New Jeep Renegade SUV prices announced

Jeep has announced prices for the 2018 Jeep Renegade, with the entry-level petrol Sport model kicking off the range at £19,200.

Details of a facelifted and refreshed version of the current model were announced in June, with the updated version benefitting from new engines, upgraded technology, up-to-date safety and driver assistance features, and a few nip-and-tuck design changes. The new small SUV will continue to challenge rivals like the Suzuki Vitara, Mazda CX-3 and Dacia Duster when it arrives in September.

Available in four trim levels (Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk), the new Jeep Renegade is powered by a range of engines, which now includes two petrol options and three diesels. The Longitude models start at £21,700, while the Limited trim level starts at £24,400. The top-spec Trailhawk model with the range-topping 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel and four-wheel drive is £30,805.

A 118bhp 1.0-litre is the smallest of the petrol engines and is the only option offered in the basic Sport model. By moving up to Longitude trim, you get the choice of a 1.3-litre petrol with 148bhp. Diesel options consist of a 118bhp 1.6-litre or a 2.0-litre with either 138 or 168bhp. Official economy and emissions figures haven’t been released yet, but all engines are now compliant with the latest Euro 6/D regulations. Both two- and four-wheel drive models are available, along with a six-speed manual and two automatics, depending on configuration.

The Jeep Renegade gets a technological makeover for 2018; there’s a 5.0-inch or 8.4-inch screen for the uprated Uconnect infotainment system depending which trim level you choose. The larger of the two features sat nav and the option of Jeep Skills, an app that can be used to monitor the driver’s off-road driving. It’ll give guidance when tackling tough terrain, as well as displaying information like oil pressure, steering angle and g-forces.

Carbuyer's best small SUVs to buy in 2018

Safety is improved with the addition of lane-departure warning, intelligent speed assist and traffic sign recognition systems as standard on all models. An optional and improved automatic park assist system features, along with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross detection.

On the styling front, Jeep has been fairly restrained with changes; evolutionary touches include new LED headlights like those on the latest Jeep Wrangler, a slection of new alloy wheel designs, and re-worked front and rear bumpers. The car’s interior is likely to stay much as it was before – filled with surprise-and-delight touches.

What does the new Jeep Renegade mean for car buyers?

The Jeep Renegade has always been a leftfield small SUV choice, but also a practical one – if you need to tackle farm tracks, muddy fields or snow, the Jeep’s great four-wheel drive system is amongst the best in the class – and now it looks set to get better.

Rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and Mini Countryman are better to drive on-road and the great-value Dacia Duster is hard to ignore at this price-point, but the Jeep Renegade’s stand-out styling, practical boxy shape and go-anywhere credentials mean there are plenty of potential customers. The more economical entry-level petrol option also improves its appeal. Watch out for our full review when we get our hands on it later this year.

Jeep has recently announced that it has nine new models in the pipeline, one of which looks set to be an electrified version of the Jeep Renegade due before 2022.