FCA is launching plug-in hybrid drivetrains for its smallest crossovers, Renegade and Compass. The word is official and two models will be on the market next year. Whatsoever, this is the update for the European market. We expect the new five-year plan by the FCA for the US and they already announced there will be ten PHEV models in the lineup by 2022. Well, the 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV and Wrangler plug-in hybrid could be the first vehicles with such technology.
With the new 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV, the lineup of the smallest crossover in the family will become wider than ever. We still don’t know what kinds of trim packages the PHEV model is going to use. Well, the autonomous drive is expected, but probably only Level 2 is going to be available. The company also gave some hints about the engine. The new PHEV crossover will be built in Italy, where the standard Renegade is also made.
Jeep’s current release date plan
2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV will sit a 1.3-liter engine. It is capable to produce 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque and sends this power to front wheels. On the rear axle, engineers will mount an electric motor that will increase outputs to 240-250 hp. The gas mileage estimations are not available at the moment and the company promised 30 miles of pure electric range for the new Renegade PHEV.
USA Release Date
The new plug-in hybrid crossover is not coming straight to the USA. The company is focused on the new Wrangler PHEV, and only after that, the Renegade can become available in this part of the world. Melfi plant in Italy will be the place of building the crossover. Renegade is rolling out the factory lines there, and now the FCA needs modernization to be able to produce PHEV version as well. The smallest model in Jeep’s lineup is very popular in Europe, so this is not a surprise. In the US, the company sold nearly 100,000 units last year. Now, with the PHEV model on the way, the number will definitely go up.
We expect the new plan and according to early predictions, FCA is going to build around 10 PHEVs and 20 more hybrids and electric vehicles by 2022. Well, the new Renegade is definitely one of the units that will find its way to this list. Still, we don’t know when the PHEV is coming to the USA. The situation is the same with a larger crossover, Compass. These two models will share a similar outcome and debuts will happen with a minimum gap.
Prices
Currently, the entry-level of the Jeep Renegade costs $23,000. For a larger Compass, buyers need to add around $3,000. Top of the class version is High Altitude and it will boost the price to nearly $30k. The new 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV will probably come with the price tag at the same level. On the other hand, we still don’t have the complete info about the vehicle. AWD and autonomous drive will definitely increase the cost of the small crossover. Fully loaded, the Renegade PHEV could go above $35,000.
