[GoodCaptain]

I'm posting this because I found it a touch decision to choose between these to Jeeps.

My history: Currently own a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Sold my 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland and bought a 2015 SRT 392 Charger, but winter is here and we need 4X4. Meanwhile we traded the 392 for a Hellcat, which should be here for the spring. We get snow here in Carmel, NY, sometimes up to 24 inches as we're 900 feet above sea level.

Renegade: We love the look and personality. We decided that the limited would be best. No real off-roading, and the limited is actually a great value with a lot of extras, leather and heated seats and such. Comfort is really amazing for something this size. The issues we found were simple: This thing needs more power. At 65 MPH you really can't get much out of it in a downshift, though it'll make noise. I found the lack of power bordering on a safety issue. This thing is also LOUD, though not as loud as my Wrangler (with a hardtop bolted on), it's still a lot of wind noise to contend with. My wife basically said, "Hmmmmm." in a worried tone once we got it up to highway speeds.

Jeep Cherokee: I'll cut to the chase; this is what we bought. For roughly 3500 dollars more, we bought a 2016 Cherokee Altitude edition with cold weather and navigation. Compared to the Renegade this car is very quiet and fast. 0-60 comes in 6.3 seconds (sport mode) and the whole ride feels very plush. It's not far behind my Overland. Wind noise is barely there and the overall comfort is much higher. The Cherokee feels downright sophisticated in ride quality. The big 8.4 UConnect is also a worthy feature.

The Renegade is the car I'd buy if I still lived in Queens NY or Manhattan. It's smaller, better on gas and still roomy. But it's not what I'd want to drive on any interstate drives. It beats the Cherokee on personality and it has a certain X factor. But if you can pony up a bit extra cash, the Cherokee will get you a much more substantial and comfortable car. Drive them both on the highway and this becomes readily apparent. Of course this only applies to a upper trim level Renegade vs. a V6 Cherokee.

Summary: Consider how you'll use these cars. The Renegade is a great package, but it's down on power (as is this class in general). The Cherokee is a step up, but it obviously costs more and is larger. The wind noise alone was enough to dissuade us, but that's also because we do a bunch of highway driving. As an "around-town" car, the Renegade is pretty slick.


Get an Altitude and you may even grow to like the looks of the odd Cherokee.

Robert

 

[JMunoz]

I'm posting this because I found it a touch decision to choose between these to Jeeps.

My history: Currently own a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Sold my 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland and bought a 2015 SRT 392 Charger, but winter is here and we need 4X4. Meanwhile we traded the 392 for a Hellcat, which should be here for the spring. We get snow here in Carmel, NY, sometimes up to 24 inches as we're 900 feet above sea level.

Renegade: We love the look and personality. We decided that the limited would be best. No real off-roading, and the limited is actually a great value with a lot of extras, leather and heated seats and such. Comfort is really amazing for something this size. The issues we found were simple: This thing needs more power. At 65 MPH you really can't get much out of it in a downshift, though it'll make noise. I found the lack of power bordering on a safety issue. This thing is also LOUD, though not as loud as my Wrangler (with a hardtop bolted on), it's still a lot of wind noise to contend with. My wife basically said, "Hmmmmm." in a worried tone once we got it up to highway speeds.

Jeep Cherokee: I'll cut to the chase; this is what we bought. For roughly 3500 dollars more, we bought a 2016 Cherokee Altitude edition with cold weather and navigation. Compared to the Renegade this car is very quiet and fast. 0-60 comes in 6.3 seconds (sport mode) and the whole ride feels very plush. It's not far behind my Overland. Wind noise is barely there and the overall comfort is much higher. The Cherokee feels downright sophisticated in ride quality. The big 8.4 UConnect is also a worthy feature.

The Renegade is the car I'd buy if I still lived in Queens NY or Manhattan. It's smaller, better on gas and still roomy. But it's not what I'd want to drive on any interstate drives. It beats the Cherokee on personality and it has a certain X factor. But if you can pony up a bit extra cash, the Cherokee will get you a much more substantial and comfortable car. Drive them both on the highway and this becomes readily apparent. Of course this only applies to a upper trim level Renegade vs. a V6 Cherokee.

Summary: Consider how you'll use these cars. The Renegade is a great package, but it's down on power (as is this class in general). The Cherokee is a step up, but it obviously costs more and is larger. The wind noise alone was enough to dissuade us, but that's also because we do a bunch of highway driving. As an "around-town" car, the Renegade is pretty slick.


Get an Altitude and you may even grow to like the looks of the odd Cherokee.

