Used 2020 Jeep Renegade

#10 in Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

The 2020 Renegade is the smallest model in the Jeep lineup and its second-least expensive behind the Compass. As part of the growing set of subcompact-crossover SUVs, the Renegade competes with about a dozen rivals that include the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax and Hyundai Kona. With the exception of the Subaru Crosstrek, the Renegade stands out among all of them for its off-road ability.

True, it’s no Wrangler (though its tough and boxy design reminds of that icon), and its 2-(front)-wheel-drive (2WD) platform is based on an Italian-made Fiat. But if you opt for a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) model, especially in Trailhawk form, the Renegade has respectable off-road cred.

We also like its tidy size, nimble manners and cool design. The Renegade’s $22,000-plus starting price is higher than rivals, and unlike the Kona, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR, you have to pay extra for active safety features like automatic emergency braking.

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The Renegade is at its best in the city or out in nature. Those settings might seem like contrasts, so we’ll quickly explain. The Renegade’s small size, tight turning radius and nimble handling make it a friend of congested places like busy cities. And as we’ve already said, if you opt for a 4-wheel-drive Renegade, this small Jeep can actually scamper through sand, mud, rocks and so forth. It even has driver-adjustable modes that optimize it for such settings, including one for snow.

If your commute is mostly highway-based and long, we’d direct you to something a little larger and more substantial. If you’re set on staying in the Jeep family that would mean a Compass or Cherokee, or heading to the Subaru dealership for a Crosstrek, which comes with all-wheel drive, has more standard ground clearance than a Renegade, and can even be had with a manual transmission — something the Renegade ditched a couple of years ago.

As for its motivation, both powertrains are adequate. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder has 180 horsepower, which is strong for this class, but the Renegade is also heavier than rivals. The higher-end 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is small but packs a nice punch, especially with its 210 lb-ft of torque. With both engines you’re stuck with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It hasn’t been our favorite in the past, but it’s gotten better. It’s hardly the best transmission in this segment (test drive a Mazda CX-3, Kia Soul or Hyundai Kona for comparison), but it’s gotten to the point of being acceptable.

The Jeep Renegade is a 2-row/5-passenger SUV, and it only takes one look at its exterior dimensions to figure out that the rear seat can be tight for adults, as is the case with most of its rivals. However, the Renegade’s blocky design does translate to an airy cabin with plenty of headroom.

Up front, we dig the high seating position, good visibility and overall view out. The driver’s seat is a comfortable perch, and if you opt for the power-adjustable option it’s easy to find a position that works for your body type.

As for the Renegade’s cargo flexibility, behind the rear seats is 18.5 cubic feet, and folding the rear seats opens up 50.8 cubic feet. Both those numbers are respectable considering the Renegade’s diminutive size, but they trail those of the Honda HR-V.

Another cool feature is the ability for the front-passenger seat to fold to accommodate long items like a surfboard. Small details like mud-splatter graphics on the tachometer — and some “Easter eggs” — also help the Renegade stand out.

Round headlights? Check. Seven-slotted vertical grille? Check. Rugged attitude? Check. Short overhangs for rock climbing? Check. The 2020 Jeep Renegade indeed looks like a Jeep. It’s as if the Renegade is a greatest-hits mix tape engineered from the DNA of the iconic Wrangler and the luxurious Grand Cherokee, all shrunk to a tidy package that’s only 166.6 inches long. Its angles and upright greenhouse even sample from the Willys MB of the 1940s.

Still, the Renegade manages to be more modern than retro, with plenty of black trim and curvaceous surfacing. And check out the “X” featured in its unique taillights; it’s derived from army jerrycans. That’s just cool. We think the 2020 Renegade Trailhawk looks the best of the bunch. It has the highest ground clearance at 8.7 inches — which matches the Subaru Crosstrek — and distinguishing traits like red front and rear tow hooks. The Trailhawk and Limited models can further stand out with a roof that is black instead of body color.

SELEC-TERRAIN
Similar to the advanced 4WD systems found on Land Rovers, the Jeep Renegade’s 4-wheel-drive system allows the driver to select up to five settings; Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and, on Trailhawk trims, Rock. The Trailhawk also includes hill-descent control and a 20:1 rock-crawl ratio.

MY SKY OPEN AIR SUNROOF
The My Sky sunroof, optional on all trims, features removable panels that can be stored in the cargo area to create a Wrangler-like open-air experience. If you just want fresh air, the front panel can be slid back or vented like a traditional power sunroof. The Renegade also offers a power glass panoramic sunroof.

Jeep’s Renegade comes in four main trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The least expensive Renegade Sport includes the basics like power windows, air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels and cruise control. The basic infotainment system is paltry — just a 5-inch touch screen with AM/FM/USB and Bluetooth. You’re probably going to want features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

To get that, we suggest adding the Uconnect 7.0 Group package or stepping up to the Latitude trim. That more recommendable model is better equipped with features like dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and cornering fog lights, illuminated vanity mirror, 2nd-row USB port, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and premium-wrapped steering wheel (sounds small, but it’s the thing you’ll constantly be touching).

The most off-road-worthy and toughest-looking Renegade is the Trailhawk. It comes with 4-wheel-drive (optional on other models), and is the only Renegade model with a low-range crawl setting. The Renegade Trailhawk also includes the turbo engine, terrain-select with Rock mode and hill-descent control, skidplates, full-size spare tire and tow hooks. Renegade Limited models include leather interior, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel and front seats, and remote engine start.

For 2020, all trims can be optioned with active safety and driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These are important, and we recommend them. In small and less-expensive crossover SUVs like the Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks Mazda CX-3, some or all of these active safety systems are standard.

The Renegade Upland edition builds on the Sport model, as does the Altitude for the Latitude model and High Altitude for the Limited variant. Blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing windshield wipers are also optional. For 2020 Renegades, a Kenwood premium audio system joins the optional Beats system. Also on offering is an 8.4-inch touch screen with navigation.

Two 4-cylinder engines are available for the 2020 Jeep Renegade. Sport and Latitude models come with a 2.4-liter engine, while Limited and Trailhawk come with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. Either engine can be had with 4-wheel drive (4WD) instead of the standard 2-(front)-wheel drive (2WD). A 9-speed automatic is standard across the line. The Jeep Renegade can tow up to 2,000 pounds in 4WD models.

The 1.3-liter turbo engine can run on 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline, but 91-octane premium is recommended. The 1.3-liter turbo engine also has a start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle. If you don’t like the restarts, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button below the transmission lever near the electronic parking brake.

2.4-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (2WD), 21/29 mpg (4WD)

1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
177 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
210 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (2WD), 23/29 mpg (4WD), 22/27 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)