The popular Jeep Renegade compact SUV, in production since 2014, has received another update for the South American market. Despite sales ending in the US in 2023, the model continues to live on other continents. For Brazil, a facelift for the 2027 model year has been presented, which includes exterior changes, a completely new dashboard, and for the first time in this market — a hybrid powertrain.
Updated Exterior Design
Externally, the Renegade has received redesigned front and rear bumpers, as well as new plastic body cladding. According to Jeep representatives, these changes are not just aesthetic: they improve the approach and departure angles and increase the overall vehicle length to 4,270 mm. The classic seven-slot grille has also been slightly modified — aerodynamic inserts have now appeared in its center.
The rest of the body remains virtually unchanged, the lighting technology is carried over from the previous 2022 facelift. As before, buyers can personalize their vehicle with Mopar accessories, such as roof rails or side steps.
New Flagship Willys Trim
The Willys trim, which was previously a limited series, now replaces the Trailhawk at the top of the model range. It is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive and features red accents on the bumpers, characteristic decals, and new 17-inch alloy wheels shod with all-terrain tires.
Completely New Dashboard
The biggest changes have occurred in the interior. The designers drew inspiration from the larger Jeep Compass. The dashboard is completely redesigned: new trim pieces have appeared, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system is now positioned higher for better readability. Wireless smartphone integration is now standard, and select trims feature an updated infotainment system with connected services and the integrated Alexa voice assistant.
The list of updates also includes ventilation outlets for rear passengers and a wireless smartphone charger with a cooling function. The level of standard equipment has also increased: even the base Altitude trim now starts with dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a rearview camera.
First Hybrid for South America
While the European version of the Renegade has offered a plug-in hybrid (4xe) and a mild hybrid (e-Hybrid) for several years, the South American market made do exclusively with internal combustion engines. The situation has changed with the 2027 model year update.
The Longitude and Sahara trims have received an enhanced version of the 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, which now works in tandem with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power remains at 176 hp, and torque is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Jeep, this setup improves urban fuel economy by 7% and reduces CO2 emissions by 8%.
The base Altitude and top Willys retain the conventional 1.3-liter turbo engine without a hybrid component, capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol. In the Willys version, this unit is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that includes a low-range gear, a locking rear differential, and five driving modes: Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock.
Pricing Policy and Model’s Future
The updated Jeep Renegade is already available for order in Brazil. Prices have even decreased compared to the predecessor. The starting price for the Altitude trim is R$ 129,990. The mid-level Longitude is priced at R$ 158,690, which is R$ 7,000 less than the previous model. The Sahara trim costs R$ 175,990. The flagship Willys is offered for R$ 189,490, matching the price of the discontinued Trailhawk.
This facelift aims to maintain the Renegade’s competitiveness amid Jeep’s preparations to launch the even smaller Avenger model in South America, production of which is also planned in Brazil. An all-new generation of the Renegade is expected to debut in Europe by 2027, reaching South American markets closer to the end of the decade. The model will transition to the new Stellantis platform and, according to the latest data, will offer several powertrain options, as the company has abandoned an exclusively electric future strategy for this model.
The Jeep Renegade update for the Brazilian market clearly demonstrates Stellantis’s global strategy: to extend the life of proven models in markets where they remain in demand, gradually introducing electrification. Lowering the starting price while adding new technologies makes the vehicle more accessible and modern, which is critically important in the fight against new competitors. The parallel preparation for the launch of the smaller Avenger indicates the brand’s desire to cover all segments of compact SUVs in the region, offering a choice between a more familiar, updated model and a completely new one. The success of this strategy will largely depend on how quickly the new generation Renegade, being prepared for the European market, can replace the current, already quite aged, platform.