them have Renegades. Those who do use them for the same things I use mine for. I agree that they are great.
But I have to wonder if the computer programing in theirs is the same as mine. There are some very annoying situations where the computers conspire to cut power to the wheels in mine and my Italian friends don't seem to have that problem with theirs. They can idle up to a rock, stop with the tire on the face of the rock, and apply just enough throttle to get the tire to roll over the rock, as I would do in a Discovery II with an automatic transmission. Sometimes in mine, in situations like that, the computers will cut power, so I have to back up and try again with a little momentum. It it wasn't for that, and if the thing would take a 235 75 15 tire with no modification required, it would be damn near perfect.
The Renegade will be a collectors item.
its coming back as all electric here in the states in 2027 so who knows.
I doubt it will ever be a collector's item. It is a complex machine for what it is and I don't have much hope for ongoing aftermarket support for it, even from Stellantis. At the same time, I ain't getting rid of mine until I can't fix whatever might break on it. It's just too good a quail hunting' and fly fishin' car to part with.
I had one of these, best all around vehicle I have ever owned. The jeep totally owned Midwest winters. Wish it never got into that accident 😢
You need to do the same trail in a 2024 compass
I love these trailhawk videos. Coming from someone who wheels a TJ wrangler, i would love one of these to take on some trails and just have fun.
CALL IT THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER!
I have a 23 with the 1.3L turbo and it's a quick little beast. They say you can't really access 9th gear which is false. The chassis was designed for European roads where speeds are much higher. Go over 75 and you can pull 9th gear. It is very competent in snow and on ice. It is surprisingly nimble for a Jeep. So far it's been flawless. The only difference in powertrains is the axle gears have a lower ratio in the Trailhawk and it starts in 2nd gear as opposed to 1st on all other models. The Low Range on the Trailhawk is just a marketing gimmick as it's really accessing and locking in 1st gear. In my opinion it will do 90% of what a Wrangler can do with a good driver.
This would have been a good opportunity to put it up against a Bronco Sport Badlands.
I got a jeep Cherokee Trailhawk as a rental car 2 years ago, we decided to try to take it over Ophir pass in Colorado as we were headed to Durango from Telluride. Needless to say we renamed it the trail pigeon as it made it a 1/4 of the way before it really struggled and we turned around. It didn’t help having 3 guys and 3 MTBs on the back, but still.
I know why Roman loves this car. Because it has "Ciao" written on it. 😁
Reminds me of an upscale Suzuki Jimmy. If it wasn’t so expensive $44K+ CDN I might consider it over a Mini Countryman or X1. Yep, I don’t go off-road.
I have one with a camo wrap that i put on it. We use for thermal hunting hogs in east tx. They are tuff, I bought mine about six months ago a friend of mine is a dealer so he bought me a used one at auction price. It was yellow like yours with 41k on it and got it for $9100.00.
I have beat the hell out of it and had mudd/water coming in the doors and it still goes !
That’s a great price
Closer to the size of a pre 2007 Wrangler than a current Wrangler. Part of the delight. Especially when lifted.
Tommy you’re an awesome presenter, love your content!
I had one for 3 years it was a 2020 model Trailhawk with the 2.0 Turbo diesel much better engine than the 2.4, quicker and more torque and 39mpg around town. In the deep snow I could fly through and some off roading. It’s not a lifted Wrangler but one hell of an all rounder, comfortable, well equipped, good mpg and good amount of luggage space. The downside to it was electrics with numerous glitches.
I had one of these as a rental back when I did drive-away car delivery. Drove a different vehicle every other day. My company wasn't happy I upgraded my rental to 4WD, even though they would've paid for the chains (that cost more) I would've had to buy on a 2WD. It did very well on the back roads getting around Donner Pass being closed on I-80. I somehow ended up on a different road from the intended detour with no traffic and thoroughly snow covered roads. One of the more comfortable seats I've been in too.
