Militem is an Italian coachbuilder that specializes in extensively modifying Jeep and Ram models.

The Como-based company offers exterior and interior overhauls, as well as mechanical upgrades, all tailored to the customer’s preferences.

Their latest product definitely caught our eye because it completely transforms Jeep’s smallest model, the Renegade, into something bold, luxurious and very far removed from its roots.

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Marketed as the Militem Hero, the souped-up SUV features a muscular exterior design courtesy of a higher ride height, beefier wheel arch extensions, a new grille and Militem logo at the front, as well as more aggressive bumpers.

Thanks to the massive 20-inch “Black Edition” Militem alloys shod with knobby tires and a suspension lift kit, the Hero rides 1.5-inch (38 mm) higher than the stock Renegade. Despite that, Militem says the vehicle was not designed solely for off-road use, though it’s really capable off the beaten track given the standard AWD and improved approach, departure and breakover angles. Instead, the company describes the Hero as being built “for everyday use in urban areas.”

That becomes apparent when climbing aboard the Hero: fine leather is used everywhere, including the seats, dashboard, door panels – even the trunk. According to Militem, the plastics are removed from sight almost completely, though we can still spot some of them. The interiors are built to each customer’s exact specification,s so a variety of colors, leather types and other materials are available.

Militem also improves the performance of the Renegade courtesy of some chip tuning for both the 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline four and the 2.0-liter MultiJet II turbo diesel. The former delivers 200 PS (197 hp), while the latter makes 190 PS (187 hp), an increase of 20 HP compared to the stock models.