Jeep Renegade went through a facelift this summer. However, it doesn’t stop the FCA from further development of this compact SUV. The next chapter includes a PHEV setup. It is official both for US and European market. By this move, Jeep is making its crossover SUV more versatile and attractive to buyers. All in all, we expect big things from the 2020 Jeep Renegade.
With all the changes the model suffered during the previous season, there won’t be cosmetic changes for the upcoming vehicle. It leaves more space for engineers to make a more efficient SUV. The new hybrid setup will join two existing petrol units in the US, and in Europe, Renegade is also using a three-cylinder drivetrain, and diesel motors.
2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV Specs
The FCA is electrifying more and more vehicles. The 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV is the latest one to join the fleet. Well, the most impressive will be Ram 1500. However, this mild-hybrid is not upgrading the specs significantly, as the Renegade is going to do. Furthermore, the company also added Fiat 500e electric car, but its sales are not as the FCA expected. The PHEV version of the popular Renegade is there to make another try to improve the chances of the carmaker in the new, hybrid market.
The company is yet to announce what kind of drivetrain the 2020 Jeep Renegade PHEV is going to use. We believe the system is going to be based on one of the existing units, probably the new 1.3-liter engine. The fuel saving will be significant, and the plug-in hybrid will return over 35 mpg combined. Furthermore, Renegade will also be able to run by using electric power only. The range will be between 30-40 miles.
Engines
Abovementioned facelift brought a new engine to the lineup in 2019. It is a 1.3-liter turbo-four mill that replaced 1.4-liter inline-four. This drivetrain is capable to produce 177 hp (17 horsepower more than the discontinued 1.4-liter mill). It also creates 200 lb-ft of torque. The other option is a larger 2.4-l engine. Here, the 2020 Jeep Renegade can count on 180 hp and 175 pound-feet of twisting power. Fuel economy drops, but the crossover remains pretty efficient with over 30 mpg for a highway drive. Buyers are getting a two-wheel drive by default and additional upgrade is 4WD. A nine-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox since a six-speed manual was cut together with the 1.4-liter engine.
European users can also see additional options for the engine room. There is a lighter version with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder powertrain. Also, diesel engines are pretty popular. Both 1.6 and 2.0 drivetrain are improving towing capacity and fuel economy. Unfortunately, Jeep is not planning to bring these to the United States.
No Cosmetic Changes for 2020 Jeep Renegade
The 2020 Jeep Renegade doesn’t need cosmetic updates. Its predecessor went through a facelift. Changes are still fresh and it made this compact SUV eye-catching. The redesign of the exterior included new headlights, front and rear bumpers, and taillight masks. Changes were reduced to a discreet modernization of the existing layout. Inside, we can find a new, larger infotainment screen. A new set of air conditioning controls is making the use easier.
Well, the offer is going to depend on trim levels. The 2020 Jeep Renegade will have a wide offer to start the configuration. Sport is an entry-level version and it keeps the price under $20,000. However, you will want to see the Renegade with more options. Mid-range Latitude and Altitude models are adding dual-zone climate controls, 17-inch wheels, and larger infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. High-end models are Upland and Limited. Heated and ventilated leather seats and larger wheel are noteworthy additions. Trailhawk version is an off-road oriented model with special upgrades that will help 2020 Renegade go over any obstacle. It comes with a special 4×4 drive system and all-terrain tires.
2020 Jeep Renegade Price, Release Date
The debut of the new 2020 Jeep Renegade will depend on the new PHEV drivetrain. The company confirmed it, so it is just a matter of time when the first prototypes will show up. Well, the new 2019 edition crossover is still fresh, so the company is not going to release the next season vehicle so soon. Dealerships could show it early next year.
Sport model is the cheapest option if you are after 2020 Jeep Renegade. For mid-range trims, you will have to pay around $23,000. Upper scale crossovers are around $26k, while the Renegade Trailhawk is not going to cost under $27,500. The new PHEV model will make the price jump closer to $30,000.
Competition
The 2020 Jeep Renegade will face a lot of rivals. Compact segment is pretty crowded with models of all companies. The leaders in this class are Nissan Rogue Sport and Honda HR-V. Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-3 are growing as well in a recent year. However, the facelift from 2019 and plug-in hybrid for 2020 will make the Renegade a tough challenge for any competitor.
