Tag Archives: Jeep Videos

Is The Jeep Renegade A Smaller And More Refined Wrangler?

The line between crossovers and SUVs has been blurred in recent years, as it’s not defined by the platform anymore. Nowadays, you get big high-riders with unibody constructions and small ones that still boast body-on-frame architectures, like the Suzuki Jimny.

So, where does this put the Jeep Renegade? In theory, in the crossover section, as it’s based on the Fiat 500X. In practice, depending on how you spec it, you could call it a small SUV, despite the short overhangs and sturdy looking exterior.

Watch Also: CR Gives An American Take On The 2015 Jeep Renegade

Designed to look like a smaller version of the Wrangler, the Renegade is arguably one of the best-looking high riders in the small segment. It offers impressive headroom at the back and the legroom isn’t bad either, especially with two rather than three passengers. The front seats are decently comfortable, you get enough storage spaces and new tech gear, including automatic emergency braking, cruise control and navigation system, although to benefit from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you will have to go for the higher trim levels.

The range starts with the $22,620 Sport, which packs a 2.4-liter four-pot with 180 HP and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The $24,640 Latitude has the same engine and so do the $25,270 Upland and $25,635 Altitude, whereas the $27,245 Limited is powered by the 177 HP turbocharged 1.3-liter unit. The Trailhawk and High Altitude make use of the same engine and start at $28,215 and $29,240 respectively. If you’re in the market for a Renegade, then you may want to go easy on the options, though, as it could end up costing close to $36,000, like KBB’s tester, and that is Wrangler Sport Altitude territory.

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San Leandro Rioters Stole 50 Cars From FCA Dealer, Including Nearly Every $80k Hellcat

Following our story earlier today about the ransacking of the ‘San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM SRT’ in California on Sunday night, more details on the aftermath have emerged.

In particular, the owner of the dealership revealed that upwards of 50 vehicles were stolen from the FCA dealership in the midst of wide-spread looting throghout the local Alameda County and other parts of the U.S.

Footage of the looting, triggered by civil unrest following the death of George Floyd while under police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, hit social media on Monday, showing several Dodge Challengers and Chargers being driven off the San Leandro dealer lot.

Read: Looters Raid FCA Dealership Driving Off With Hellcats, Burn AMG GT In Mercedes Showroom

San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Speaking with CBS Local, the owner of the San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership, Carlos Hidalgo, said that around 50 vehicles were stolen from the showroom and the parking lot. This included “nearly every” powerful Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Dodge Charger Hellcat model, many of which appear to have been on sale with prices ranging from just under $60,000 to upwards of $90,000. Among the vehicles stolen was a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition painted white with a blue livery and a showroom price of $90,995.

“Right now we’re thinking 50 [vehicles] … Gone,” Hidalgo said. “We have trackers on them so we’re seeing which ones are out there. They’re running around everywhere. We tried calling the cops and they were too busy. They couldn’t respond. So, you know …”

How the looters gained access to the cars

Hidalgo says the rioters gained access to a key safe, hence why they were able to drive away with the vehicles. He had instructed employees to use the dealership’s cars to block the driveways after seeing looters ransacking a Nike store across the street. However, that was not enough to stop them from gaining access to the dealership.

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During the brazen theft, looters showed a total disregard for the vehicles and at one stage, drove a Hellcat parked in a corner into two other Hellcats on either side of it before stealing it. What’s more, a Hellcat displayed on the showroom floor was driven right through the glass front windows. Many of the Hellcat models stolen look to have been brand new and were still equipped with their front splitter guards.

“It’s not a cause for anybody. This is just bad thieves. It’s horrible,” said Hidalgo. “This is domestic terrorism brought upon to people that work. That’s not right.” Hidalgo added that the theft and damage caused to his dealership will hurt the 100 people that he employs who had already been struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.