CARS OF THE WORLD

Jeep Renegade 2021.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade is the brand’s smallest SUV, but it still underscores considerable off-road capability despite the size of the economy car.

Specifications

The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower, which is sufficient for this size.

The redesigned engine — optional on the Latitude and standard on Trailhawk and Limited trims — is a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine that delivers better torque and 177 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available as an option. The independent suspension of the new Renegade provides a decent ride for such a small car.

Each Renegade features a signature Jeep look: square profile, seven-slot grille, high ground clearance. It accommodates up to five people, but only two will feel comfortable in the back.

By 2021, automatic emergency braking will become standard equipment on every trim. And the base Sport will receive air conditioning and power windows.

The EPA estimates the fuel efficiency of the Renegade with a base 2.4-liter engine, 10.6 liters per 100 kilometers in urban mode, 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway, and 9.4 liters in mixed mode.

This is only with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive, consumption grows by about a liter per hundred kilometers. 1.3-liter turbo-4 Consumes almost the same, only half a liter less eats at cruising speeds without frequent acceleration.

Safety tests passed by NHTSA. Renegade received four stars for its collision protection.

Options and prices

The Renegade is available in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

• For approximately $ 24,000, the Sport trim comes with air conditioning, power windows, fabric seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 16-inch steel wheels and automatic emergency braking.

• Latitude is available with a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4 engine, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch wheels, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and additional access to options including an 8.4-inch touchscreen.

• Limited and Trailhawk trims cost over $ 30,000 and add leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels and a larger touchscreen.

Exterior

The square shape of the Renegade reflects all the familiar Jeep brand signatures, including a seven-slot grille and round headlights on the sides.

The squared-off wheel arches and cladding look tough. The Jeep badge on the Renegade is slightly larger than on any other Jeep, perhaps because the car itself is smaller.

Interior

The Renegade’s spacious cab also reflects Jeep’s heritage with circular air vents and practical features such as the gear selector and drive mode selector knob.

Most materials are high quality, including soft-touch plastics and durable Latitude fabric upholstery. Trailhawk uses premium fabric and leather that is visually very interesting.

The front seats on all models are mostly comfortable and well supported, although the headrest is small and flat. The rear seats only have 35.1 inches of legroom, which isn’t enough for tall passengers.

There is 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and almost 51 cubic feet when folded.

Summary

The 2021 Jeep Renegade brings off-road performance to a small SUV body with its own unique styling and new standard safety features.

The engines offer moderate power, and the rear seat will be small for larger passengers, but the Renegade can drive in places that some crossovers will never see.