2015 Jeep Overview
For serious off-roading enthusiasts who prefer dusty trails and rock-strewn washouts to quiet streets and stress-inducing traffic snarls, such things brings to mind a certain four-letter word. Of course, that word is
Jeep, maker of the
Wrangler,
Wrangler Unlimited, and
Grand Cherokee-three models that have changed little for 2015, save for new equipment packages and, in the case of the
Grand Cherokee SRT, a modest boost in power. The relative newcomer, the
Jeep Cherokee, has been updated on a similar scale, and now offers an efficient start/stop assist system as well as improved safety technology.
Also returning for 2015 are Jeep's crossovers, the
Compass and
Patriot, both of which arrive with a few upgrades of their own. More significant is the debut of the
2015 Jeep Renegade, an all-new small crossover aiming to grab shoppers' attention with the marque's rugged styling complemented by genuine off-road capability and an estimated 30 mpg.
All-new in 2014, the uniquely styled Jeep Cherokee returns for 2015 with a few key upgrades, most notably a fuel-saving start/stop assist system for vehicles equipped with the optional 3.2-liter V-6 engine and a Safety Tec package consisting of a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, rear park-assist sensors, and heated turn signal mirrors. The company has also fitted a forward-collision warning system improved with crash mitigation, and a standard rearview camera on all but the entry-level Sport trim level. In addition to the Sport, Cherokee shoppers also have their choice of Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk variants, all featuring a standard 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
What's New
- Available start/stop assist
- Standard rearview camera on Latitude and Trailhawk
- Safety Tec package
- Ventilated/Memory Seat package
- Improved forward-collision warning system
- Nepal upholstery color
For 2015, the small Jeep Compass crossover is largely a carryover model from 2014, with the exception of a new interior dome light that replaces a removable and rechargeable flashlight, Eco Green paint in lieu of Rugged Brown, availability of an optional navigation system extended to the mid-level Compass Latitude, and the introduction of a High Altitude package comprised of leather upholstery, power moonroof, unique 17-in. alloy wheels, and a power driver's seat with 6-way adjustment.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) versions are offered and are powered by a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
What's New
- Dome light replaces removable flashlight
- Eco Green paint color
- Navigation system now optional on Compass Latitude
- High Altitude package
Positioned atop the Jeep lineup, the Grand Cherokee has received subtle changes for the 2015 model year, including noise-cancellation technology in the luxed-out Summit variant and a more powerful V-8 for the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT (now producing 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque). There are also a couple of new equipment packages: the Summit California Edition features Platinum Chrome exterior accents and Satin Carbon 20-in. alloy wheels, and the Red Vapor Special Edition dresses the SRT with Black Chrome alloy wheels, red interior and engine trim, and an illuminated SRT logo on the steering wheel.
What's New
- Summit California Edition package
- Noise-cancellation technology added to Grand Cherokee Summit
- More powerful V-8 for Grand Cherokee SRT
- Red Vapor Special Edition package (SRT)
Essentially a boxier version of the Jeep Compass, the 2015 Jeep Patriot's tweaks mirror those of its fraternal twin and include a new Eco Green paint color, the use of a dome light in place of last year's removable flashlight, broader availability of the optional navigation system, and the addition of a High Altitude package that boasts leather upholstery, power moonroof, power driver's seat, and 17-in. alloy wheels.
What's New
- Eco Green paint color
- Navigation system optional on Patriot Latitude
- Dome light replaces removable flashlight
- High Altitude package
There's a new member of the Jeep family for 2015, one that adopts a name from the company's past. Dubbed Renegade, this small crossover carves out its place below the larger Jeep Compass. In keeping with the brand's other nameplates, the 2015 Jeep Renegade is available in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels with two optional 4WD systems. Under the hood is either a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that generates 184 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic.
What's New
- All-new compact SUV
- Jeep-estimated to deliver up to 30 mpg
- FWD or 4WD
- Choice of two 4-cylinder engines
- Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels
- Two available 4WD systems
- 5-passenger seating
- Up to 50.8 cu. ft. of cargo space
- 2,000-lb. maximum towing capacity
- Optional blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning systems
- Available 6.5-in. touch-screen infotainment system
- Removable panoramic roof panels
The iconic Wrangler (2-door) and Wrangler Unlimited (4-door) models, like most other Jeeps, see relatively minor enhancements as they enter the 2015 model year. Among the changes are a new standard 8-speaker audio system including an overhead sound bar, optional 9-speaker premium sound system, and a kit that provides all the tools necessary to remove the doors, top, and even the bumper caps. As for must-have add-ons, the 2015 Wranglers offer a Black Steel and 31-in. Dueler Tire package with-as the name implies-black steel wheels and a set of Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. Jeep is also making available a Rubicon Hard Rock package highlighted by black accents, unique hood, heated front seats, leather upholstery, rocker panel and light guards, and red tow hooks.
Shoppers interested in the 2015 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited can continue to select from Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon trim levels, all of which are fitted with a 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
What's New
- Standard upgraded 8-speaker audio system
- Optional 9-speaker premium audio package
- Standard tool kit for removing vehicle doors and top
- Black Steel and 31-in. Dueler Tire package
- Available Rubicon Hard Rock Special Edition package