Jeep Renegade Deserthawk, Altitude to Debut in L.A.
CARS.COM — Jeep fans who don’t find the Renegade rough ‘n’ rugged enough may find two new special editions of the small off-road SUV more suited to their rebellious spirit. The 2017 Renegade Deserthawk and Altitude, both set to bow next week at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, take the respective platforms of the Trailhawk and Latitude and amp up the attitude.
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One synonym for “renegade” is “deserter,” and the Deserthawk embraces that term in all senses. Available in the model-exclusive Mojave Sand color (as well as Alpine White, Anvil and Black), the Deserthawk rocks 17-inch black wheels, hood and rear-body-panel decals, rock rails, skid plates, and signature red front and rear tow hooks. Inside are black leather seats with contrast stitching and accents, all-weather floor mats, a cargo tray mat, a backup camera and a 7-inch multimedia display.
All that’s in addition to the Deserthawk’s all-terrain capabilities, which mirror those of the “regular” Trailhawk edition. That desert-ready 4×4 performance comes courtesy 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill descent control, up to 19 inches of water fording and a standard 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Deserthawk will swoop into dealerships in January, at a starting price of $29,135, including a $995 destination charge. That’s compared with the regular Trailhawk, which starts at $27,640 with destination.
The Altitude, meanwhile, elevates the offerings of the Latitude model, starting with an aggressive, all-black-all-the-time color scheme. All regular Latitude paint jobs are available, but the 18-inch wheels are blacked out and gloss-black accents adorn the exterior, including the front and rear badges, grille rings and taillight rings. The Altitude doesn’t lighten up on the inside, either, with black cloth seats, high-gloss black finishes and Metal Diamond accents throughout on key touch points such as the shifter knob and door handles.
Like its mild(er)-mannered alter ego, the Altitude is available either with a 180-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, or a 160-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual. It comes with a backup camera and keyless entry.
The Altitude raises the Latitude’s starting price by about $895 to $23,385, including destination, and arrives in showrooms later this month.
Check back for more coverage before and from the floor at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
