The base trim of the 2016 Jeep Renegade is equipped with a small 1.4liter straight-four turbocharged motor. The engine generates a maximum of 160 horsepower and 184lb-ft of torque which is adequate for this subcompact SUV. The power plant is smooth and the refinement level is impressive. The motor puts down all the power in a smooth manner and mated with a sleek-shifting 6-speed manual gear-box, the performance on offer is pretty decent for the subcompact SUV standards. The torque figure is adequate to pull out the vehicle from almost any situation when equipped with the 4WD drivetrain.
With the Limited and Trailhawk trims, however, the 2016 Jeep Renegade makes use of a 2.4L inline-4 unit that is tuned distinctly and delivers higher power but lower torque outputs at 180hp and 175lb.-ft respectively. It gets an impoverished 9-speed automatic transmission and is available as a standard 4WD variant on the Trailhawk trim.
Models
|
2016 Jeep Renegade
|
2016 Honda HR-V
|
2018 Ford EcoSport
|
2016 Mazda CX-3
|
MSRP
|
$17,995
|
$19,570
|
$19,995
|
$19,960
|
Engine
|
1.4-Liter I4 MultiAir Turbo Engine
|
1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4
|
1.0L EcoBoost 3-cylinder
|
2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder
|
Transmission
|
6-speed manual
|
6 speed Manual
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
Power
|
160 hp @ 5500 rpm
|
141 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
123 hp @ 6000 rpm
|
146 hp @ 6000 rpm
|
Torque
|
184 ft-lbs @ 2500 rpm
|
127 ft-lbs @ 4300 rpm
|
125 ft-lbs @ 3500 rpm
|
146 ft-lbs @ 2800 rpm
|
The competitors offer a lackluster performance when compared against the Renegade. The most disappointing of the lot is the 2016 Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3, even with their bigger engines than the Renegade, they fail to offer decent performance for the price they are offered. The smaller engine on offer with the 2016 Ford Ecosport does little to help its cause and the power and torque outputs of 123hp and 125lb.-ft feels underwhelmingly low.
2016 Jeep Renegade Acceleration
The performance that the base turbocharged engine bestows on the 2016 Jeep Renegade is not yet known, however, the 2.4L inline-4 unit is not particularly impressive. It manages 9.4 seconds from the 0 to 60 mph mark, which is slower than most of its competitors in the segment. Shift to the heavier Trailhawk variant, and the Renegade loses its capabilities further.
Models
|
2016 Jeep Renegade
|
2016 Honda HR-V
|
2018 Ford EcoSport
|
2016 Mazda CX-3
|
0-60 mph (seconds)
|
N/A
|
9.5 seconds
|
N/A
|
8.6 seconds
|
Quarter-mile (seconds)
|
N/A
|
17.3 seconds
|
N/A
|
16.6 seconds
|
Top Speed
|
N/A
|
125
|
N/A
|
125
|
Like the 2016 Jeep Renegade, the performance potential of the Ford Ecosport has not yet been determined. On the other hand, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is both the quickest and fastest vehicle in the segment clocking 8.6 and 16.6 seconds in the 60mph and quarter-mile run, respectively. 2016 Honda HR-V is, however, almost equally matched taking 9.5 seconds to the 60mph mark.
2016 Jeep Renegade Ride and Handling
The driving experience one derives from the 2016 Jeep Renegade will solely depend on the trim and configuration of the subcompact SUV. While the base engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission has immense potential and gives a raw driving pleasure, the 9-speed automatic unit does not live up to the jaunty and lively nature of the ride. It feels confused and detached, causing a lackluster riding experience for the driver. While all 2016 Renegades like the other vehicles of the brand have off-roading potential, the Trailhawk trim is best-equipped to take on rough driving patches. However, one evident drawback of the Jeep is the intrusive cabin noise that causes a noticeable toll on the tranquility of the cabin.
2016 Jeep Renegade Braking Performance
The 2016 Jeep Renegade features the largest set of brakes in the segment. At the front, it makes use of a 12-inch brake setup, while at the rear end it is relatively smaller at 11-inches. As standard, each trim of the Jeep Renegade is equipped with an ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes. Unlike its acceleration, the subcompact SUV performs appreciably in the deceleration test, by coming to a halt from the 60-0 mph mark in 116ft.
Models
|
2016 Jeep Renegade
|
2016 Honda HR-V
|
2018 Ford EcoSport
|
2016 Mazda CX-3
|
Brake size (front) |
12 |
11.5 |
N/A |
11 |
Brake size (rear) |
11 |
11.1 |
N/A |
11.1 |
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,056 |
2,888 |
3,060 |
2,809 |
60-0 mph (ft) |
116 |
124 |
N/A |
121 |
Like its engine performance, the braking capabilities of the 2016 Ford Ecosport are also not known. While both the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 feature similarly-sized brakes, their halting distances are different. While the latter takes 121 ft, the Honda covers 124ft before coming to a standstill.