Jeep’s smallest model has a new uplevel engine for 2019, one that brings to mind the revered and diminutive Suzuki Samurai of the late 1980s. That model also housed a 1.3-liter engine, though the Suzuki’s mill boasted, in a manner of speaking, just 63 horsepower.
The Jeep Renegade’s new 1.3-liter four-cylinder isn’t likely to remind anyone of ’80s featherweight Japanese utes.
Turbocharged, direct injected, and equipped with standard electronic stop/start, the 1.3L found as standard equipment on the 2019 Renegade Limited and Trailhawk generates 177 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Buyers of base Sport and mid-level Latitude models also have the option of outfitting their rig with this tiny engine.
As a replacement for the 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder, the 1.3L unit is a global engine, with active grille shutters (not available on Trailhawk) adding further economy to the overall package. The only transmission available is a nine-speed automatic. For budget-minded buyers, the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder remains in place at the bottom rungs of the Renegade ladder.
We’ve described the subtle yet meaningful appearance changes coming for 2019 already, with a rejigged fascia, grille, and front and rear lighting adding a teaspoon of menace to a package that’s difficult to refresh. For the coming year, Renegade’s Advanced Tech Group includes adaptive cruise control, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist Plus, and front park sensors. There’s also new colors on the paint palette and new wheel designs to select from. Jeep’s My Sky roof remains available, as does an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The biggest news remains the new engine, which is second only to Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder in the Tiniest American Engine Competition. Compared to the three-pot’s 123 hp and 125 lb-ft, however, the Jeep mill’s power figures won’t have buyers worried they’ll be left struggling on steep grades. Compared to the engine it replaces, the 1.3L boasts 17 extra horses and 16 additional lb-ft of twist.
Sadly, we can’t judge the efficiency of the engine at this point in time. The EPA has not yet handed down its MPG verdict for the 2019 Renegade.
[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
Put tiny engines in all the fake Jeeps as desired, just put the Hemi in the new Jeep pickup and everyone will be happy. I wouldn’t even have to think about that purchase, I might even trade a Hummer in for a V8 Jeep.
How is this a “fake Jeep”?
It’s really more of a Fiat.
Fiat platform. Made in Italy.
@Garret,
Actually, build quality is great on this Italian thing. And I like all the high-quality switchgear. This thing assembled so much better than Cherokee
That doesn’t necessarily surprise me, but at the end of the day, it really should wear a Fiat badge.
I actually sort of like the 500X a bit more though.
Ironically this new tiny engine is actually a real hemi, while the FCA V-8 “hemi” is actually a wedge combustion chamber with the “hemi” label as pure marketing.
Out of all the “tiny utes” on the market right now this Renegade actually boasts some real off-road credibility with it’s best in class 4X4 system. This is the only small SUV/crossover I would consider
My point exactly.
My sister rented one a few weeks ago and loved it. She was a fan of the Samurai back in the day and wanted to buy one but was nudged away because of the infamous CR review.
While wonderful functionally, Renegade has a lot of internal issues and your sis might be right. I was waiting for 2019 but for my points, I think, nothing is fixed
The total gear ratio (1st * Final) is quite good at this transmission (just a shade under 20), but I heard that the AWD system was the most troublesome part of the overall package. It even includes a little electric motor for whatever reason, which of course is apt to fail. You’d think that a solenoid to drive clutches would be more appropriate, but.
Too bad – the “cat anus” taillights were the most endearing thing about it.
Heh… I always thought they looked like old Galaxie 500 lights.
Sounds like the 1.3t will be the eventual replacement for the 2.4 motor. Seems like a nice amount of HP/Torque, just wonder how the NVH is since the Tigershark doesn’t do particularly well with that.
2018-177 hp from a 1.3 litre engine. Flashback to a 1980 Corvette w/305 5.0 litre…180 hp.
Technology marches on, right?
Lets put it this way, 1.3 is not big departure from 1.4. I always liked this car. The form and the function are perfect. It is quality built, with all the nice control and interior pieces, comfortable seats, etc. But for me, problem was that manual was only avail with 1.4 ever hard-working mill and drinking Premium while not providing great efficiency. I thought, Jeep could not do wrong by upping the game to 1.8T on regular gas. Instead they go back a bit. But huge step back abolishing manual gearbox. This effectively kill my interest. Bye Renegade.
Does this mean no manual transmission will be offered in the Renegade going forward?
Yes, yes, yes, yes
Garrett: The 500X styling is cleaner than this neither fish-nor-fowl thing (an odd combination of box and strange, small curves). Perhaps this engine is a decent one, at least.