The Renegade has been a hugely successful car for Jeep, bringing the brand into the compact SUV market where it has won the affections of many buyers for its rugged appearance, trademark seven-slot grille and urban-friendly performance. It stands out, because in this segment of the market there are very few cars with genuine character and the Renegade has it in spades. Since its debut in 2014, the Renegade has evolved to offer improved technology, enhanced efficiency, and a broader range of powertrains, including electrified plug-in hybrid variants.
The Jeep Renegade appeals thanks to its rugged character and unmistakable styling, practical cabin, and broad range of engines and trims. While it may not offer the largest boot or the plushest interior in its class, it compensates with solid equipment levels, an iconic brand and an appealing blend of urban manoeuvrability and adventurous character.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew Jeep Renegade prices start from around £30,500 for the entry-level Altitude model, climbing to £39,000 for the high-spec 4xe Trailhawk plug-in hybrid.
There are no full petrol or diesel models currently available following a range rationalisation in 2024, but there are plenty on the used market.
On the used market, hybrid and PHEV models can be found from roughly £15,000, but as the Renegade is an established model there are plenty of earlier cars available for less, with 2014/15 models available from under £5,000.
The Renegade has offered a diverse selection of engines over its long production life. If buying new, then hybrid or plug-in hybrid are your options.
The plug-in hybrid 4xe models combine a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, resulting in a total output of either 190bhp (for the Limited and S trims) or 240bhp (for the Trailhawk). All 4xe variants are equipped with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox, providing acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in between 7.5 and 7.1 seconds, depending on the model. The hybrid system supports up to 26 miles of electric-only driving (WLTP), adding an efficient and eco-friendly option to the Renegade range.
In addition to the plug-in hybrid, the current Jeep Renegade line-up includes a mild hybrid model. This version pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a small electric motor and a 48V battery, producing a combined output of 130bhp. The mild hybrid system assists during acceleration and allows for limited electric-only driving at low speeds, particularly in stop-start traffic. The mild hybrid Renegade uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
For those preferring petrol, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo (2014-24) produces 120bhp and 190Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in approximately 11.2 seconds. Alternatively, the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol comes in two versions: a 130bhp option with a manual gearbox and a 150bhp variant with an automatic transmission, the latter achieving 0 to 62 mph in around 9.4 seconds.
On the diesel front, the 1.6-litre MultiJet II (2014-2022) delivers 130bhp and 320Nm of torque through a six-speed manual gearbox, reaching 0 to 62 mph in just under 10 seconds.
All Renegade models are front-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available on select versions – notably the Trailhawk and all 4xe plug-in hybrids.
The Renegade’s upright driving position and large glass area provide good all-round visibility, but it has fewer camera systems than many more modern rivals.
The steering is light and responsive and, while not as sporty as some rivals, the smallest Jeep still feels secure and stable at higher speeds. The plug-in hybrids and Trailhawk models add four-wheel drive for extra traction in poor conditions or for off-road use, as befits the Jeep badge.
Despite its boxy design, the Renegade is based on a compact car platform and, as such, rides comfortably over most surfaces.
The independent suspension copes well with bumps and potholes, while body roll is more pronounced than on similar-sized car models, but it handles well for an SUV. The Trailhawk and 4xe variants offer genuine off-road ability, including increased ground clearance and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system – unusual among compact SUVs, most of which have no real off-road credibility.
The rugged exterior theme of the Renegade continues into its cabin, which has a robust feel and is full of Jeep’s signature styling cues. It’s certainly a cheerful place to spend time and all of the controls are chunky and have a solid feel.
The dashboard features a seven-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system (depending on age and model), with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range on post-2020 models.
Soft-touch materials feature on upper trims, though harder plastics are present lower down. There’s ample headroom and legroom for all occupants, though, with rear seats suitable for adults on shorter journeys. There are ISOFIX mounts on the outer rear seats for affixing child seats.
Luggage capacity stands at 351 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,297 litres when the 60:40 split rear bench is folded. While not the largest in class, the space is square and practical, with a flat load floor. The tailgate aperture is wide and well-shaped, making loading easy. In-cabin storage is generous, with large door bins, multiple cupholders, and a useful compartment beneath the centre armrest.
The plug-in hybrid variants sacrifice some underfloor space to accommodate the battery but remain practical enough for most.
Standard equipment on the entry-level Longitude (up to 2024) includes dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring. From Limited upwards you get a larger touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, heated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. Options include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and advanced driver assistance packages. Over-the-air updates are available for the infotainment system on newer models.
For 2025 in the UK, the Jeep Renegade is offered in four trim levels: Altitude, Summit, Overland and Trailhawk, plus S 4xe. The entry-level Altitude features essentials like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring. Stepping up to the Summit adds a larger touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, heated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The Trailhawk trim is tailored for off-road enthusiasts, with all-terrain tyres, hill descent control, underbody skid plates, and additional driving modes. The S 4xe, focused on plug-in hybrid technology, has a similar trim level.
Previous trim levels are Longitude, Night Eagle, Limited, S, and Trailhawk, each following a similar pattern of specification.
Longitude models are well-equipped as standard, while Night Eagle features black exterior accents for a sportier look. Limited adds luxury and safety features, S focuses on a more dynamic appearance, and Trailhawk is the go-to for off-road enthusiasts.
Popular optional extras include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and off-road-inspired styling packs.
Colour choices include Alpine White, Carbon Black, Colorado Red, Bikini Blue, and Sting Grey, with further customisation available through contrast roofs and alloy wheel designs.
The Jeep Renegade achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in its most recent test (2019), scoring 84% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection.
Standard safety features include multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and electronic stability control. Higher-spec models add adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Not all of these features are available on older models.
Owner reports suggest solid reliability, bolstered by Jeep’s increasing focus on quality. The standard warranty runs for three years or 60,000-miles, while the hybrid battery is warranted for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
The 1.0-litre petrol returns up to 44.8 mpg (WLTP), while the 1.3-litre petrol achieves between 41-44 mpg. The 1.6-litre diesel is the most efficient of the non-hybrid models, averaging up to 57.6 mpg (WLTP). The 4xe plug-in hybrid models claim combined figures of up to 141 mpg (WLTP) and emit as little as 44 g/km CO2, although real-world results depend on regular charging and journey length.
Annual road tax is £195 for all models, although pre-2018 versions use the old CO2-based road tax system, meaning diesel models cost as little as £35 a year.
Service intervals are typically every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with Jeep’s warranty covering three years – or up to five years with extended plans that you can add at purchase.
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