Robert

Not to sound mean, but this post would probably be better suited on a Cherokee page. I come here to know about Renegade only.

Glad you enjoyed your purchase. I honestly do freeway driving and the noise wasn't as bad as I read about... Also, the Cherokee was way too large and I hate trying to find parking for bigger vehicles.

 

[jgarcia8735]

I too was torn between the Renegade and the Cherokee. For me, I prefer smaller vehicles with a unique look. I did like the Cherokee a lot, but seeing them everywhere made their polarizing looks a bit more subdued and also it was more vehicle than I really need for myself. I don't regret my purchase, and like that the aftermarket also is gaining a ton more traction for the Renegade vs the Cherokee.

 

[robewil]

Not to sound mean, but this post would probably be better suited on a Cherokee page. I come here to know about Renegade only.

I have to disagree. I, for one, like getting different perspectives. It's not like GoodCaptain was bashing the Renegade. He merely gave out his personal point of view of why he chose the Cherokee.

 

[B440]

No manual transmission in the Cherokee...

 

[GoodCaptain]

I like the Renegade. It has its place.

But the wind noise and ride quality is course and hard for some to handle. We test drove a Trailhawk and Limited. We were impressed by how much room these little cars have. But the noise is constant and in any kind of crosswind, the car is buffeted badly. Now EVERY car has some wind noise. But the Renegade was too much like our Wrangler in this respect.

The engine is another problem. This is NY and cars that do 0-60 in 9 seconds are like food for the lions. At 65 mph the Renegade has very little left and I consider that a liability. The Renegade could do with 30hp more and some extra torque.

We just couldn't see the Renegade as a "whole car." It felt very much like a niche product while the Cherokee, even at a moderate trim level, is far more substantial. After owning the top level GC Overland I may be a bit spoiled, but I don't mind roughing it in the Wrangler. The Renegade needs some rough edges smoothed out. More HP would be a move in the right direction. The overall design if the car is otherwise terrific.


Robert

 

[SteveZ]

I like the Renegade. It has its place.

But the wind noise and ride quality is course and hard for some to handle. We test drove a Trailhawk and Limited. We were impressed by how much room these little cars have. But the noise is constant and in any kind of crosswind, the car is buffeted badly. Now EVERY car has some wind noise. But the Renegade was too much like our Wrangler in this respect.

The engine is another problem. This is NY and cars that do 0-60 in 9 seconds are like food for the lions. At 65 mph the Renegade has very little left and I consider that a liability. The Renegade could do with 30hp more and some extra torque.

We just couldn't see the Renegade as a "whole car." It felt very much like a niche product while the Cherokee, even at a moderate trim level, is far more substantial. After owning the top level GC Overland I may be a bit spoiled, but I don't mind roughing it in the Wrangler. The Renegade needs some rough edges smoothed out. More HP would be a move in the right direction. The overall design if the car is otherwise terrific.


Robert

Good luck with the Cherokee. It's a good car and finding one that fits well can sometimes be challenging.

For me, the Renegade is definitely not a "whole car," but instead is a "whole vehicle." I need a vehicle which runs strong over unpaved county roads and farm roads, handles 70MPH interstates well, takes twisting roadways without undue sway, holds two people and three dogs comfortably, and does this all without strain. The Renegade definitely is not a car, but a multiuse vehicle.

For me, the differences between tne Cherokee and Renegade came down to length and style. My vehicle normally hauls just my spouse and me, once in a while two-three dogs as well, and a weekly run to a horse farm with a granddaughter. The Renegade is a great "Goldilocks" fit for me, and the additional garage space is a plus.

Have to disagree with the need for additional horsepower/torque, but that's always a personal choice. The 2.4L engine does quite well for me, especially on the 70MPH Interstates here. True, the 0-60 won't set records, but the Renegade hasn't let me down yet.

At least we can agree on Jeep as a brand. The Cherokee was #2 on my short list.

 

[wyliec]

I find my Limited as comfortable as my 2013 Charger with AWD and 6 cylinder. The wind noise in my Limited is the same as it was in the Charger, negligible. I also don't feel like I'm taking my life into my hands getting into the flow of traffic on the highway. Everyone has their own perceptions, and preconceptions.

 

[GoodCaptain]

I find my Limited as comfortable as my 2013 Charger with AWD and 6 cylinder. The wind noise in my Limited is the same as it was in the Charger, negligible. I also don't feel like I'm taking my life into my hands getting into the flow of traffic on the highway. Everyone has their own perceptions, and preconceptions.

