Hello from NJ, USA

Welcome. I am a proud NJ Renegade owner.

I have a 4x4 latitude. Didn't get the trailhawk because I mostly use the car for commuting. The latitude feels great on the highway. High stance, smooth ride. The only issue is a little bit of wind noise over 50mph, but I can live with it.

It feels safe and sturdy while going at high speeds... especially coming from the Civic I used to drive.

I am not sure how the TH handles, but I hear that it is a little bit of a bumpier ride. I think as long as you get 4x4, you should be okay with light off-roading.

Thanks!

I will spend half my time commuting on the Parkway, and half my time using on weekends for things like fishing, biking, etc. Throwing boats on the roof rack, bike rack on the back... so not a true off-roader per se, but I definitely plan to get it dirty.

I test drive the latitude for short while a few weeks ago - the one thing I didn't liek was that the transmission felt a little jumpy... I could feel each gear change and it wasn't smooth. What's your experience with accelerating, either from stop or on the highway? is it smooth?

I want to test drive the Trailhawk to see how that feels. I'm leaning towards the Trailhawk because I like the styling and to offroad capability.

Transmission was a tad jumpy at first, especially in low gears. Not too bad anymore... I hear that the transmission "learns" your style. I love the drive... honestly, look forward to drivin it everyday and have had it for almost 2 months.

That's music to my ears, thank you!!!

CornerTavern said:

Hello - I am a new member and a current Jeep (2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo) owner... seriously looking at the 2015 Renegade Trailhawk...

any advice? How do they feel to drive? How do they feel on the highway?

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I just drove my Trailhawk on the highway on a 400 mile roadie. I test drove the Latitude and the TH before purchasing, and nothing on that long drive home (in a torrential downpour, no less) made me regret going with the TH. Steering, ride feel, visibility, comfort, and mpg were all outstanding.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Renegade styles, but personally, I wanted the highest degree of off-road capability possible. A Wrangler isn't practical for me or my lifestyle, but the Renegade Trailhawk accomplishes much of what the Wrangler can, along with everything it can't (gas mileage, comfort for long road trips, etc). True, I'll probably have to hold off on navigating Black Bear Pass, but short of that, but I really like the fact that the TH has fewer off-road limitations than some of the other models.

Basically, you never want to put yourself in a position where you have to wistfully think "if only" 3 or 4 months into a vehicle financing term.

"Steering, ride feel, visibility, comfort, and mpg were all outstanding."
again, music to my ears,

and regarding the off-road capability, that's pretty much where I am - an Wrangler is impractical, but I want the Renegade to give me as much offroad capability as i can get. between the NJ winters recently, and hiking/biking type activities, i know i'll need it.

CornerTavern said:

"Steering, ride feel, visibility, comfort, and mpg were all outstanding."
again, music to my ears,

and regarding the off-road capability, that's pretty much where I am - an Wrangler is impractical, but I want the Renegade to give me as much offroad capability as i can get. between the NJ winters recently, and hiking/biking type activities, i know i'll need it.

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I have a few friends in the Cedar Grove/Verona area in Jersey and head back that way now and again; let me know if you come across any good trails.

Beyond that, if you live in North Jersey, then you already know--the traffic is a huge, huge consideration with anything you buy (only place I've ever been where a construction speed zone was more "if you feel like it" than an actual rule). I actually felt unsafe trying to merge onto the interstate in Jersey in my super slow Jeep Patriot years ago. You won't have that problem with either the TH or the Latitude--they won't win a drag race, but they have more than enough pep to hold their own in metro driving. And their maneuverability is something to behold.

Good luck with your decision, and keep us posted!

Spiff said:

I have a few friends in the Cedar Grove/Verona area in Jersey and head back that way now and again; let me know if you come across any good trails.

Beyond that, if you live in North Jersey, then you already know--the traffic is a huge, huge consideration with anything you buy (only place I've ever been where a construction speed zone was more "if you feel like it" than an actual rule). I actually felt unsafe trying to merge onto the interstate in Jersey in my super slow Jeep Patriot years ago. You won't have that problem with either the TH or the Latitude--they won't win a drag race, but they have more than enough pep to hold their own in metro driving. And their maneuverability is something to behold.

Good luck with your decision, and keep us posted!

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"(only place I've ever been where a construction speed zone was more "if you feel like it" than an actual rule)" ... LOL, very true.

Regarding the visits to NJ and trails - sure i can recommend, but what are you looking for?

And besides, the best time to come out and visit is around Nov 14th, 2015 when the Huskers are here to play Rutgers! : )

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regarding my decision, hopefully I can test drive one today after work... fingers crossed!

CornerTavern said:

"(only place I've ever been where a construction speed zone was more "if you feel like it" than an actual rule)" ... LOL, very true.

Regarding the visits to NJ and trails - sure i can recommend, but what are you looking for?

And besides, the best time to come out and visit is around Nov 14th, 2015 when the Huskers are here to play Rutgers! : )

* * * * * *

regarding my decision, hopefully I can test drive one today after work... fingers crossed!

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That's right--forgot about the Husker game in NJ this fall! Welcome to the BIG (college football can't get here fast enough). I don't know if you're a Sirius Radio fan, but on the drive home from the dealership, I was surprised to find out that one of the perks of ownership is a free subscription to Sirius for a full year, which includes broadcasts of all Big Ten football games, Stern, and a lot of other stuff I never knew I wanted until I had it.

For trails, I'll take any recommendations you have whenever you get a free second, but don't worry about it until you have time. Right now you've got your hands full making this decision, and like I said, I really don't think you can go wrong. Hope the test drive goes well.

CornerTavern said:

Hello - I am a new member and a current Jeep (2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo) owner... seriously looking at the 2015 Renegade Trailhawk...

any advice? How do they feel to drive? How do they feel on the highway?

Click to expand...

Why not visit a dealer and take a test drive? Ok, it won't be the same as someone passing their comments on it, but at least you can a taste of it.

My Trailhawk drives fine on back roads or the highway. It's comfortable and smooth. I haven't experienced any problems a few on here have reported. And there isn't anything that I don't like about this car.

I have a Latitude, it's great! The wind noise does bother me, so that's been an interesting time w/my dealer. However, make sure you at least drive the one you will buy and make sure it doesn't have any gremlins that some of us are finding on this forum. The short list is probably...

1. Wind noise, take it up to 80MPH. True NJ speed limit lol
2. Transmission jerkiness. A smooth right foot seems to help mine out a lot Of course though, wide open throttle merging in NJ is excellent and smooth. It seems to be a problem at lower speeds and "feathering"
3. Make sure car is not in "demo mode"
4. Check doors for proper gasket placement and stoppers.

Great vehicle for NJ though! Especially when you have to pop over a curb to get to your exit. Oh lord have mercy on Route 1 :-D

/codev

There are some quaint dirt roads in Chester if you are looking for time off of asphalt with your new Jeep.

CornerTavern said:

Hello - I am a new member and a current Jeep (2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo) owner... seriously looking at the 2015 Renegade Trailhawk...

any advice? How do they feel to drive? How do they feel on the highway?

Click to expand...

I currently have a Trailhawk on order and I'm waiting for it to get here so I don't have too much to say...However, I test drove a Latitude and a Trailhawk and I definitely prefer the Trailhawk. Even though the Trailhawk is only 0.8" higher than the other Renegades, you can certainly tell the difference. It feels more "truck-like" going down the road and I like it. I guess it depends on what you're looking for though. Either way, I say definitely sit in both on the same day and drive them if you can. And make sure you play with the little flashlight in the back of the Trailhawk, that's what sold me