Jeep Renegade Off Road
Brand new to the 2015 Jeep lineup is the Renegade - a subcompact crossover that provides a rewarding driving experience on-road and off. If you intend to use your Renegade for real off-road adventure, opt for the Trailhaw model. The Trailhawk is built with off-road-capabilities in mind and includes four-wheel drive, hill-descent control, tow hooks and underbody skid plates. It also boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, full-size spare, removable cargo floor panel and a remote rechargeable flashlight. What greatly increases the Trailhawks off-road powers is its raised suspension, which is 0.8 inches higher than other Renegade models. Unique front and rear fascias aid in approach and departure angles, skid plates protect the undercarriage and all-terrain tires add a loose-surface grip.
Whether you want your Renegade for everyday practicality or off-road adventures, it offers two available engines to suit your needs. Found in the Sport and Latitude models is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission (an optional nine-speed automatic is also available). This combo produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the Sport and Latitude and standard on the Limited and Trailhawk models is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that rates 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. While all Renegades can be fitted for front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the off-road-oriented Trailhawk is only available in four-wheel drive. The Renegade Trailhawk’s four-wheel drive system is much more advanced, including enhanced low-speed off-road gearing, plus an extra drive mod. When equipped with the Trailer Tow package, it can pull up to 2,000 pounds.
When taking your Jeep - or any other vehicle for that matter - off road, it’s important to equip your vehicle for off-road safety. Here are some tips to get your ride ready for adventure.
Adjust Suspension: When driving off the beaten path, you may find yourself in unknown terrain. If you want to make it over big rocks and whatnot, it’s important to adjust your vehicles suspension. This will allow more freedom for tires to move under the wheels. Failure to lift your vehicle will result in reduced body-to-tire clearance and an increased risk of damage to the undercarriage, frame and suspension.
Install Necessary Accessories: To improve safety and vehicle toughness, install the necessary accessories before hitting the trail. These include items like skid plate and roll cages.
Invest in Larger Tires: If your vehicle lacks the proper-sized tires or all-terrain tires, invest in some before heading off-road. Trail surfaces vary greatly, which means your tires may require different tread designs. Large tires add extra ground clearance, allowing for a smoother ride and better handling. Tires ranging from 29 to 35 inches in height are sufficient for most off-road adventure.
For your next off-road thrill, consider the 2015 Jeep Renegade. Take it for a spin at any of our dealerships, located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Emmaus, PA.