We’ve spotted a camouflaged prototype of the facelifted Renegade a few months ago, so we know that there will be sometime new for the upcoming year. Now, we know what that is because the 2019 Jeep Renegade has been spied without any wraps. Well, okay, not the whole thing, but only the nose. Judging by the shots, the front end really features some modest changes, yet this isn’t to be everything from the small SUV for the upcoming year. The subcompact sports a few changes inside, too. Plus, the latest rumors indicate several new options under the hood.
Exterior Changes
You see the new face. Have you noticed any similarity with the new-gen Wrangler? Well, of course, because the 2019 Renegade features the identical LED headlights as the iconic SUV. Still, don’t expect these LEDs to be a standard part of the equipment. No, we are probably dealing with some higher trim level. The restyled front bumper looks completely different due to a pair of fog lamps which are relocated. The big concern is lack of tow hooks. Though, the off-road version of the subcompact will likely host a few of them. The grille has been tweaked too, but you can see that by yourself.
Interior Update
Inside, the refreshed 2019 Jeep Renegade hosts a new infotainment screen. It’s the 8.4-inch touchscreen, though this is going to be just an option. The screen comes almost alone, as the SUV lost most of the buttons. The subcompact seems to have a new climate and a few new driving assist features.
Engines: Rumors and The Truth
As for the powertrain changes, frankly, we don’t expect as big changes as some reports have announced lately. According to them, the 2019 Renegade could get a vanilla flavor, which includes a new 2.0-liter Hurricane engine. In addition, the crossover will reportedly get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combines an electric motor and a four-cylinder. Both options are possible, but we really don’t expect them before the arrival of the new-generation Renegade. Instead, the facelifted model will stick to the current choices, which include a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
The new Renegade subcompact SUV seems to be ready for its debut. However, we don’t expect to see it at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, because the carmaker wants to introduce the updated Cherokee there. Instead, the smaller brother will have to wait for the next big show.
