more about this model Let's start with the obvious. The 2017 Jeep Renegade is about as adorable looking as nearly 3,200 pounds of steel, rubber and plastic can get. But it's also playing in one the fastest growing, most intensely competitive segments. The subcompact crossover slice of the market where small families need a capable everyday companion, singles crave a distinct image, and no one wants to spend a lot of money.
The Renegade, which is built in Italy by Jeep's corporate brother Fiat, has a boxy shape that produces outstanding cabin room despite its diminutive exterior dimensions. And that box uses all the familiar Jeep design details to tie it into the brand's history. There is the signature seven-slot grille in front, old-school round headlights and square taillights, reminiscent of the early civilian Jeeps.
The Renegade is a bit more serious about life off-pavement than most of its direct competition. In Trailhawk trim it is available with a true four-wheel-drive system Jeep calls Active Drive Low. But even this version is not built strictly of the Rubicon vein. It can hold its own off-road, sure, yet this is not the Renegade's sole purpose. It is built around a traditional economy car unibody structure with the engine mounted transversely up front. In fact, the vehicle with which it shares most of its engineering, and an assembly plant, is the Fiat 500X. The Renegade should not be confused as a Wrangler substitute.
There are two engines offered in the Renegade. The first is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with this engine. Higher end trims get the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder, rated at 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard here. Neither of these engine options are particularly exciting in daily driving situations but both are suitable for their intended purposes.
Despite its small stature, the Renegade is not particularly efficient in terms of fuel economy. The base Renegade, equipped with front-wheel drive, manual transmission and the turbo 1.4, is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway). At the other extreme, the four-wheel-drive, automatic Renegade with the 2.4 gets 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).
It is true the Renegade is space efficient, but don't mistake that for being able to hold five adults in comfort. While headroom is plentiful, the back seat gets snug in every other direction, especially with three across. Beyond that, there is only so much space behind the second row to accommodate luggage. Still the Renegade offers a compelling alternative to a growing segment of compact SUVs.
Let Edmunds help you determine whether the 2017 Jeep Renegade is the perfect car for you.
Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Jeep Renegade and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Renegade featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
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We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Jeep Renegade?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Jeep Renegade and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Renegade 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Renegade.
Vehicle
Trailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A)
Review
What a great little SUV. I've taken on trails and rock climbing. The greatest it has performed is winter. I was the only one on my street who could get out of the neighborhood without having to dig through snow.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Jeep Renegade
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Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade safe?
The 2017 Jeep Renegade earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Jeep Renegade?
Available Jeep Renegade 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: Latitude, Sport, Trailhawk, Limited, Altitude, Justice Edition
Exterior Colors: Black, Alpine White, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Colorado Red, Glacier Metallic, Jetset Blue, Anvil, Omaha Orange, Solar Yellow, Hypergreen Clear Coat, Mojave Sand, Commando, Sierra Blue, Carbon Black Metallic
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black leather, Black premium cloth, Black premium leather, Bark Brown/Ski Grey cloth, Bark Brown/Ski Grey leather, Black/Sandstorm cloth
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, AWD/4WD, Aux Audio Inputs, Remote Start, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Engine, Auto Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Heated seats, Mobile Internet, Navigation, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Alarm, Blind Spot Monitoring, Leather Seats, Upgraded Headlights, Towing Hitch, Upgraded Stereo, Lane Departure Warning, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
