What is it?
The Renegade sits between the Sport and Limited models in the US Liberty range, which we know as the Cherokee. As it's the US that gets the Renegade, it comes with a 210bhp 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine and Jeep's Selec-Trac II four-wheel drive system. With chunky tyres, front and rear bash plates and a towing hook, this model is aimed at those who want an off-the-peg off-roader.
Why's it here?
America is a big country and plenty of customers still want a Jeep that can cope with the great outdoors. The Liberty Renegade gives them a ready-made solution as it comes with all of the essentials for tackling the rough stuff. There's also a choice of paint colours and enough luxury kit - such as air conditioning and a standard sunroof - to make it viable as an everyday, year-round car.
Show stopper or floor filler?
It's a close call, this one. Details such as 'driftwood accented bezels' have our Tacky Alarm bells sounding in every direction. We're also more than sceptical when a car maker lists a boot cover as a key selling point. However, the Liberty Renegade will appeal to a certain slice of US buyers who want or need a capable off-roader, though you could save the cash and simply buy the Liberty Sport that is almost as adept in the rough stuff.
Alisdair Suttie - 12 Jan 2010