You should have brought Nathan with you on that last obstacle. He would have gotten over it. 🤣
Did they have a backup car though? They need to get home
@@Malc664I said he would have gotten over it, never said he would have gotten home. 😂
Great video... My Renegade is same color, same black patch on the hood, same skidplates, same 8.7 inch lift.. but is a Latitude, with the Upland Edition.. Biggest difference is... i have the 1.3 turbo.
Great for mild to moderate snow. Perfect and capable for 1st time suv drivers and young adults to get to work and school in inclement weather. There shouldn't be an issue for it at all.
The smaller Trailhawks are so cool. I have a '14 Cherokee TH with a 2" lift and 30s. I've never gotten stuck, but I've pulled my fair share of stuck vehicles out with it. The only downside is they are Fiat based, and come with gremlins and repairs.
Love my Renegade TH! Does killer on my 60+ mile commute to the office and is a freakin blast on the trails!
I couldn’t justify spending twice as much on a used Wrangler that got worse gas mileage and less interior comfort.
Even though ive never been a Jeep guys, ive always like the look of these and they seem to offer great performance for a small off roader
It's basically a big Fiat Panda 4x4, and if you know what that is, then you will know this will be good. The Panda really punches above it's size.
I have a 22 Compass Trailhawk and it’s pretty much the same drivetrain. The 9 speed under normal driving uses 2-9 gears with 2nd being 1st. Only when in low range will the trans select the 1st gear and stay locked in 1st. With a mild lift and some beefier tires it is a very capable and comfortable vehicle while still getting very decent gas mileage.
During snow and in the sand dunes it does surprisingly very good. Not wrangler good but definitely surprised.
Other than the oil consumption issues some 2.4 tigershark engines had they are overall very reliable with no other glaring issues other than not tons of power. The ZF 9 speed while it does have some odd shifts at times is reliable hardware wise. I have a 2014 Cherokee with the 3.2 Pentastar & ZF 9 speed and right at 140k miles with no issues. I tow 3k regularly with it in stop and go driving and no issues. Did change the fluid at 80k miles due to towing use even though FCA "claims" its lifetime fluid. No fluid lasts forever. There are other ZF 9 equipped vehicles on the roads with much higher miles as well such as the Ram Promaster vans. The weakest link with these awd/4x4 small Jeeps is the PTU. They are common to fail once over 100k miles. Other than that they generally go the miles with little issue.
A "94 XJ drives _just fine_ on the road -- it's the Rhythm of the Jeep!
Love the plastic! Sweeps hand across saying its easy to clean. Brings out a land rover type. Luxurious interior dash covered in the softest of hymen leather!
Currently living in Brazil, this car is absolutely everywhere, feels like its 1/3 of the country's fleet.
2 inch lift and you can do that trail without question.
It will do a 4-in lift but I don't recommend that because you're going to lose your suspension travel. That jeep already has fantastic off-road angles. You don't really need the clearance or the angles ... The lift is so that you can bump it a little bit in these situations to make up for the gearing.
It's not that it locks it into first gear... It doesn't use first gear at all unless you are in low or unless you manually shift. First gear IS the low. It starts in second gear under normal driving conditions.
Nine isn't lifted and I don't question whether I can do that trail or not because it's "been there, done that" for me.
It's not the gearing that's the problem. An 86 Bronco II with EXACTLY the same gearing doesn't need to bumped over anything on the trail in this video. One of those on 235 /75 15 AT's will waltz over that trail. The problem with the Renegade isn't gearing, but computer algorithms that cut power (probably to protect the driveline) at times when you don't want it cut.
I feel kind of bad now because I really hated this vehicle that wore an iconic name of a vehicle that it was the complete opposite of...After watching this video, I had no idea that there was this particular version...Now I've changed my tune on it after watching what it is capable of...I'm man enough to admit that I was totally wrong about this little jeep and that I could see myself with one...Would have to learn about that transmission and it's problems though...Just too bad it isn't sold here anymore...