I just traded my 2015 SRT 392 Charger for a Charger Hellcat and have plenty of time behind the wheel of the Charger 5.7 AWD Max.

The windshield of the Renegade creates wind noise due to the angle. Same for ANY vehicle with such an arrangement, just like my Wrangler. All you have to do is google "Renegade wind noise" and the threads are plentiful. Same goes for the Wrangler.

What this comes down to is what you're used to. YOU may consider the noise levels negligible, especially if you haven't traveled in quiet cars.

There's nothing subjective about this. The noise is there, whether you find it objectionable or not. The lack of power is also very real, even if you don't care about it. Try getting onto some of the ramps here in upstate NY without a reasonable amount of grunt and good luck. When the Renegade gets more power, as it likely will, we'll hear nothing buy happy comments from buyers. 0-60 in 9+ seconds is bad enough, but the inability to get out of its own way at highway speeds is a safety concern IMO. The Renegade needs a HP bump.

The Renegade is about as fast as a 2010 Prius. Even so, I nearly bought the Renegade. It's a very appealing car. But when we test drove the Cherokee it was a whole other level of car and the cost was too close to the Limited Renegade.


Robert

 

[CLShifter]

No manual transmission in the Cherokee...

Yup, that's enough of a decision-maker right there. If they hadn't offered a manual Renegade, it wouldn't have even been on the radar.

 

[lamont]

But the wind noise and ride quality is course and hard for some to handle. We test drove a Trailhawk and Limited. We were impressed by how much room these little cars have. But the noise is constant and in any kind of crosswind, the car is buffeted badly. Now EVERY car has some wind noise. But the Renegade was too much like our Wrangler in this respect.

It's something I actually don't mind. I'm funny that way. For some reason I found the Suzuki SJ4 I was driving in the Canaries for few weeks rather interesting. I was driving in sandstorms and under high wind conditions much of the time. Loud as can be with its cloth top and yet, I really liked this rattletrap. The noise added character. It's not a quality I'd enjoy in a quiet sedan, but in a more truck-like vehicle, I'd rather see it as a virtue than as a shortcoming.

 

[GoodCaptain]

It's something I actually don't mind. I'm funny that way. For some reason I found the Suzuki SJ4 I was driving in the Canaries for few weeks rather interesting. I was driving in sandstorms and under high wind conditions much of the time. Loud as can be with its cloth top and yet, I really liked this rattletrap. The noise added character. It's not a quality I'd enjoy in a quiet sedan, but in a more truck-like vehicle, I'd rather see it as a virtue than as a shortcoming.

I can agree with this. But since we already had the rough-&-loud Wrangler (even more wind noise than the Renegade), we figured one car was enough!

The fellow saying his Charger has the same wind noise must be driving in a vacuum because it's simple physics and wind effects are reduced on a raked windshield. I've had my SRT 392 Charger to 160 MPH, so I've heard some wind!

The size of the cars is closer than some realize. Width and height are very close, but the Cherokee is a little over a foot longer and weighs about 300 lbs more (depends on trim). But then the Cherokee adds nearly 100 HP and 45 lbs of all-important torque. I'm 6'3 and the Cherokee was also a better fit for longer legs, just short of my Overland in fact!

The reason for this thread is simple: Test drive both cars if you can swing the extra coin. I'd say the same for those buying a Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee.


Robert

 

[wyliec]

The fellow saying his Charger has the same wind noise must be driving in a vacuum because it's simple physics and wind effects are reduced on a raked windshield. I've had my SRT 392 Charger to 160 MPH, so I've heard some wind!

There's more to reducing noise than just the rake of the windshield. I had a 1970 Challenger, 440 6-pack, and that was a plenty noisy car, and that rake was probably closer to what it was on my Charger. Internal noise can be reduced by the integrity of the fitment of the panels. In any case, the pic. you posted of your vehicle looks good; I'll give you that.

Just as an aside, before I head out this morning, check this out. I hope the link is correct. It's just meant to show 0-60 times.

I deleted the link; it was incorrect.


Have a good day. I do consider where I live is upstate NY.>

 

[wyliec]

I tried reposting the link, and it keeps showing a BMW time. In any case, the 0-60 time was 7.9 seconds for the 2.4 in a Jeep Renegade.

Here's a different link. You'll just have to click one more step for 0-60 times.


http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/jeep/renegade/renegade_1_4wd/2015.html

Someone had said your original post didn't belong here. It actually does. This gets the banter going.

