2018 Jeep Renegade SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

There are two engine options available for the 2018 Jeep Renegade subcompact SUV. The entry-level Sport trim possesses a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine. It is capable of producing up to 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The power is distributed via a six-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. A nine-speed automatic transmission with manual mode can be selected. The other is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offered as a standard fit in the Limited and Trailhawk trims. The unit has an output of 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The mentioned engine type is sold for the lower trims as optional features. Since the Trailhawk is specially made for off-roading, it is equipped with an all-wheel drive system. The other versions of the Renegade can get this as an optional element. We tested the Limited trim of the Renegade and found out that it could sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 9.4 seconds. Basically, it is within the range of its competitors. The crossover has a fuel tank capacity of 12.7 gal. Its fuel economy ratings are 24 mpg and 31 mpg for city and highway drives, respectively.

Technology

There are a lot of tech upgrades in the 2018 Jeep Renegade compared to its predecessor. Some features such as the rearview camera, 5-inch touchscreen display and six-speaker audio system now come as a standard fit. The 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens on the upper trims already offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Then it also carries the latest version of Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system. Breaking down the tech in each trim, the Sport has 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB port, driver information system, remote locking/unlocking, push button start/stop, power windows and locks, and rearview cam. Buyers have the option to add the Uconnect 7.0 Group package that manages the satellite radio, climate control, as well as smartphone integration thru Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of the vehicle. The same kit upgrades the display of the Sport trim into 7 inches too. The Latitude comes with the basic and optional package of the Sport. It includes automatic headlights, ambient LED lighting and extra USB port. The Trailhawk is the off-roader unit of the Renegade. It has all the tech found in the Latitude trim plus more advanced driver information display, automatic wipers, and 115V power outlet. The Limited is considered as the luxury trim of the Jeep Renegade so it has all the tech found in the other variants of the range as well as keyless entry and ignition with remote start, auto dimming rearview mirror , and de-icer for the windshield.

Safety

Aside from the standard airbags and seatbelts, the occupants of the Renegade are protected by a bunch of tech that improve their safety. Among them are rearview cam that reduces blind spots and advanced navigation. Optional tech offered in packages such as the Safety & Security Group, Advanced Technology Group and Uconnect 8.4 NAV Group also add to that. The Safety & Security Group for the Latitude trim and up includes new xenon headlights, auto wipers, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology Group for the Latitude, Altitude and Limited has high-beam control, forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning and mitigation, and rear parking sensors. The Uconnect 8.4 NAV Group is equipped with all the things in the Uconnect 7.0 package and 8.4-inch touchscreen display coupled with better navigation system. The 2018 Renegade was only rated as -Acceptable- by the IIHS in small-overlap front-impact test while its headlights were assessed as -Poor-. Moreover, they noted that it was such a chose to utilize the vehicle's child seat anchor. It did make up on the other factors though with -Good- scores.

Appearance

The 2018 Jeep Renegade is a four-door SUV crossover. The auto features a compact, bold and rugged exterior that is more fitted for great outdoor adventures. It is highlighted y its iconic seven slot radiator grille with round headlamps. Keeping up with the Jeep tradition, it remains a bit boxy, but with smoother edges. The Renegade measures 101.2 inches in wheelbase, 166.6 in length and 66.5 inches in height. The starting model, the Sport, possesses 16-inch steel wheels. The Sport Appearance package gives it alloy wheels, roof rails and privacy glass. The Latitude gets all the elements in the standard and optional packages of the Sport with the addition of foglights, automatic headlights plus body-colored door handles and mirrors. The Altitude combines these with gloss black finishes. The Trailhawk takes a set of 17-inch wheels, unique exterior accents, off-road tires, raised suspension, tow hooks and underbody skid plates. The Limited has all the goodies available from the Sport to the Altitude and it includes dual exhaust tips. The interior of the vehicle is adorned with higher quality of leather and other luxury amenities. Optional for all the Renegade trims except the Sport is the My Sky Removable Panel sunroof and the CommandView Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof.

Comfort

The 2018 Jeep Renegade has a five-seating capacity. It feels a bit crowded when its maximum seating capacity has been reached during long trips. However, it does make up for its cozy cushion and plenty of seat adjustments. Another setback is its engine noise penetrating its cabin. Better go for the Limited trim to get the most out of the luxury features offered by the range.

Cargo

The 2018 Jeep Renegade has a cargo space of 50.8 cu-ft all the way to the back of the rear seats when the second row of seats have been folded. Leaving the backseats up still leaves it 18.5 cu-ft.