European 2024 Jeep® Renegade Gets Some Welcomed Updates

In 2014, Jeep® introduced the subcompact Renegade, a vehicle that would be the brand’s first globally focused vehicle. Unlike Jeeps that were sold in North America before, it marked the first time that a Jeep would be imported to the region. Built in Italy, the Renegade was a huge hit its first year out, but as time went on, sales slowed down. In 2023, Jeep sold 26,011 units in the U.S. and 231 units in Canada, for a total of 26,242 units.

Compared to the new larger Dodge Hornet, which sold a total of 9,314 units in the U.S. and 2,025 units in Canada, for a total of 11,339 units. So it was a shock when Jeep® announced that the Italian-built Renegade that North America would not be returning for 2024, due to poor sales.

Instead, the Italian-built model continues in Europe for 2024 with some impressive upgrades, which we wish would have come a few years earlier. While it doesn’t get the same exterior styling upgrades as the Brazilian-built version did in 2023, the European model gets a reworked lineup. Gone is the traditional internal combustion (ICE) model, and some new tech updates that should wow European customers.

For 2024, the European lineup will be made up of a standard Renegade model, sporty Altitude, well-equipped Summit, luxurious Overland, and off-road-oriented Trailhawk.

Customers will be able to choose from two powertrains for 2024. The first is the front-wheel-drive (FWD) based e-HYBRID.

The e-HYBRID models feature the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine (which is part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine or “GSE” family). The engine delivers 130 horsepower and 176 ft.-lbs. (240 Nm) of torque, mated to a new 7-speed 7HDT300 dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The propulsion system includes a built-in 48-volt 15 kW (20 horsepower) electric motor delivering 41 ft.-lbs. (55 Nm) of torque – equalizing to 99 ft.-lbs. (135 Nm) of torque at gearbox input level – which can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine (ICE) is turned off. The new e-HYBRID models offer up to 15% lower consumption and CO2 emissions than the previous gasoline models.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine has been designed to be the best fit for hybrid usage, to optimize thermodynamics, and therefore to save on fuel consumption. It operates on the Miller cycle, which improves thermal efficiency and offers a high compression ratio (12.5:1), a new cylinder head with the compact combustion chamber, dual variable valve timing, and special ‘high-tumble’ intake ducts. Also new is the high-pressure direct injection system, operating at up to 350 bars. A Belt-Starter Generator (BSG) is also installed in the gasoline engine, to guarantee fast and silent transitions when restarting.

The braking system of the e-HYBRID models includes the Intelligent Brake System, which includes an ‘auto-charge’ feature using mixed regenerative braking to maximize the recovery of kinetic energy and improve efficiency.

For those who want four-wheel-drive (4×4) capability, there is the Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Seamlessly integrating two electric motors, an 11.4 kWh battery pack, and a fuel-efficient 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, resulting in a formidable combined output of 240 horsepower.

A standout feature was its impressive all-electric range of up to 31 miles (50 kilometers), exceeding its Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe counterparts, catering perfectly to urban commuting needs. In zero-emission mode, it offered a top speed of 81 mph. In hybrid mode, it reached an impressive 124 mph and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, promising both efficiency and performance.

The Renegade 4xe seamlessly adapts to different driving styles, terrains, and weather conditions through the E-Mode selector near the climate controls. This feature allowed drivers to leverage the combined power of motors in Hybrid mode, opt for emissions-free travel in the electric motor, or preserve the battery charge in E-Save mode for on-demand all-electric capability.

Additionally, it retained Jeep’s renowned off-road capabilities via the Jeep® Active Drive Low system, merging PHEV technology with the brand’s legendary torque and performance, appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers. The Selec-Terrain® traction control system offers four dynamic driving modes—Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, (Rock on Trailhawk) and the new Sport mode—perfectly combining the responsiveness of the electric motor and combustion engine for a more immediate and dynamic driving style, ideal for city driving.

When it comes to technology, the 2024 Jeep Renegade gets a new 10.25-inch digital cluster that provides detailed information in Full HD resolution that delivers crystal clear, sharp, and vibrant images. There is also an all-new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system that not only dwarfs the 8.4-inch screen but makes it easier to use when on the go when the vehicle is in motion.

The revised ‘Jeep® app’ now allows customers to be synced with their vehicle more than ever. No longer is it necessary to have the car keys to open and close the doors or turn on the lights when it is too dark. You just have to have your smartphone in your hand and use the remote function of its application. Even the TomTom navigation system, regular updates when you enter the vehicle, right from your smartphone. New voice command features can now support travel to provide even faster navigation and can do things like find the nearest parking garages, charging stations, predict the time to travel to the destination, thanks to Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

The 2024 Jeep Renegade is currently on sale across Europe.