 

[bwbike]

Enjoy your new Cherokee, Captain. It appears that it will fill your needs. And enjoy your new HC Charger when you get it (by the way, its exhaust won't be quiet. . .). Kudos for staying with FCA vehicles.

I agree that the Renegade could use more power. 100 hp more sounds about right for me. However, the present 2.4L in the Trailhawk is adequate for most situations for me. I still have my Challenger Scat Pack to drive when I want power.

I didn't consider the Cherokee primarily for two reasons. Firstly, I really dislike the front end treatment (sorry). The look of the Renegade is just perfect and is unmistakenly a Jeep. Secondly, I wanted a smaller vehicle. The 1 foot you describe would take up precious room in my garage that I use for the motorcycle. And the Renegade interior seems large to me (I wouldn't want or need anything bigger).

 

[GoodCaptain]

Agree...

I didn't consider the Cherokee primarily for two reasons. Firstly, I really dislike the front end treatment (sorry). The look of the Renegade is just perfect and is unmistakenly a Jeep. Secondly, I wanted a smaller vehicle. The 1 foot you describe would take up precious room in my garage that I use for the motorcycle. And the Renegade interior seems large to me (I wouldn't want or need anything bigger).[/QUOTE]




Who likes the front end of the Cherokee???! ;-)
I was able to get beyond it with the altitude black-out treatment of grill and the matching trim and wheels. But frankly both the Renegade and Cherokee are offending some Jeep purists all over. I say to them; TOO BAD! These new Jeeps make a heck of a lot more sense and are simply better Jeeps.
If you want the purist "Jeep experience" do what I did and buy a Wrangler. With the too down and doors off, it's a blast...but talk about wind noise! It's like driving inside a hair dryer!

I really think the Renegade needs a small power bump. Another 30 HP or so would make it a nicer ride. I really love what they did with the interior, though Jeep needs to stop it with the white/cream leather that almost demands seat covers. Legroom is excellent for such a small Jeep.

For longer drives I really think MOST larger vehicles are better, which is to be expected.

As for acceleration times, Car & Driver got 9.1, but the Trailhawk and Limited we tested felt slower. There is very little passing power, or ability to throttle out of a sticky situation at speed. This is where the Renegade needs some work, but it's a very new design, so it will certainly evolve.

It's snowing here in NY. My wife went to work in the Cherokee and I'm happy she's in a Jeep. I'm taking my son out toy shopping, then out for lunch and I'm happy we'll be in the Wrangler. Jeeps are a good thing...but tonight I'll be dreaming about my Hellcat.


Robert

 

[Grape Julius]

I debated between Cherokee, Renegade, and Wrangler. I eliminated Wrangler early because I'm on the road a lot and it's just too uncomfortable on long trips (not to mention the poor gas mileage).

Between Cherokee and Renegade, the decision came down to 2 things: size (I preferred smaller) and style. I really, really dislike the rounded look of the Cherokee. I know that's the automotive trend, but to me, Cherokee doesn't stand out from any number of other vehicles with the same dimensions. Too reminiscent of a mini-Van (albeit one on steroids).

I still think the Cherokee is a great vehicle. And, of course, all of the above is just one person's opinion: another person could look at the same two vehicles and complain about how boxy and unappealing the Renegade is compared to the sleek, modern curvature of the Cherokee. But I wanted style to go along with my 4WD, and to me, Renegade is one of the best looking vehicles on the road today.

 

[Mead]

I didn't consider the Cherokee primarily for two reasons. Firstly, I really dislike the front end treatment (sorry). The look of the Renegade is just perfect and is unmistakenly a Jeep. Secondly, I wanted a smaller vehicle. The 1 foot you describe would take up precious room in my garage that I use for the motorcycle. And the Renegade interior seems large to me (I wouldn't want or need anything bigger).

Who likes the front end of the Cherokee???! ;-)
I was able to get beyond it with the altitude black-out treatment of grill and the matching trim and wheels. But frankly both the Renegade and Cherokee are offending some Jeep purists all over. I say to them; TOO BAD! These new Jeeps make a heck of a lot more sense and are simply better Jeeps.
If you want the purist "Jeep experience" do what I did and buy a Wrangler. With the too down and doors off, it's a blast...but talk about wind noise! It's like driving inside a hair dryer!

I really think the Renegade needs a small power bump. Another 30 HP or so would make it a nicer ride. I really love what they did with the interior, though Jeep needs to stop it with the white/cream leather that almost demands seat covers. Legroom is excellent for such a small Jeep.

For longer drives I really think MOST larger vehicles are better, which is to be expected.