The ZF 9-speed in the Renegade is the same used in larger commercial vans. Mine's gone 160,000 miles so far with no problems and I use my Renegade TH harder than I suspect most owners do.
My 2015 Renegade TH has been offroad all over the west it has 115,000 miles on it and it has never given me any problems except for a bad engine temp sensor that the warranty didn't cover because it had just expired. That's it! Wanna get a new one but jeep just discontinued them. Rumor is that they will reintroduce this model in 2025 or 2026.
I’ve got 100k on my Jeep renegade now and beside the bs oil usage which isn’t much now from years of using Lucas oil stabilizer, it’s been a reliable vehicle. Haven’t done anything but change the oil in it. Only taken it on trails twice since I’ve had it tho. There’s only one real beep and that’s the two door wrangler.
It’s a good little city car if you live in a place with winter.
well you can get a diff protector and better aftermarket protection all around from Archangel you can also add springs which will give you a bit more ride height no lift needed. this thing has more to it when its built up a bit. I run the 1.3 liter Turbo and its done that much and more. I understand the timid need when running with an unprotected under carriage though. safe call is the good call honestly.
I'll post it every time TFL decides to poop on the Renegade. Go watch the Colorado Mallcrawlers videos with the Renegades.
I have the 2.4 Cherokee Trailhawk, so my jeep is basically a renegade until it's in low , then it's a different ball game. That said , the amount of time that I *actually* need the 56:1 low range is pretty rare.
I also own the compass Trailhawk which is almost exactly the same as the renegade Trailhawk. The compass and renegade have better angles than the Cherokee Trailhawk does , from the factory. The compass will do a lot of what my Jeep will do. The huge difference between the compass and the Cherokee is the handling. The compass feels tippy compared to my Cherokee around turns at high speeds . Even with a 2 inch lift , my Cherokee Trailhawk handles better than my compass Trailhawk. Wheel spacers and spring rubbers or stiffer springs would probably fix the compass when it comes to handling. It's not bad at all, it's just not the Cherokee.
Consider this : the regular, non Trailhawk Cherokee will slalom equally with a Taurus sho or Pontiac Grand am from the 1990s . It's pretty good at handling.
Don't forget about Dirt Every Day doing Black Bear Pass in one either! :)
@@lunra I'm looking that one up. That's gotta be good.
There are a lot these where I live, but that's mainly because it was the cheapest car on the DCJR dealership lots in recent years. I looked at buying one about six years ago, but the forums had too many stories about electrical issues (typical Fiat build complaint) so I passed. A co-worker even bought one new around that time. Still, there were videos that did see its value. I do find it odd that TFL is doing this series now that its been discontinued in the US, though.
I think this is a good opportunity for a Bronco Sport Big Bend edition, we all know the capabilities of badlands but big bend doesn’t have many test videos and I think the sand mode it’s surprisingly enough.
As long as you don't need clearance, it's 99% about the tires. Put these tires on 90% of cars and they would do fine. It does likely have somewhat decent approach/depart and breakover angle as it's short and the wheels are close to the corners.
The original Renegades were TJ Wranglers with a hard top incorporated into the frame (Not removable). They were great cars. I haven’t driven the newer version, but people that have them like them. There are some great mods you can do.
On-line, everybody's an expert, even when they don't know what in the f**** they're writing about.
The "original Renegades" were NOT "TJ Wranglers" and zero TJ Wranglers had a "hard to incorporated into the frame."
The original Renegade was a CJ 5 trim package first offered by AMC Jeep in 1970.
Italy has a strong heritage of rally and off-road vehicles.
People who tradhed the little Renegade don't know cars from horse carts.
Honestly they're cute, and affordable. Wouldn't mind it if I couldn't afford a similar model year wrangler. Doesn't quite deserve the trail badge though, it really is more for less maintained fire roads at best.
