I’ve always been a fan of cars with character, ones that don’t just blend into the sea of blandness on the road. The Jeep Renegade is undoubtedly one such vehicle. With its boxy shape, bold lines, and that iconic seven-slot grille staring you down, it’s a car that announces its presence wherever it goes. It’s like the rebellious younger sibling in the Jeep family, ready to tackle both the urban jungle and the actual jungle, if you’re feeling adventurous. The Renegade’s styling is a delightful mix of ruggedness and playfulness, a design that immediately sets it apart from the more polished and refined SUVs out there.
Now, I’ve had the pleasure of driving a fair share of Jeeps over the years, and the Renegade holds a special place in my heart. It’s not the biggest or the most luxurious, but it’s got a certain charm that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to roll down the windows, crank up the music, and just go exploring, whether it’s a winding country road or a muddy trail. And that’s precisely what I did. I took the Renegade on a road trip that included everything from smooth highways to bumpy backroads, and it handled it all with surprising competence. The higher ground clearance, compared to its Fiat 500X cousin, meant I didn’t have to worry about scraping the undercarriage on those rougher patches.
One of the things that struck me about the Renegade is its practicality. It may look compact from the outside, but inside, there’s a decent amount of space for both passengers and cargo. I was able to fit all my luggage for the trip without any issues, and the rear seats were surprisingly comfortable for my passengers. The interior isn’t the most luxurious, with some hard plastics here and there, but it’s functional and well-laid out. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a large touchscreen and clear graphics. I especially appreciated the chunky buttons and dials for the climate control and stereo, making it easy to adjust settings on the go without taking my eyes off the road.
Under the hood, the Renegade offers a variety of engine options to suit different needs. I opted for the 1.5-litre petrol engine with the mild-hybrid system, and it proved to be a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine had enough pep for overtaking on the highway and navigating those steep inclines I encountered on my journey. The mild-hybrid system also helped save some fuel, especially in stop-and-go traffic. For those who want even better fuel economy, the Renegade also offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version with a longer electric-only range.
While the Renegade shines in its off-road capabilities and quirky personality, it does have a few areas where it could be improved. The ride can be a bit firm, especially on rough roads. I felt every bump and pothole, and it wasn’t the most comfortable experience for my passengers either. The steering is also a bit light and vague, lacking the feedback and precision I’ve come to expect from other SUVs. And don’t get me started on the wind noise. The upright design and large door mirrors create quite a bit of wind noise at higher speeds, which can get a bit tiring on long drives.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Jeep Renegade. It’s a car that’s full of character, capable both on and off the road, and surprisingly practical. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that stands out from the crowd and offers a unique driving experience, the Renegade is definitely worth considering. It’s the perfect vehicle for those who want to embrace their adventurous side and explore the world, whether it’s a scenic mountain pass or the backstreets of your city. And with its iconic Jeep heritage, you can be sure that the Renegade is built to last and handle whatever you throw at it. Just be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride and a bit of wind noise along the way.
Now, let’s discuss some specifics about the Renegade’s different models and features. If you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient option, the e-Hybrid is a good choice, combining electric and petrol power to deliver decent performance and impressive fuel economy. The e-Hybrid can even power the Renegade on electricity alone in certain situations, like crawling in traffic or parking. However, it’s worth noting that the e-Hybrid can feel a bit strained under heavy acceleration, so it’s not the best choice for those who prioritize performance.
For those who want the best of both worlds, the Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a great option. It offers a longer electric-only range than the e-Hybrid, allowing you to save even more on fuel for shorter trips. The PHEV also comes with four-wheel drive, providing excellent traction in various conditions. I had the opportunity to test the Trailhawk version of the PHEV, which is the most off-road-focused model. It comes with skid plates, Sport and Rock driving modes, and a spare wheel, making it ready for any adventure. I was pleasantly surprised by the Trailhawk’s performance. It had plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising, and it could even reach motorway speeds using just electricity.
When it comes to handling, the Renegade isn’t the most agile or sporty SUV out there. It leans quite a bit in corners, and the steering isn’t the most responsive. However, it’s still a capable vehicle that can handle most driving situations with ease. The light steering makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the higher ground clearance gives you a commanding view of the road.
The Renegade’s interior is designed with practicality in mind. There are plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large cubby on the centre console and door bins. However, the door bins are a bit small, and the rear bench is narrow, making it more comfortable for two adults than three. The boot is also not the largest in its class, but it’s still adequate for most needs. The e-Hybrid version has the largest boot, while the PHEV’s boot is slightly smaller due to the battery pack.
The Renegade comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-view camera. The top-of-the-line Summit trim adds features like heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. However, the Renegade’s interior quality isn’t the best in its class. The dashboard and door cards are made of hard, scratchy plastic, which doesn’t feel very premium.
In terms of safety, the Renegade comes with a lot of standard features, including lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking (AEB). However, it’s important to note that the Renegade didn’t receive a great safety rating from Euro NCAP when it was tested in 2019. It only received a three-star rating, which is lower than many of its competitors.
Overall, the Jeep Renegade is a quirky and capable compact SUV that offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and off-road capability. It’s not the most refined or luxurious SUV on the market, but it’s got a certain charm that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous vehicle that can handle both city driving and off-road excursions, the Renegade is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride, a bit of wind noise, and some hard plastics in the interior.