Jeep Renegade

Back in 1988, Jeep rolled out the Wrangler Islander edition, celebrating the sun-loving nature of the droptop SUV. The Islander is back for 2021, marking the first time in 11 years it’s been offered. Along with the Wrangler Islander comes the Jeep Renegade Islander, a first for that model.

Jeep is celebrating 80 years of its brand and is doing so with a special 80th Anniversary model for each vehicle in its lineup. The Renegade, Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee all are getting the 80th Anniversary treatment.

I’m a big fan of the current Jeep Renegade. It’s a spunky little SUV with distinctively Jeep looks, and it’s surprisingly capable off-road – especially in Trailhawk form. But one thing the Renegade is not is a Comanche – at least not until now.

Two new Jeep Renegade SUV models are headed to the LA Auto Show. The first is the Renegade Deserthawk and it is based on the Trailhawk. The 4×4 gets special 17″ black wheels, unique hood and rear body panel decals, rock rails, and a trailer towing package.

Jeep and motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson (HD) have teamed up to create a show car for a European HD motorcycle rally dubbed “Hell’s Revenge.” This tricked-out Jeep Renegade got some slick custom flames on the outside, along with big Harley logos.

When Jeep first revealed the new Renegade last year, I was worried that it might not live up to the Jeep name. After all, it’s the first ever Jeep to be made in Italy, in the same plant churning out FIATs, so I thought that might be an odd fit for the brand.