And you know this "doesn't quite deserve the Trail Rated badge" stuff on the basis of actual first hand, practical experience, right?
Flush the ATF of the ZF 948TE transmission. I've had my, just bought, Trailhawk diesel done at 210.000 km. It was like black coffee, completely burned. Maybe too late, noticing some wear, but it shifts much smoother now...
You know it’s great when TFL post
I was off roading my compass trailhawk today and was in water up to my windshield and made it home.
Ends up being the best car TFL bought
Nope
Panda
Never forget batman driving one of these POS cars in batman vs superman, that was hilarious. Wouldve been a fun video if tommy didnt wimp out and went over that last obstacle.
Was still pretty sick zipping around.
I mean he's out of costume and just borrows it from a security guard because it's the middle of the day so...
if its a 2016 it was sold 8 or even 9 years ago
Maybe the Transmission has somewhat proven its Reliability
Sand, mud and snow I never got stuck in mine. Never took it rock crawling and I never will. Put some AT tires on them and they are pretty off road capable.
Tommy, how do you not know of the Fiat Panda? That thing had a pretty decent off-road reputation.
Cause they're not sold in the North America
I would of made that last obstacle in my 16 TH. You can also put it in Mud mode then manually put it in 1st with the shifter to get that lower gear and more wheel spin. Rock mode is good but really only works best for solid rock. Even then i sometimes prefer mud mode with a little momentum.
My 2015 Rengade TH HAS been over that last obstacle in this video four times now.
my 1999 honda crv had this trail. little shitter had this simple reliability . had slight lift and some aggressive off road tires hankook dyna pro MT 2015ish don't remember the size. i had so so much fun in that vehicle i pulled out many. f350 plow truck, a nissan juke, dodge Dakota, chevy 1500, mid 90s jeep Cherokee, nissan something or other. best vehicle i ever owned that didn't own me a dam thing. wish i had a channel at the time. mighty mouse.
I think it "failed" for the exact reason you mentioned - it was not classed right. Comparing it to a Wrangler was unfair and gave it a negative rep (like the general biker opinion of Harley-Davidson's Sportster). I think the Renegade actually introduced a NEW market with the Trailhawk version: Trail rated, Trail ready Mid-sized 4x4 SUV. Highly recommend lift kit and better tires! BTW: This Jeep is EXTREMELY comfortable inside - the newer Trailhawks came with leather(ish) seats. I love mine - 2019 Solar Yellow too!
More Renegade Trailhawk content please!!!!
Don't underestimate Fiats. The Panda 4x4 is incredibly competent off road and it can easily go through many places where larger and heavier rigs just can’t, much like the Jimny.
Was this ahead of it's time?
Seems strange for Jeep not to have this, at least in an updated format, in their current lineup given the popularity of off-roading and overlanding themed vehicles.
We took one on black bear in 2016. It was scary but it did great!
The terrain modes in these are no joke.
Put it in sand mode and give it a little gas, its no race car but I think the get up and go it suddenly has might suprise you. Sand mode is the only mode that makes it 60/40 with a rear wheel bias. The others are either split 50/50 or biased to the front.
60/40 is good extra, plus the selec-terrain has good working sensing and programing, many vehicles go nowhere on single wheel traction opposite to bias, including rav4
@tallll70 Yeah, sometimes it takes a moment for it to figure out what needs done, but it will do it.
Surprises, people, even me.
Good little soft roader indeed!! 👍👍
More Renegade and Compass content would be cool! Having proper off road tires etc wound be interesting.
I think this would be a great winter beater that could be used as an yard truck after a couple winters. Then just scrap it. But only if I can get one in decent condition for $2,000 or less. They are currently to expensive to be worth it. But maybe in a few years. I also think Jeep missed an opportunity. If they were offered in 2 door with the 3.2 V6 out of the Cherokee and gave it a real low range, it could probably be a hit for less serious off road drivers that need something comfortable for daily driving and for the wife and kids.
