Jeep Renegade - TopCarNews

Jeep Renegade (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Jeep Renegade is a small SUV/crossover that sits under the Compass in the Jeep family. Despite the brand name and familiar Jeep design cues, the Renegade is actually based on the Fiat 500X and is built in Italy.

The Renegade arrived in the UK in early 2015 and differentiates itself from its Fiat sister with the availability of improved off-road ability, especially in the top-spec Trailhawk model. It receive a facelift in late 2018.

It has received generally average to poor reviews from the UK media, especially more recent reviews of the facelifted model. As of December 2021, it has an Expert Rating of 49%, which is well off the pace of the best in class and ranks it only 18th out of 20 cars that we have analysed in its class to date.

The Jeep Renegade has received praise for its off-road capabilities, which are far better than most of its small SUV rivals. However, its on-road refinement is considered poor compared to the cars like the Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £22,775 on-road

Launched: Spring 2015Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 4xe plug-in hybrid“While it’s not a car that responds well to spirited driving and the interior is neither particularly practical nor upmarket, the Jeep Renegade 4xe is an interesting alternative to other plug-in crossovers, and it’s worth considering for its low running costs.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid 4xeScore: 6 / 10“There’s plenty of choice in the compact SUV segment, and with several of the Jeep’s rivals already offering plug-in hybrid power this 4xe model does just about enough to compete. It’s expensive, but rivals can’t match the Jeep’s off-road ability. Plus, it comes loaded with kit.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The looks won’t be to all tastes, but in a class of curvy crossovers, the square-edged Jeep Renegade certainly stands out. It’s also one of the few cars in the class that offers genuine off-road ability, although it comes at a slight expense to on-road performance.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.8 / 10“For buyers with a focus on off-road ability, space and practicality, and a fun sense of personality, the Jeep Renegade offers something different from the norm. However, high prices, refinement issues and a firm, bouncy ride make it harder to recommend to everyday family buyers.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic 4xe TrailhawkScore: 6 / 10“Plug-in hybrid Renegade is certainly pricey, and not so polished or rewarding to drive on the open road, but might make up for it in other ways.”
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 4xeScore: 6 / 10“Its plug-in powertrain offers a decent EV range and smooth low-speed running but is below the class standards in terms of high-speed refinement and drivability. Its on-road handling is mediocre at best, despite a decent ride. Put simply, it lacks the overall polish you would expect at this price point.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Jeep’s core values are applied to a Fiat-based compact crossover, but established rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti have set the bar rather high”
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Model reviewed: 1.0 LongitudeScore: 6 / 10“The Longitude tested here gets rear parking sensors, foglights and larger, 17in wheels over the Sport, while Limited adds rather a lot more leather.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 4xe LimitedScore: 7 / 10“Jeep claims it hasn’t compromised off-road ability in turning the Renegade into a plug-in hybrid, and it’s difficult to argue against that. But in doing so, it has probably made it a less appealing plug-in hybrid for those interested in taking a step to reducing carbon footprint, or reducing their tax liability.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual LimitedScore: 6 / 10“It’s not exactly a thriller to drive, motorway cruises will be blighted by considerable wind noise and most of the powertrains aren’t dripping with the same charm that the looks do. Keep it simple with a manual 1.0 and you’ll get the best of the pack.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic TrailhawkScore: 8 / 10“Sized to take on Mini’s Countryman and the Skoda Yeti, if you actually want to get more adventurous than the parking arrangements at Goodwood, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk will likely chew up said rivals and spit them out again. Before going on to chase down a Freelander for breakfast.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 4xeScore: 8 / 10“A plug-in hybrid is a radical departure for Jeep, however it successfully showcases the smoothness of a good electrified powertrain, along with no compromise when it comes to off-roading ability. The Renegade 4xe could also be cheap to run, while its funky looks make it stand out from the crowd.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manualScore: 7 / 10“While the Jeep Renegade might not be class-leading, it’s an appealing and different proposition in the crossover class – bringing funky styling and the option to have genuine off-roading ability.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.6 / 10“The Jeep Renegade stands out from the crowd with its chunky looks and excellent off-road performance”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Few small SUVs will keep up with the Renegade off-road, but it has cramped rear seats, an average infotainment system and is quite loud at motorway speeds.
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic 4xe Longitude“This 4xe is certainly an interesting and worthy addition to the Renegade range. It may not be the most obvious corporate choice, but the plug-in hybrid tech and resulting low BiK will undoubtedly help the Renegade to attract more company car drivers than the before.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Limited“The good-looking and practical Jeep Renegade is underrated among the small crossover class. Unfortunately, it is also a pricier option than most of its rivals, leading to higher running costs.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic TrailhawkScore: 4 / 10“Please tell me: what I am missing here? Its wheels are way too small for its wheel arches. Postman Pat’s van has more in the way of aerodynamics.” (Chris Evans)
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: 4xe“The Italian-made Jeep Renegade hybrids are expensive over the non-hybrid versions but it’s a major breakthrough for the brand and it will be interesting to see how may drivers are convinced the extra money outlay is worth it. On first driving impressions it has to be said it is impressive.”
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Green Car Guide

Score: 7 / 10“The Jeep Renegade 4xe PHEV Limited 1.3 is fun to drive and it offers lots of off-road engineering.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“There is plenty of classic Jeep influence in the styling with those recognisable circular headlights and the slotted grille. While this is a smaller SUV, it’s nonetheless refined with a solid and good quality feel. It’s comfortable too and an impressive car for motorway with little wind noise.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual“The Renegade adds up to a car that Jeep hopes will attract new customers to the Jeep brand – but a car that is still a highly competent off roader, and one that hasn’t lost any of its – er – Jeepness. Even if it is built in Italy alongside the Fiat 500X.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“On-the-road performance does leave a little to be desired, particularly if you opt for the base 1.0-litre powertrain, which doesn’t really feel powerful enough for even the smallest of SUVs.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Jeep Renegade offers solutions that no other car in the sector can quite manage. It’s a bona fide rugged off-roader first and foremost, while nods to fuel economy and tax bills come in the form of front-wheel drive models that offer the image but without the higher monthly outgoings.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Jeep Renegade is hard, cool and definitely worth a look”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic“Jeep brings army-style cred to the school run.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual LimitedScore: 6 / 10“Not bad, not uncomfortable, just annoying”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 4xe TrailhawkScore: 6 / 10“No, however much radical appeal these mini mud-pluggers might seem, they will remain an emotional right-brain choice, particularly when you can have a 4×4 estate such as the Skoda Octavia Scout for less and a fully loaded Dacia Duster for much less.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual LimitedScore: 4 / 10“The Jeep Renegade’s chunky styling might appeal, as indeed might the cachet of the Jeep badge. But with its high price and multitude of flaws – and so many credible opponents to choose from – there’s not much else here to fall in love with.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Buy it for the looks and lifestyle, then put up with the flaws. Likeable, but irrational.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 4 / 10“The Jeep Renegade offers distinctive styling and decent practicality, but most rivals make it feel agricultural”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Jeep Renegade is a bit of a curate’s egg – good in parts. It has serious off-road pretensions, but its on-road abilities have limitations. It’s 2019 Euro NCAP safety rating makes it a Don’t Buy.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2019

82%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

55%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

58%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.6-litre diesel manual 2WD
Date tested: November 2020

4.9 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

4.7 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The rating above only applies to the manual 4×2 Renegade model, which is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Jeep Renegade has received

2021

4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Small SUV

2016

4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Small SUV

2015

4×4 Magazine Awards – 4×4 of the Year

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