The 2015 Jeep Renegade – First Video Test Drive Review in Tacoma…SO HERE WE GO!
After setting up blog, searching for all my camera gear in my attic, purchasing a couple more tripods and, yes…even a Drone, I finally being able to proudly present my (and Tacoma Dodge’s) first not so typical review and video test drive around Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington of the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade Limited.
I really need to say, this car is growing on me. When Jeep first came out with the RENEGADE a few weeks back I wasn’t too sure about what to think, but getting into this new small SUV during my lot walks at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, I must confess – I almost feel like I am in Love.
The styling reminds me somehow on the retro idea Toyota had with its launch of the FJ Cruiser, years back also when the RENEGADE is way smaller in its dimensions and 
Honda’s Element. Especially the color palette appears to my eyes very familiar and leans onto the FJ’s color schemes. Starting with the color of “Mojave Sand” over to the “Solar Yellow” up to the eye-punching “Sierra Blue” – bold choices but – THEY WORK!
Now let’s take a look at my video diary, showing the new Renegade, blazing through the streets of Tacoma Washington. I conducted my 11+ hours test-drive with this newcomer of the Jeep line-up with a few things in mind…
- How versatile is this new small SUV?
- What are some gadgets I noticed?
- How does it perform in daily tasks, like loading groceries into the back, getting the traveling teens accommodated in the backseat, etc?
and last but not least…
- How is the fun factor? What makes me smile?
Below the video section of this blog, I have added a ranking, which I call “VJ Approved”. It scales from “1 VJ” (alright vehicle) to “5 VJ’s” (love it….sign me up right now). Okay, let’s play this video.
THIS IS WHAT I DROVE:
- 2015 Jeep Renegade Ltd.
- 2.4L Tigershark Engine with 180 Horsepower and 175 Lb-Ft of Torque
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Premium Navigation and XM-Radio
- UConnect with Voice Command and access to 911 and roadside assistance
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Premium Leather Seating w/ power 8-way driver seat and power 4-way lumbar support
and let’s not forget about the keyless enter ‘n go as well as remote start, which was included in Jeep’s Premium Group Package.
VERDICT:
The 2015 Jeep Renegade is a great car. It is a very comfortable ride paired with unique design and some really nice luxury features. I liked especially the split-folding rear seats in a ratio which is not all to common with 40-20-40 allowing you definitely quick trips to the local IKEA and pick up a new Billy bookshelf. I am sure you will figure out very quickly how versatile this Jeep is, fitting right into the Seattle and surroundings lifestyle. This small SUV will make all drivers happy. No matter if you live in Puyallup, Fife, Renton or Kirkland…this car is a great contender in today’s small SUV market.
I felt the entire time driving it safe and sound knowing it comes with seven (yes, 7) standard airbags. Biggest plus for this daily commuter small SUV for soccer dads and moms, Gen Y’s, who are still grieving about the discontinuity of Honda’s Element and Baby Boomers, who are tired to drive around in a huge SUV is in my opinion the great visibility you obtain when driving. The huge windows and mirrors the newest Jeep has to offer are giving you indeed a perfect passive safety feature.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS:
I felt there is not enough storage areas in the front of the car. Yes, Jeep Renegade has front door pockets with space for small water bottles, a middle armrest with a small compartment as well as a glove compartment. I am referring to the front storage “space” below the midsection dashboard. Too small, didn’t even allow to have my sunglasses and a cellphone placed there together. I would ask maybe a glasses storage flip cover in the roof liner next to the interior lights, similar I have it in my 2015 Dodge Challenger.
Speaking of interior light and it’s switches. They are too far away to reach. The first time I was looking for them, I accidentally pressed the 911-emergency call button (may be the entire area the switches are located is too gray-in-gray? Would it make sense to have 9-1-1 in bold red letters or the button itself in a red color?) – I am sure that call would have lit up the surrounding with blue and red lights, when I wouldn’t have been able to switch it of immediately via the multi-function steering wheel. Those are a few little things I noticed in the Jeep Renegade and could be improved very easily in my opinion. Nothing huge but little things are still annoying sometimes.
All in all – I will give my driving companion for the last few days “4 VJ Approved” out of five and being in the “I Love It” category.
Thank you all for taking a look at my blog VJ Drives Tacoma. Give this Jeep Renegade a try, please and test-drive it.
AUF WIEDERSEHEN,
VJ
For more information you could always get in touch with me via my “contact me” section here or just visit the dealer website of Tacoma Dodge – World’s #1 Dealer for Dodge Dart and Washington States #1 Dealership for Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram.