Jeep Renegade Walk Around (With Video)

By Mercedes Lilienthal

I was at the 2015 Portland International Auto Show last week and was able to check out the new Jeep Renegade. I snapped a few photos and took a walk-around video to give you an idea of the vehicle's dimensions, character, and style.

Size wise, it was bigger and taller than I first thought. It has a solid, rugged, yet sophisticated look. Exterior wise, some of the bodylines felt a bit soft compared to its angular ancestors of years past. The styling is more in line with the current rounder Cherokee, for example, than the older, squarer Cherokee.

The font end feels cohesive from a design perspective. It features the traditional seven-bar Jeep grille yet still feels modern.

I feel like people will have a love/hate relationship with the taillights. I for one love them when viewed from a rear three-quarter angle; I don't know if I love them from a dead-on perspective, however. They look a bit like an applique to me.

It's all in the details: One of many Easter eggs in the Renegade—a hidden little icon and a nod to the original Jeep.

I literally wanted to open both of the Renegade's Freedom Tops and drive it off the platform! One of the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automotive) reps said there's a huge take rate for sunroofs on cars in the Pacific Northwest. I have a feeling these removable panels will be hot options on the Renegade.

I didn't get a chance to sit in the back seat, but Andy tells me it's quite comfortable. He sat in the Renegade's back set at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Close attention has been paid to the cabin's accouterments. Jeep used a variety of materials that were a good balance between stylish and utilitarian. Jeep has successfully weighed color, materials selection, rugged vs. refined elements throughout. Bonus points for the "oh shit handle" in front of the passenger's area. Our Suzuki Sidekick has one and they can be very useful—especially off road.

Jeep has masterfully created a competent contender in the compact crossover segment. They'll probably sell boatloads of these. I think they have a hit on their hands, but only time will tell.