Jeep Renegade 2027: The Viral Concept That Reimagines the Forgotten SUV

Ah, the Jeep Renegade. For many, a loyal companion on urban adventures and beyond. But let’s be honest, the current model, launched back in 2014, is already showing its age, isn’t it? Especially outside the markets where it still shines, like Brazil, its absence in the US and Canada since 2023 has left a void and a certainty: a refresh is urgently needed.

The good news is that Jeep has already confirmed: we’ll have a new Renegade in 2027! And with promises of electrification and a starting price in the US under $25,000. But while the official brand hasn’t revealed everything yet, a talented digital designer, Marco Maltese, decided to give us a glimpse of what the future might hold. And I have to say, his vision got me pretty excited.

The Current Renegade: An Icon That Needs to Reinvent Itself?

Since 2014, the Renegade has carved out its space with a friendly look and off-road capability in a compact package. It was a pioneer in the compact SUV segment, which today is packed with fierce competitors. Like other SUVs aiming to stand out, the original Renegade had its fans, but age has arrived.

Despite some visual updates over the years, the basic design stayed the same, increasingly looking like a memory from a past era compared to more modern models on the market. This longevity, or rather the lack of a major change, motivated independent designer Marco Maltese to imagine a new approach.

Digital Boldness: How Did Marco Maltese Envision the Future?

Maltese didn’t wait for the official reveal and created a digital concept that keeps the Renegade’s compact footprint but swaps its curves for sharper, more angular lines. It’s a look that screams modernity and ruggedness at the same time. The pronounced fenders and rising beltline give a futuristic stance that I personally found very interesting. Like other models looking ahead, Maltese’s proposal is bold.

Up front, the classic round lights gave way to semi-circle LED graphics, a trend seen in various modern SUVs, from the Land Rover Defender to new Chinese models. Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille remains, flanked by robust plastic cladding on the bumper that references the brand’s off-road heritage. The rear stays upright but features thinner LED taillights and a sturdy skid plate that mirrors the front’s visual.

And it doesn’t stop there! Maltese also sketched the interior, imagining a modern digital cockpit and smart storage solutions spread across the dashboard and center console, borrowing some clever space-utilization ideas from the smaller Jeep Avenger. It proves good design goes beyond the shell.

Under the Hood: The Electrified Revolution for 2027

When the new Renegade arrives in 2027, the change won’t be just skin deep. Jeep is expected to ditch the old FCA Small Wide 4×4 platform and adopt Stellantis’ latest architecture. The STLA Small platform emerges as a strong candidate, offering the needed flexibility to house combustion engines, mild-hybrid systems, and crucially, fully electric powertrains. This is a clear trend in the market, where electrification is rapidly advancing.

Looking at its platform siblings, the next Renegade could come equipped with Stellantis’ 1.2-liter turbo engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. This setup even paves the way for an all-wheel-drive version, thanks to an electrified rear axle similar to the one used in the Jeep Avenger 4Xe. And the news that excites me most: a fully electric powertrain has been officially confirmed, following paths already taken by the Avenger and the electrified Compass. The future is electric, and SUVs like the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country showcase the off-road potential of this technology.

The Battleground: Where Will the New Renegade Compete?

The scenario for the 2027 Renegade’s arrival varies greatly depending on the market. In the US, where compact SUVs aren’t as numerous as larger models, it will be one of the few remaining choices. It’s an interesting positioning that might attract those seeking something smaller and more agile.

In Europe, the story is quite different. The segment is crowded with heavyweight competitors, from the Dacia Duster and Peugeot 2008 to the Citroën C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera, VW T-Cross, Hyundai Kona, and many more. It’s a tough ring, where SUVs like the 2025 GMC Terrain also seek their space with varied price points and capabilities. The new Renegade will need to arrive strong and with clear differentiators to stand out in this sea of options.

Key Competitors in the European Compact SUV Market

• Dacia Duster
• Peugeot 2008
• Citroën C3 Aircross
• Opel Frontera
• VW T-Cross
• Hyundai Kona

Frequently Asked Questions about the Future Jeep Renegade

1. When will the new Jeep Renegade be released?
   Jeep has confirmed the new generation will launch in 2027.
2. How much will the 2027 Jeep Renegade cost?
   Jeep indicated a starting price in the US under $25,000. Prices for other markets have not been announced yet.
3. Will the new Renegade have electric versions?
   Yes, Jeep officially confirmed the new generation will offer hybrid and fully electric powertrain options.
4. What platform will the 2027 model use?
   It’s expected to use Stellantis’ new STLA Small architecture.
5. Is the digital concept design official?
   No, the design shown is an independent rendering by artist Marco Maltese. The official look will still be revealed by Jeep.

I, personally, found Marco Maltese’s vision for the 2027 Renegade fascinating. It captures Jeep’s rugged essence but projects it into the future with modern lines and the promise of electrification. The challenge will be turning this vision into reality, maintaining the off-road capability the brand values while adapting to an increasingly electrified and competitive market. If Jeep manages to deliver a car with the bold look of the concept and the promised powertrain options at an affordable price, I’m sure the Renegade will once again become a global favorite.

And what do you think of this concept for the future Jeep Renegade? Leave your comment below and share your opinion!