If you’re the sort who likes to create lists or rankings, the simple truth is that for every top, there’s a bottom, for every first there’s a last. If you want to apply this to Jeep’s extensive lineup, know that the Wrangler is the brand’s best-selling 4×4 in Canada, (23,934 sold during 2022) and way, way down at the bottom is the lowly Renegade (345 sold during 2022).
For eight years, this subcompact crossover — the smallest model carrying the Jeep name — built in Italy at a Fiat plant and kissing cousin to that brand’s all but universally ignored 500X (52 sold last year), has stubbornly refused to go gentle into that good night, raging on despite ever-increasing competition and ever decreasing sales.
But it’s not as if this junior-sized Jeep should be reviled. No, for the Jeep faithful that dishonour belonged to the truly awful first-generation Compass, which looked like the four-wheel equivalent of the Pillsbury Doughboy. Fortunately, the second-gen version did much to restore the model’s reputation. The Renegade’s biggest issue is not that it’s bad, but that it’s old — sorry, mature. It needs a substantial rework to keep up with the multiple rivals that now compete in the subcompact segment — think the new/latest versions of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Chevy Trailblazer, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, et al.
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2022 Jeep Renegade
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$34,395 to $40,190
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2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
However, one thing none of those suburban mall assault vehicles can boast is a genuine four-wheel drivetrain — you know, one with a Hi/Lo range, albeit on the topline 2022 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk model only, not the base North trim being tested. Still, even the North’s Jeep Active Drive includes the Selec-Terrain system, which provides up to four modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud) for superior traction performance on- or off-road. No, it’s not Trail Rated, Jeep’s stamp of true off-road worthiness, but it is certainly capable of a romp off pavement. Whether that’s what buyers shopping the small crossover segment look for is another matter altogether.
Jeep hasn’t completely ignored the Renegade, the 2022 North model’s as-tested price of $37,885 (base MSRP of $33,395) coming with the now-standard SOHC 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also standard is a new suite of safety and security features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection systems, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking and LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
Throw in cabin comforts and features such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, dual–zone automatic climate control, remote start and, on paper at least, the Renegade can play in the same sandbox as its much better-selling rivals. (Other than the Trailhawk trim, which receives some adjustments to content, the rest of the Renegade trim levels are unchanged for 2023.)
The thing is, there are a couple of things that are hard to ignore, starting with the powertrain. On the plus side, the engine develops impressive power for its size, with 177 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque to work with. And it will run on regular unleaded — deemed “acceptable” by Stellantis — although premium is recommended. The big issue is fuel economy that’s on the thirsty side for the segment — I averaged 12 L/100 km during my time with the tester in a driving mix that was about 65 per cent city driving and 35 per cent highway.
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
Acceleration is decent enough, though by no means class-leading for the 1,513-kilogram North, which takes some 9.5 seconds to get to 100 km/h. It’s not a particularly refined engine, rumbling under a light foot and getting a bit out of breath at higher rpm. The nine-speed automatic is not without criticism either. A common complaint is hunting between the upper gears, with occasional abrupt shifts when heavier acceleration is called for. To be fair, I didn’t experience any of that with the tester. That said, having sixth through ninth gears all being overdrives strikes me as overkill.
Credit where due, the Renegade has a compliant ride, not banging and crashing over the usual tarmac nasties caused by winter weather, as is the wont of some shorter-wheelbase crossovers. It feels solid and it handles well, with a good feel to the steering. And its short overall length of 4,232 millimetres makes it very easy to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces.
It’s also a vehicle that stands out in a parking lot crowded with other crossovers, in no small part to the tester’s cheery Colorado Red paint job. Even without the bright colour, though, the Renegade works its rugged design elements — the trapezoidal wheel arches, the seven-slot grille, the circular headlamps, the molded lower fascia, etc. There’s no confusing it for anything other than a Jeep.
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
As should be expected, the North’s cabin matches the bold look of the SUV’s sheet metal. It’s functional rather than attractive, kind of wash and wear, with plastic surfaces of various hardness, ovoid shapes and oversized design elements such as the passenger grab handle. Chrysler/FCA/Stellantis’s highly regarded Uconnect 8.4 NAV system is standard and although the graphics and speed of operation are no longer cutting edge, it’s still well-conceived and simple to operate. And members of Jeep Nation will appreciate the “Easter eggs” in the form of a slotted grille/round headlights silhouette, located in various parts of the cabin — all the better to remind them of the familial connection to the legendary CJ/Wrangler.
Now, loyal readers might remember my wife and I have been looking at subcompact crossovers to replace her aging but still reliable Impreza hatchback. Said hunt for a replacement must take into consideration both her petite stature and her visual/auditory issues. More specifically, she has trouble with parking due to compromised depth perception and peripheral vision. We’ve tested 10 models over the past year, yet haven’t pulled the trigger because of high demand, limited supply and next to no wiggle room on pricing. So we wait and keep our options open. Which means Diana gets to weigh in on the Renegade. It was a short conversation.
Di: “Does it have front parking sensors?”
Me: “No.”
Di: Does it have rear parking sensors?”
Me: “No. Just a rear backup camera. Do you want to drive it?”
Di: “No.”
2022 Jeep Renegade North 4×4 Photo by Brian Harper
My wife eventually acquiesced, however, and we took the Jeep out for a spin. She actually liked how the Renegade drove, praising the crossover for its benign handling. She loved the heated steering wheel and appreciated the good visibility the large side windows afforded. Yet, even with the driver’s seat fully forward and cranked to full height, she had difficulty seeing where the front of the crossover ended, the bulge in the hood obscuring her line of sight. Without the necessary front parking sensors, there is no chance the Renegade gets her consideration.
With its weak sales, I don’t know if the Renegade will ever see a second generation, at least one that isn’t an EV. If one is being considered, Jeep should reconsider the powertrain. Ditch the existing turbo four and return to a more fuel-efficient normally aspirated engine that optimally runs on regular gas. Also, rework the transmission to make better use of the engine’s output.
The concept of a small, affordable Jeep model (the 2023 North trim starts at $34,895) that holds its own in the popular subcompact segment should continue to be pursued. Canadians love these rigs. The issue is how to equip it so that it remains competitively priced and feature-wise with the many soft-roaders out there while still retaining its “Jeepness” — staying true to the lifestyle and 4×4 capability for which the brand is known. Right now, it’s clear shoppers no longer believes the Renegade possesses the desired formula.
Keyword: SUV Review: 2022 Jeep Renegade North 4x4