2020 Jeep Renegade | Review & Road Test

For the latest Jeep Renegade pricing and information:

The Renegade is Jeep’s smallest model, competing with the likes of the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek.

Crossovers were traditionally built on car chassis, where SUVs built on those of trucks, but these days, even the tough SUVs are unibody construction, so for our purposes here, I’m going to espouse that an SUV has a little more ability on dirt than others. The Renegade has that. Or can, depending on how you order it.

It’s no Wrangler, but it’s tough and boxy design reminds us of that icon. Its 2-wheel-drive platform is based on a Fiat. But if you opt for a 4-wheel-drive model, especially in Trailhawk form, the Renegade has respectable off-road cred.

Its mini-me size, dexterous manners and cool design, add to its appeal. The Renegade fits in small spaces and makes for a great city car. The drive is comfortable, if a bit unrefined and the 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine packs a deft punch. The base model sports a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (180 hp) and even that is one of the most powerful of the base models in this segment.

The 9-speed automatic transmission isn’t doing it any favors, however, especially this turbo charged engine. Confused gear selection and turbo lag equal uneven power delivery in quick acceleration situations.

If you grab a 4-wheel-drive Renegade, this small Jeep can actually conquer some sand, mud and small rocks with driver-adjustable modes that optimize it for such obstacles, including one for snow. But if the Rubicon Trail is in your plans, stick to the Wrangler Rubicon.

If your commute is more marathon than sprint, you might want to opt for something a bit more substantial and comfortable. That means a Compass if you’re a Jeep devotee. But for the Renegade, the seats can be had with power adjustment and aren’t the worst we’ve sat in. In that category, that prize is a tie between the Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport.

The Jeep Renegade is a 2-row/5-passenger SUV, and even from the outside you can assume the rear seat isn’t super large and can be tight for normal sized adults. But its boxy nature also means delightful headroom.

The Renegade’s cargo space (18.5 cubic feet; Behind first row: 50.8 cubic feet) falls in mid pack among the competition. One cool party trick, the front-passenger seat folds down to accommodate long items.

It’s not fancy in here, but pretty well laid out. The seating position can be set up high, which affords excellent visibility. Overall, there’s solid utility in here, with Jeep’s Uconnect system elevating things. Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will cost extra until you get to the Latitude trim level.

To not having those standard I say look out for a newbie like the Chevy Trailblazer, which is a bit bigger and offers tons of standard features you can’t get here for less than $20,000.

Round headlights? Check. Seven-slotted vertical grille? Check. Rugged looks? Check. Short overhangs for rock climbing? Check. The 2020 Jeep Renegade looks like its namesake, but with plenty of modern urban touches.

Jeep’s Renegade comes in four main trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The least expensive Renegade Sport includes the basics like power windows, air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels and cruise control. The basic infotainment system is as tiny as the Renegade itself, a 5-inch touch screen. Adding the Uconnect 7.0 Group package or stepping up to the Latitude trim may not be the worst idea you’ve had.

It also includes features like dual-zone climate control, illuminated vanity mirror, 2nd-row USB port and premium-wrapped steering wheel.

The most off-road-worthy and toughest-looking Renegade is the Trailhawk. And it really bests everything else out there in this category with 4-wheel-drive and low-range crawl setting. The Trailhawk (1.3L turbocharged 4-cyl engine) also includes terrain-select with Rock mode and hill-descent control, skidplates and tow hooks.

Top of the line Renegade Limited models like this one include leather interior, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel and front seats, and remote engine start.

For 2020, all trims can be optioned with active safety and driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These are important, but they’re not standard, and unfortunately for Jeep most of the competition offers them as such.

The Renegade’s approximately $23,800 starting price is higher than competitors in the segment. And on the high end of the purchasing spectrum, a Renegade Trailhawk or 4-wheel-drive Limited model is around $30,000, but option it out like this tester and that’s closer to $36,000.

SUV? Crossover? Both? I’ll let you decide, but whatever you’re in the market for, depending on how you option it, the Renegade could have you covered for just about anything.

[Poler]

If you are tall with long legs....say hello to the best fitting small crossover out there. I'm 6'4 with 36" inseam, and the Renegade has tons of real world legroom.

[BigDexMedia]

I have a Jeep Renegade and it brings so much pleasure and smile to my face when I stare at it. Feels comfortable, really smooth, and looks really good.

[marciapilote]

Nobody ever talks about reliability in those reviews which is the most important thing for me when I buy a car.

[randy]

Just bought my 2nd Renegade. Love the utility, view out the front, height above ground. Love the rugged looks not as ugly as the Soul and not the same look as other small SUVs. I have two neighbors that have Renegades, my block looks like a Jeep Dealership, but I first to own one back in 2018.

[i.mauricionavarromtz]

My wife and I brought our Trailhawk version in 2017 and it has been a great car. It so civilized for the city and when we want to drive it off of the road it’s totally capable. One of the best mini SUV’s out there for sure.

[DJE]

I've had my 1.3 Auto Limited since March (Germany). Love it. The Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist are amazing on the Autobahn - best feature ever on a car. Infotainment is intuitive and no lag. Would highly recommend.

[BrendanMacWade]

Over 5 years old now. But not a bad city car. It took a long time for FCA to replace that 2.5L "multiair" motor. It's better than before, although the 9-speed transmission still doesn't behave. I'd skip the Compass. The Regegade interior has more gadget storage and personality. The Trailhawk version has a really good suspension setup so it can keep up with old Jeeps and the base Wranglers.

[Dreamllama]

I love the renegade. It’s fun and I find a lot of SUVs to be somewhat boring mom cars. The renegade stood out to me because it markets more as an “adventure car”, and if you plan to off-road part of the time but need a decent commuter it’s the one to get. If you’re buying a Renny the one to get is the Trailhawk because it’s the best subcompact suv for offroad.

The main issues with the engine/oil aren’t great but at the same time aren’t common. That being said, I like mine a lot.

[eulalibitnkoy]

Just got my Jeep Renegade and here loving it every single day ❤❤❤

[RobertTrombley-gl]

Had one for seven years, 1.4 multiair petrol, been reliable bar the odd daylight running bulb blowing, a regular service and you will be fine.got over 75k on the clock now.

[FCisThePunisher]

Sells like crazy in Europe. Jeep got 100% right!!

[briannavarrete]

"Suv?"
"Crossover?"
Scotty Kilmer: *Money pit*

[drivinginthedcbaarea]

Can we talk about how Lyn is wearing a coat in June? 😆

[fuffthebucks]

I always find it hilarious to see southern californians wearing jackets as if it's cold outside

[babajan]

It almost looks like " fake taxi" from outside

[Tanktaco]

Most powerful in the segment?
CX-30?

[StreetsAhead]

I love how Lyn and Micah inject their personalities in their reviews.

[AirBudProMax]

Rock bottom is cross shopping a Chevy Trax and a Ford Ecosport.

[hey.hombre]

FYI Before you purchase a Jeep Renegade it will not have a spare tire kit (spare tire, jack, lug wrench). If you try to purchase a spare tire you can only get them through a Mopar/Jeep dealer or parts outlets. But they are on backorder until late 2021 or early 2022. We have a 2020 Jeep Renegade Latitude and I searched the internet, called tire outlets, junk yards and a few Jeep/Mopar dealers and the kits are on backorder through the dealers and Mopar parts. So for the time being I'm going to by a regular size tire and aluminum rim to have as a spare. I'm going to get them from Discount Tire or Big O. I might even check out a Llanteria for a used tire and rim..

[iluvdangaboy]

I dont get why this gets so much hate. I love my Latitude 4x4 and I definitely didn’t pay $30k