Stellantis Didn’t Have to Fumble the Jeep Renegade to Death
We hope you’re wearing black as we gather here today to mourn the loss of the Jeep Renegade. What once started as an affordable off-roader with tons of personality got too expensive without improvements. Stellantis could have kept the Jeep Renegade successful with a little effort.
Is the Jeep Renegade being discontinued?
Yes, the Jeep Renegade is being discontinued in America and Canada after 2023. The 2024 model will be available in South America, Europe, and Asia. But it will be accompanied by the new Jeep Avenger, which is somehow six inches shorter in length.
Originally, the Renegade was expected to replace the Jeep Compass, which is now the most affordable option in the Jeep lineup. It starts at $29,995. That’s a ridiculous starting price for something that’s ‘entry-level.’
The Renegade started off strong with 106,606 sales in 2016. The $15,000 starting price helped its case. Plus, the Renegade Trailhawk started as one of the most capable off-road vehicles from the dealership lot to the wild. Now, it starts at $27,850.
However, as Stellantis remained indecisive between the Compass and the Renegade, the Renegade was neglected. It hasn’t had a noteworthy update aside from enhanced tech since 2015, so it’s not surprising that sales slowed down.
Meanwhile, the Compass got updated tech, an updated Renegade platform, improved interior materials, more power, and a modern style. Even though the Renegade is the better off-roader, it feels dated in comparison.
We feel as if the Renegade was abandoned on the back burner. If it had more attention, then it could be an excellent rival to the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, and more.
We can’t even imagine the success that the Renegade 4xe could have here with its stout hybrid power. It was Italy’s top-selling PHEV in 2021.
Why is the Renegade being canceled?
The Jeep Renegade is being canceled due to a lack of sales, which we attribute to its age. Also, the Jeep Cherokee, which shares its platform, was quietly discontinued earlier in the year. The Jeep Gladiator is facing similar struggles despite being offered with significant discounts.
Perhaps Stellantis had too many balls in the air with many vehicles that share parts with the Renegade, like the Fiat 500. The Renegade outsells the Fiat 500, but it was also discontinued.
The Renegade came in at the right time and could have arguably started the rugged off-roading SUV trend. It was here before the Ford Bronco Sport (the off-roading Escape) and Toyota RAV4 TRD Pro.
In our wildest dreams, the Renegade will return on an updated platform as a compact truck. However, Stellantis seems to be preoccupied with too many irons in the fire. With a little more effort, the Renegade could be the affordable entry-level off-roader the segment is missing.
