Why is the Jeep Renegade so disliked?
The Jeep Renegade is a small SUV that appeared in 2015 and enjoyed some success in its early days due to its innovative and playful appearance, but above all to the then less fierce competition in the subcompact SUV segment. Soon, however, its sales declined to the point of becoming one of the least popular SUVs on the North American market.
As a result, Jeep announced in early December that the Renegade would not be back by 2024, following in the footsteps of the Fiat 500X, with which it shares its platform. These two models were not assembled in North America, but rather in Italy, which partly explains their well above-average price.
But the Jeep Renegade's unpopularity is also due to other factors, which we'll address here before you consider buying a used model.
Let's start with the design. Its boxy silhouette generates a fair amount of wind noise at highway speeds when compared to other models of its kind, while the wide front roof pillars compromise driver visibility. Although high, the cabin is fairly short and narrow, offering little legroom in the rear.
On the road, many criticize its pronounced body roll and uncertain handling, despite the available all-wheel drive. The ride is not as dynamic as you might expect. As well, the nine-speed automatic gearbox found in most Renegades is a major disappointment, as it operates in a reluctant and jerky manner. To add to the frustration, the brake pedal is capricious.
What about the engines? Three options were offered at different times during the Renegade's career, but none really stood out for its efficiency. That includes the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which nonetheless delivers 184 lb-ft of torque. The others are a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine (180 hp) and a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with even more torque (200 lb-ft).
High fuel consumption is another problem. The 1.4-liter engine burns nearly 9 L/100 km on average, while the 2.4-liter engine is close to 10 L/100 km. The one with one less cylinder often has to work harder, so good luck keeping it under 9 L/100 km. It's downright impossible if you opt for the Trailhawk version, with its enhanced off-road capabilities.
The various safety recalls for the Renegade aren't that numerous or serious (none for 2021 or newer models), but mechanical and electronic reliability leaves a lot to be desired. Just ask the owners surveyed by Consumer Reports, who quickly became disillusioned after purchasing one. Satisfaction with this SUV is one of the lowest in the industry.
If you're still interested in a pre-owned Jeep Renegade, a good test drive and a thorough inspection are a must. A model priced over $20,000 is certainly too expensive and too risky, given the alternatives. Consider yourself warned!
