A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.1
Running Costs
3.4
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Jeep Renegade is a distinctive compact SUV that brings American off road heritage to the competitive crossover market. This rugged little SUV stands out with its boxy styling and genuine 4×4 capability, something many rivals can’t match. The Renegade offers a unique blend of character and practicality that sets it apart from more mainstream options like the Nissan Juke or Kia Stonic. While it may not be the most refined choice in its class, the Renegade delivers authentic SUV character with removable roof panels and impressive ground clearance. The latest models feature improved interior quality and modern infotainment systems that address earlier criticisms. Trail Rated versions offer genuine off road ability that most compact SUVs simply cannot provide. Whether you’re looking for weekend adventure capability or simply want something different from the usual crossover crowd, the Renegade offers distinctive American style with European practicality. For buyers who prioritise character over conventional refinement, the Jeep Renegade represents an interesting alternative in the compact SUV segment.
What's the Jeep Renegade Like to Drive?
The Jeep Renegade offers a range of engines designed to balance efficiency with capability. The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol produces around 120 horsepower, which feels adequate for urban driving and light motorway use. For more power, the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo delivers 150 or 180 horsepower, providing stronger acceleration and better overtaking confidence. The diesel options offer excellent fuel economy for high-mileage drivers.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder turbo / 1.3L 4-cylinder turbo / 1.6L diesel
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Power Output
120 - 180 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 - 8.6 seconds
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MPG Combined
40 - 55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 351 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Jeep Renegade: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Renegade and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s both functional and characterful. The dashboard design is refreshingly different, with unique styling touches like the removable roof panels reminder and distinctive air vent shapes. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything is well put together. The Uconnect infotainment system is one of the better setups in this class, with clear graphics and responsive touchscreen controls.
Its quirky styling and surprisingly capable off-road chops make the Renegade a unique choice. While not a class leader in refinement, it delivers a playful, adventurous driving experience.
Is the Jeep Renegade Expensive to Run?
The Renegade’s running costs vary significantly depending on your engine choice and driving habits. The smaller petrol engines return respectable fuel economy figures, with real-world consumption typically falling between 35-45 MPG in mixed driving. The diesel variants offer the best economy, potentially reaching over 50 MPG on longer runs. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, though they’re higher than some mainstream alternatives.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Jeep Renegade
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Nissan Qashqai
|
Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £23,000 | £22,000 | £24,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L turbo 120hp | 1.3L turbo 140hp | 1.0L turbo 120hp |
| Power | 120 bhp | 140 bhp | 120 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 45 mpg | 47 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 351 litres | 504 litres | 439 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Unique styling, Off-road capability, Removable panels | Spacious interior, CVT transmission, Proven reliability | Long warranty, Practical design, Good value |
Jeep Renegade Practicality & Boot Space
The Renegade proves surprisingly practical for a compact SUV with distinctive styling. The 351-litre boot is decent for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for two people. The rear seats fold flat to create a useful load space, and the square-ish shape makes loading bulky items easier than in some swoopy rivals. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin include door pockets, cup holders, and a useful center console.
Love my Renegade’s quirky character and how capable it feels on country roads. The interior is really well thought out with lots of clever touches. Only wish it was a bit more fuel efficient for daily commuting, but the style makes up for it.
The Jeep Renegade stands out as a refreshingly different option in the small SUV segment. It combines distinctive American styling with genuine off-road capability and a well-designed interior. While it may not offer the best fuel economy or the largest boot in its class, it excels in areas that matter to many buyers, namely character, capability, and build quality.