Renegade has respectable offroad talents
Renegade has respectable offroad talents

The 2021 Renegade subcompact SUV is the smallest model in the Jeep lineup. It competes with rivals
like the Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai, Audi Q2, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, Suzuki Vitara,
Renault Duster, and Hyundai Kona. One thing that distinguishes the Renegade is its off-roading
potential, something it shares only with the Subaru Crosstrek.
Admittedly, the Renegade is no Wrangler (although its tough and boxy design is not far off), and its 2-
wheel-drive (2WD) platform is based on an Italian-made Fiat. When you do opt for a 4-wheel-drive
(4WD) version, especially in Trailhawk form, and the Renegade has respectable off-road talents.
Its tidy size, agility, and cool design are also appealing. The Renegade’s $39900-plus starting price is
competitive. This year sees active safety features like forward-collision warning with automatic
emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance become standard at the lowest
Sport trim level.
The Renegade is at its best in the city or out in nature. Two contrasting habitats, sure, but allow us to
explain. The Renegade’s small size, tight turning radius, and nimble handling make life easy in congested
places like busy cities. Furthermore as we have already said, a 4-wheel-drive Renegade can scamper
through sand, mud, and snow, and even over rocks. Driver-adjustable modes optimize it for these
various conditions.
For long, highway-based commutes, think about something a little larger and more substantial. In the
Jeep family, that would mean a Compass (the least-expensive brand-new Jeep) or Cherokee.
Apart from the off-road-biased Trailhawk, which uses a larger, 2.4-litre corporate mill for propulsion, all
Renegades use the same 1.4-litre turbopetrol 4-cylinder with which it was launched.
Outputs are still class-competitive for its displacement, however: 103 kW and 230 Nm is pretty much on
par for this engine size, and matches the power on offer from the Renegade’s competitors. All
Renegades from Longitude trim level upwards use automatic gearboxes, with the 1.4T engines mated to
a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Performance is, as suggested by the engine’s output figures, its adequate for an entry level Jeep. The 0 –
100 km/h dash is dispatched in a claimed 11.0 seconds, with a top speed of 181 km/h. If you want brute
power, absolute speed and unmatched luxury then go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.
Interior Comfort
The Jeep Renegade is a 2-row/5-seater subcompact SUV. Just one look at its exterior dimensions is
enough to figure out that the rear seat can be tight for adults, but most of its rivals are not any roomier.
And the Renegade’s squared-off design translates to an airy cabin with plenty of headroom.
Up front is a high seating position and good outward vision. The driver’s seat is comfortable, and the
optional power-adjustable version makes it easy for most body types to find a position that works.
Behind the rear seats is 18.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.8 cubic feet when they are folded. Both
numbers are respectable considering the Renegade’s diminutive size.

Another cool feature is the folding front passenger seat to accommodate long items like a surfboard,
fishing rods and other outdoor paraphernalia. Small details like mud-splatter graphics on the
tachometer and some “Easter eggs” (like the tiny bug graphic on the windshield and the map of Moab in
a Trailhawk cubby lining) are just plain fun.
Exterior Styling
All the usual Jeep attributes are in evidence, like the round headlights, 7-slotted grille, short overhangs
for rock climbing, and a generally rugged vibe. It is as if the Renegade is a greatest-hits mixtape taking
parts from the iconic Wrangler and the luxurious Grand Cherokee, all shrunk down to a tidy package just
under 14 feet long. Its angles and upright glass area even “sample” from the Willys MB of the 1940s.
Yet the Renegade still manages to be more modern than retro, with plenty of black trim and curving
surfaces. Oh do no forget to check out the cool “X” in its taillights derived from army jerrycans.
The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is arguably the best-looking of the bunch. It has the highest ground
clearance at 8.7 inches (matched by the Subaru Crosstrek) and distinguishing elements like red tow
hooks front and rear. The Trailhawk and Limited models stand out further with black roofs (instead of
body-colored).
Favorite Features
SELEC-TERRAIN
Similar to the advanced 4-wheel drive systems found in Land Rovers, the Jeep Renegade’s system allows
the driver to choose from up to five settings; Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and — in Trailhawk trims — Rock.
The Trailhawk also includes hill descent control and a 20:1 rock crawl ratio.
Standard Features
Trim levels are Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. The Sport includes power windows, dual-zone
automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels. This year brings more standard
features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring,
and lane-keeping assistance, plus an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and satellite radio.
The Jeep renegade is available ex-stock from Zimoco

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