Used 2021 Jeep Renegade

The 2021 Renegade subcompact SUV is the smallest model in the Jeep lineup. It competes with rivals like the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and Hyundai Kona. One thing that distinguishes the Renegade is its off-roading potential, something it shares only with the Subaru Crosstrek.

Admittedly, the Renegade is no Wrangler (although its tough and boxy design isn’t far off), and its 2-wheel-drive (2WD) platform is based on an Italian-made Fiat. But opt for a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) version, especially in Trailhawk form, and the Renegade has respectable off-road talents.

Its tidy size, agility, and cool design are also appealing. The Renegade’s $24,000-plus starting price is relatively high, but this year sees active safety features like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance become standard at the lowest Sport trim level.

The Renegade is at its best in the city or out in nature. Two contrasting habitats, sure, but allow us to explain. The Renegade’s small size, tight turning radius, and nimble handling make life easy in congested places like busy cities. And as we’ve already said, a 4-wheel-drive Renegade can scamper through sand, mud, and snow, and even over rocks. Driver-adjustable modes optimize it for these various conditions.

For long, highway-based commutes, think about something a little larger and more substantial. In the Jeep family, that would mean a Compass (the least-expensive brand-new Jeep) or Cherokee. Or head to the Subaru dealership for a Crosstrek, which comes with all-wheel drive, has more standard ground clearance than a Renegade and offers a manual transmission — something the Renegade ditched a few years ago.

Both powertrains are adequate. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder has 180 horsepower, which is strong for the class, but the Renegade is also relatively heavy. With 210 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder alternative packs more punch.

With either engine comes a 9-speed automatic transmission. It hasn’t been our favorite in the past (test drive a Mazda CX-3, Kia Soul, or Hyundai Kona for comparison), but it’s improved over time.

The Jeep Renegade is a 2-row/5-seater subcompact SUV. Just one look at its exterior dimensions is enough to figure out that the rear seat can be tight for adults, but most of its rivals aren’t any roomier. And the Renegade’s squared-off design translates to an airy cabin with plenty of headroom.

Up front is a high seating position and good outward vision. The driver’s seat is comfortable, and the optional power-adjustable version makes it easy for most body types to find a position that works.

Behind the rear seats is 18.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.8 cubic feet when they’re folded. Both numbers are respectable considering the Renegade’s diminutive size, but the Honda HR-V has them beat.

Another cool feature is the folding front passenger seat to accommodate long items like a surfboard. Small details like mud-splatter graphics on the tachometer and some “Easter eggs” (like the tiny bug graphic on the windshield and the map of Moab in a Trailhawk cubby lining) are just plain fun.

All the usual Jeep attributes are in evidence, like the round headlights, 7-slotted grille, short overhangs for rock climbing, and a generally rugged vibe. It’s as if the Renegade is a greatest-hits mixtape taking parts from the iconic Wrangler and the luxurious Grand Cherokee, all shrunk down to a tidy package just under 14 feet long. Its angles and upright glass area even “sample” from the Willys MB of the 1940s.

Yet the Renegade still manages to be more modern than retro, with plenty of black trim and curving surfaces. And check out the cool “X” in its taillights derived from army jerrycans.

The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is arguably the best-looking of the bunch. It has the highest ground clearance at 8.7 inches (matched by the Subaru Crosstrek) and distinguishing elements like red tow hooks front and rear. The Trailhawk and Limited models stand out further with black roofs (instead of body-colored).

SELEC-TERRAIN
Similar to the advanced 4-wheel drive systems found in Land Rovers, the Jeep Renegade’s system allows the driver to choose from up to five settings; Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and — in Trailhawk trims — Rock. The Trailhawk also includes hill descent control and a 20:1 rock crawl ratio.

TURBOCHARGED 1.3-LITER ENGINE
Although it makes 177 horsepower compared with the base engine’s 180, it makes more torque: 210 lb-ft. This extra thrust is more easily felt in everyday driving and is a particular boon when driving off-road. It’s optional in the Latitude, standard in the two higher trims.

Trim levels are Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. The Sport includes power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels. This year brings more standard features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance, plus an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and satellite radio.

That’s much more equipment than last year, but we’d still recommend stretching to Latitude trim for automatic on/off headlights, cornering fog lights, illuminated vanity mirror, 2nd-row USB port, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a premium-wrapped (simulated leather) steering wheel (sounds trivial, but it’s the thing you’re always touching). It’s also eligible for more options.

The most off-road-worthy and toughest-looking Renegade is the Trailhawk. It also includes the turbocharged engine, 4-wheel drive with a low-range crawl setting, terrain-select with Rock mode and hill descent control, skidplates, full-size spare wheel/tire, and tow hooks. This model doesn’t come with forward-collision warning/automatic emergency braking.

Limited and Trailhawk trims also have a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather seating surfaces, heated steering wheel/front seats, 115-volt outlet, remote engine start, and keyless entry/ignition.

This year’s new editions start off with the Jeepster, based on Sport trim, but adding 19-inch alloy wheels, remote start, and various cosmetic details. The 80th Anniversary Edition augments Latitude trim with Granite Crystal-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Berber mats, and a few other additions. The Islander Edition, also based on the Latitude model, has a dual-pane sunroof and some Hawaiian-themed touches.

Other options include a 9-speaker Kenwood premium audio system (not in the Sport, sadly), adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and parallel/perpendicular parking assistance (Latitude and Limited).

Sport and Latitude versions of the 2021 Jeep Renegade come with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Limited and Trailhawk trims have a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is optional in Latitude trim.

The first two trims have front-wheel drive (2WD) as standard; 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional. But the Limited and Trailhawk versions have full-time 4-wheel drive as standard.

A 9-speed automatic is standard across the range. Four-wheel-drive versions can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 1.3-liter turbo engine can run on 87-octane regular gasoline, but 91-octane premium is recommended. This engine also has a stop/restart system that cuts power at idle. If it becomes irritating, a button (below the transmission lever) turns it off.

2.4-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (2WD), 21/29 mpg (4WD)

1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
177 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
210 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (2WD), 23/29 mpg (4WD)