Jeep’s Lineup Faces Changes with the Discontinuation of the Renegade in the North American Market
Photo Source: Stellantis
The Jeep Renegade will not return to the United States for the 2024 model year, as mentioned in a news article on Automotive News. The small crossover has become less popular since its debut almost ten years ago (2014). The Fiat-based SUV, marketed as a full-fledged Jeep, experienced a peak in sales in 2017. Even though the Renegade was promising upon its launch, the SUV segment is ever changing and consumer interest has ebbed and flowed over the years.
Jeep’s decision to discontinue the model reflects the need for a full redesign and a more compelling offering in the small crossover segment. Indeed, the off-road brand is pulling the plug on its bite-sized introductory-level model in most of North America, promoting the slightly more expensive Compass to the role with its starting price of $30,000 MSRP (Plus destination fee).
Stellantis’ Plans
Stellantis announced to Automotive News that it will continue to offer the Renegade in Europe, Mexico, and other markets. The SUV shares a platform with the Fiat 500X. The spokesperson declared that the vehicle’s departure will allow the automaker to concentrate its resources on growing models in the United States. The decision to pull the plug on the Renegade comes as the automotive segment adjusts to the EV transition, while Jeep looks to better cater to consumer needs going forward. Sales reached an all-time high of over 106,000 units in 2016, just after the Renegade went on sale.
This is the second Jeep to be dropped in recent years, following the Cherokee when that model’s plant was idled. Jeep is expected to fire up its lineup in the coming years with electric vehicles including the Wagoneer S and the smaller Recon scheduled to debut in 2024.
The 2024 Jeep Compass Sport is now the most affordable model in the lineup. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, accelerating up to 200 horsepower and delivering 221 pound-feet of torque, that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Renegade is slightly less expensive, beginning at $29,445 MSRP (Plus destination fee), with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine hiding under the hood.
Early Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the related models comes earlier than expected as Stellantis retools its Melfi Assembly Plant in southern Italy for five electric vehicles as well as a new Jeep Compass expected for the 2025 model year. The Compass compact crossover will be made with hybrid and electric powertrains. The Renegade was expected to finalize production in 2025 and was planned to be succeeded by an electric variant, but it appears Jeep has accelerated its transformation to an electrified lineup.
Standard features include blind-spot monitors, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warnings. Moreover, standard convenience features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. A ten percent discount through the end of the year (2023) sweetens the pot for the Renegade, but the manufacturer priced it out of the market and has whittled down the lineup in recent years in preparation for the end. For example, last year (2022), Jeep discontinued the entry-level Sport trim.
Even though the Renegade is no longer being imported, there is potential for Jeep to revisit the segment with a more compelling and competitive product in the future. The discontinuation of the Renegade could pave the way for a new and improved offering from Jeep. If you are curious about what else the brand has to offer, please come visit Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Do not forget we have a trained service team that can help with an online appointment to get started on all maintenance work and repairs. After all, we know what it takes to provide a worthwhile experience.