The European versions with 260ft-lbs of torque won't struggle on those steps but therefore keep smashing gearboxes....
2:15. I remember these days I have so much positive thoughts. But I’m not gonna say them because I will cry but you did outstanding with Alex in this new off-road video bud Hey Alex Outstanding work ❤ you Ps you should put a side by side picture of you tommy up so the fans can see how much you grown as a presenter. They are not ready
Nah, it’s not that we don’t appreciate Tommy and Alex. It’s just that TFL has phenomenal staff. Andre is quickly approaching Nathan as GOAT status. Nathan is a living legend. He’s not featured as much as he used to be. But I get it, Nathan is busy molding these younger kids into how to become a GOAT like him.
"Which I just dismissed and thought it wouldn't be enough for trail use."
Every time Young Master Mica b****** about the Renegade's lack of a two-speed transfer case, and I catch him doing it, I'll be here in the comments section to give him a math and history lesson, rolled in to one.
4.71 x 4.33 = 20.3943:1 That's the MECHNICAL low gearing of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk that surprises Young Master Mica as being "low enough" for trail use.
That doesn't sound very low, does it?
Jeep was proud of that 20:1 MECHANICAL low gearing for a reason, though
Let's compare to a 1986 Bronco II.
The majority of those sold had 7.5" Corporate rear ends with 3.42:1 final drive ratios.
The chain-drive Borg Warner 1350 transfer case had a 2.48:1 low range.
The majority of Bronco II's had Ford's A4LD automatic transmission with a 2.47 :1 first gear rato.
3.42:1 x 2.48:1 x 2.47:1 = 20.949552:1 That's the MECHANICAL gear reduction of a typical mid to late 80's Bronco II with an automatic transmission.
That's about where the automatic transmission equipped domestic and Japanese competition of the era was at, too.
I'm picking the Bronco II here because, although I've never owned one, there was a time when every male member of my family did and I had a lot of experience running their vehicles on trails. When my dad bought his '86 Eddie Bauer, his first stop was Super Shops Automotive Performance for a set of 235 /75 15 DFG AT's mounted to his brand new stock alloy wheels. He went from there to the 3N10 John Bull Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest for the shakedown run. That trail was and is called "The Southern California Rubicon" for a reason. We took the scenic route to get there, taking 3N17 to 3N11 to 3N16 to Holcomb Valley.....Not the easiest trails in the forest, certainly not "fire road" material. ..
20:1 MECHANICAL compound low......... No problem.....
I bought my dad's '73 Bronco with factory C-4 auto and 3.50:1 ring and pinion gears with front and real limited slip. It had a MECHANICAL compound low gear of 20.4974:1.
How in the hell did we ever get anywhere in the back country with 20:1 MECHANICAL low gearing?
Because American automatic transmissions historically had first gear ratios around 2.42:1 for a reason: THEY HAD TORQUE CONVERTERS which generally add ANOTHER 2:1 of torque multiplication that drifts toward 1:1 as input and output speeds equalize.
Roll up to a rock in my '73 Bronco, stop with a tire on the face of the rock, and give 'er just enough juice to crawl the tire over the rock, and it's NOT 20:1, anymore. It's more like 40:1 as the input and output speeds of the converter remain unequal.
I continue to be amazed at how supposed automotive journalists have a hard time grasping that 20:1 mechanical gear reduction in a slushbox equipped vehicle is plenty low enough for the overwhelming majority of legal, open routes on Forest Service and BLM land.
I'm also continually amazed at Young Master Mica's apparent lack of understanding that when you hit the "four low button" on a Renegade Trailhawk, you're locked in variable gear ratio of 41:1 to a tick under 20:1 due to the torque multiplication of the torque converter.
