It's not that folks will be buying this for true off-roading, and that's ok - it's all about perception.
"I live in Canada. I need AWD. I want the best handling snow vehicle I can buy! Jeeps are great at off-roading, surely they can handle some snow!"
It's not an accurate statement, especially with the base AWD being a slip n' grip, but better than FWD no doubt.
Starting at $19,995 for the 4×2 Sport model, the Renegade is attractively priced as well. All but the Trailhawk and Limited models come standard with the 1.4 coupled with the manual transmission and are upgradable to the 2.4 with the automatic. The two aforementioned trims are available only with the 2.4L and automatic combination.
The lineup moves up to the North 4×2 at $25,995, which adds A/C, cruise control, fog lamps, 5.0-inch touchscreen, automatic headlamps, hands-free communication and aluminum wheels. In Canada the 4×4 model will certainly be more popular with the Sport 4×4 model running $25,995, this package adding A/C and cruise control to the 4×2 model. The North is priced at $27,495, while the Limited is offered at $31,995.
Sorry, but I don't see how that's even remotely 'attractively' priced. Ignore all things 4x2 unless you're in California (and even then, wouldn't you want 4x4 for the dunes?). With regards to Canada, nobody will be buying a FWD Jeep - that's weird (not to mention the lack of cruise control and A/C!). 15%, to me, even if correct (and I deny that it is), is pittance for sales #s.
So, let's move to the 4x4: $25,995 is with the base engine (1.4T, and therefore 6MT). The Crosstrek starts at $24,995 with a 6MT. While enthusiasts say "yipee!", most consumers do not. Crosstrek Autobox is $26,295 ($1,300 for the CVT). I'm assuming the 2.4-9er will be a $1,500+ upgrade, making the cheapest Renegade with AWD and an autobox $27,495. Does that have heated seats like the Crosstrek? FFS, at $27,495, there's no chance in hell I'd have this on my radar without a $4,000 cash on the hood discount (tooscoops, help a brotha out!).
All of this is put forward with the 9-speed being sold as a benefit. To a casual consumer, the media has shat all over this thing as questionable - I wouldn't trust it without a 10 year, 160,000km warranty (and even then...?)
It's expensive. It's priced as a premium product. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I think it's too expensive, looks like cheap sh!t, and while the Trailhawk is nice (and IMO, the only 'attractively' priced trim), its offroad pretences are a farce.
Styling is subjective. FCA's choice to pair the 1.4T with 6MT as the base engine was a poor choice, forcing consumers to pay a LOT more just to get an automatic (which is 90% favoured in Canada). Pricing it above the competition is a poor choice for a new model with questionable reliability and resale.
...maybe I need to be sent to Jeep camp to be converted, but while this article is written EXCELLENTLY (
), it did not sway me into thinking that this Jeep is in any way a good purchase.