As for acceleration times, Car & Driver got 9.1, but the Trailhawk and Limited we tested felt slower. There is very little passing power, or ability to throttle out of a sticky situation at speed. This is where the Renegade needs some work, but it's a very new design, so it will certainly evolve.

It's snowing here in NY. My wife went to work in the Cherokee and I'm happy she's in a Jeep. I'm taking my son out toy shopping, then out for lunch and I'm happy we'll be in the Wrangler. Jeeps are a good thing...but tonight I'll be dreaming about my Hellcat.


Robert

The more you post the more your negative intentions comes out.

You created an account at Jeeprenegadeforums to put down the Renegade. Clear and simple. It's too slow and noisy for you, "accelerates like a Prius". Cherokee is better. Yes, more expensive vehicles then to be better LOL. It's not rocket science.

The Renegade doesn't fit your lifestyle, got it. So instead of adding something constructive to this forum, we get a glimpse of your awesome lifestyle with a Hellcat Wrangler Cherokee fleet... via Renegade discussion forum posts.

 

[B440]

There is very little passing power, or ability to throttle out of a sticky situation at speed. This is where the Renegade needs some work, but it's a very new design, so it will certainly evolve.

I think I've been spoiled by the turbocharged engine's torque. It puts out 170lb-ft from 2500rpm; right in the middle of the average rpm driving range. This translates to exactly the opposite of what you posted.

239lb-ft from the 3.2 V-6 is pretty sweet, but it happens way up at 4400rpm, which isn't as useful. Although, if we looked at a graph of the torque curve, it may have 170lb-ft at 2500rpm.

 

[GoodCaptain]

I debated between Cherokee, Renegade, and Wrangler. I eliminated Wrangler early because I'm on the road a lot and it's just too uncomfortable on long trips (not to mention the poor gas mileage).

Between Cherokee and Renegade, the decision came down to 2 things: size (I preferred smaller) and style. I really, really dislike the rounded look of the Cherokee. I know that's the automotive trend, but to me, Cherokee doesn't stand out from any number of other vehicles with the same dimensions. Too reminiscent of a mini-Van (albeit one on steroids).

I still think the Cherokee is a great vehicle. And, of course, all of the above is just one person's opinion: another person could look at the same two vehicles and complain about how boxy and unappealing the Renegade is compared to the sleek, modern curvature of the Cherokee. But I wanted style to go along with my 4WD, and to me, Renegade is one of the best looking vehicles on the road today.

Here's my view on this...

So far as "style" goes, I can't get too wrapped up when it comes to a Jeep I'm buying primarily for capability. I put my family in these cars and thus style is way down the list for importance. Which is the more capable and versatile machine?

Here's how I rank the Jeeps:

#5 Compass/Patriot
This is old tech and previous generation Jeep. I wouldn't take one for free! Terrible for tall drivers and dated in every respect.

#4 Wrangler (or #1 if you truly off-road or need this capability)
Though it's often used for regular driving, this is not a great all-around car. It's loud, course and vague at higher speeds. It's a RWD Jeep until you pull the 4X4 lever and then it takes some skills to get the most out of it. Rear seats are poor and putting the soft/hard tops on/off is always a bit of a workout. The Wrangler is still one of a kind and to many people it's the ONLY real Jeep. We love ours!

#3 Renegade
I've gone over it, but a quick summary: Brilliant(!) use of interior volume and a fashionable look make this a Jeep many will fall for. Underpowered, buzzy and loud, it could stand some refinement. This is a great Jeep for the city dweller who doesn't drive long distances too often. True 4X4 capability makes it a standout, especially if you can buy one in the 23-26K range. It has no competition at that price point for the class.

#2 Cherokee
Nearly as comfortable as the Grand Cherokee and nicely powered by the 3.2 271 HP V6, this Jeep offers a very quiet and smooth ride that is surprising. Like the GC with a V8, this is a very capable Jeep for long drives with minimal fatigue. You also get the 8.4 Connect NAV system, which is among the best around. Get the Altitude version and it's pretty slick looking as well. Sweet-spot is the 29-35K range. After that consider the Grand Cherokee Overland.

#1 Grand Cherokee Overland
The absolute best, superior to a Q7 or X5 and a Jeep that checks every box. With the 5.7 and air suspension, this thing is a joy to be in and it can get you out of almost any mess. We miss ours, but we'll likely buy another one when it gets a refresh.

And totally unrelated...The SRT 392 I just traded for the Hellcat...which should be here in the Spring...

Robert