The Renegade Trailhawk, just like older S.U.V.'s of yore with automatic transmissions, ACT like they have lower mechanical gearing than they do because they can benefit from a hydraulic reduction of 2:1 on top of that.
The Renegade isn't "running out of power" or "running out of gearing" in situations where none of the wheels seem like they want to turn. It has to fight its own algorithm, which is apparently intended to protect itself from "owner abuse." That is the most annoying aspect of running trails in a Renegade Trailhawk. I can't drive it like my '73 Bronco all of the time when running trails because, if I do, I will run in to situations where the computers cut engine power output in an effort to protect the drive train I paid for against me breaking it.
Running the trail in this video in my own Renegade Trailhawk, I can get over that obstacle that sunk Young Master Mica's boat, but I can't get over it like he tried to. My '73 Bronco would more or less idle up that. My dad's '86 Bronco II would, as well. My Renegade would, as well, if there wasn't so much damn algorithm nannying going on. But since that's going on, in mine, I game the system by running in "sand mode" where the computer seems less prone to nanny be out of cooking the transmission or exploding a differential.
When it comes to sub compact SUV s i'd say this vehicle is king it is severely more capable than a Honda crv and it has better. Torque management than a Subaru cross track I have driven the cross track on the roads but never off roads but I have driven Subaru foresters off-road. 2002 generation and they do off-road well but the problem with the Subaru is that you cannot configure anything this Jeep you have the ability. To configure your traction control thus more capable.
impressive - rented one a while back and it was a comfortable drive
Does everyone forget the that Jeep Renegade literally has almost the same specs as the Jeep YJ Renegade? And i doubt that anyone would call the YJ Renegade a "bad" off roader.
Now of only they could make this mildly reliable
I wouldn't still love my 1015 Renegade Trailhawk if it was just "mildly reliable." Mine's been way more reliable than that and with 160,000 miles on it, it still works and looks (aside from a little bush pinstriping) like new. It's one of the best vehicles I've owned in terms of trouble-free use, and mine gets used in dirt.
17:08 - There is a liquid trail behind you coming from under the car. A/C condensation or... @ 17:13 the liquid is behind the left front wheel...
I suspect that little "soft roader" would do better than my 85 Holden Jackaroo (Isuzu Trooper / big Horn), which is a "real body on frame four wheel drive, complete with two speed transfer case... in those conditions... Of course my Humble Jackaroo is not equipped with locking diffs, things might change a little if it were, but stock vs stock, I reckon you would have me.
It would be interesting to compare the Baby Jeep up against something like the 80 series land cruiser (do you still have that?).
My wife has a 2021 limited it's fun great in snow
I argue with a good friend because I like TFL, and he doesn't. When Tommy quit on that little bump, I had to write to my friend and surrender this round to him.
I think for 99% of any people the Trailhawk can do what they expect. My Trailhawk never let me down on every muddy and rocky forest trails. Sure it's not a Wrangler and not made for rock crawling, but he is so much better as the most other suv's on the market. My uncle owns a Hyundai Tucson, and he stuggeld very often on offroad trails here in the Black Forest. Whatever, I like the Trailhawk and I never got dissapointed for now
I have owned one since 2016 how i wish it were more masculine it is the funniest 4x4 ever. And will do what most people ask of it
My compass upland gets me plenty of places people claim are 4x4 high clearance only. Just gotta know how to drive a crossover, and use that front skid plate a bit 😂
The videos made back when it came out should’ve tipped you off on what it can do.
TFL made some of those videos.
I wouldn't mind having one of these for a daily driver
Sometimes you need the Nathan method. A couple of bumps would have got you over those last obstacles.
Why are you so surprised? Renegade has a pretty solid 4x4 system, underbody protection and respectable ground clearance. It's lightweight, short with wheels far in the front and back - very good attack angles. In terms of off-roading, what's not to like?
What's not to like? The computer nannies that cut engine power when I'd rather it didn't. Other than that, I can't think of much about my 2015 that I don't like.