The Renegade is a miniature SUV that was launched for the 2014 model year.
It’s a great choice for those wanting a Jeep in a smaller package although it comes with a premium price that the brand commands.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into its best and worst years.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Jeep Renegade Are:
The best Jeep Renegade model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The worst model years of the Renegade are 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Jeep Renegade?
The Renegade may not have been around as long as some of its competitors, however some years are notably better than others.
2023 Jeep Renegade
With cute yet rugged styling the 2023 Renegade is a top pick for those looking for a mini Jeep.
For 2023 the front-wheel drive layout was dropped meaning all Renegades now come fully equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Sport trim was also dropped from the roster, leaving the Latitude as the base or entry-level trim.
The model received praise for its spacious interior (for a subcompact SUV) and comfortable ride.
- Edmunds: NA
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2023 Renegade, Edmunds review:
“I took a test drive and I absolutely loved the vehicle. It was all black (interior and exterior) with nearly every option I wanted. The engine was responsive while the transmission was quick to shift, maybe too quick. I had to watch the acceleration while driving the first mile or two.”
2022 Jeep Renegade
With its iconic chunky appearance and legitimate off-road capability, the 2022 Renegade is another top choice.
For 2022 the standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine was dropped leaving the turbo-four engine as the only option for those looking to buy this particular model year.
A few trim levels were also removed, but the good news is that the entry-level trims were equipped with a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation (formerly a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system).
- Edmunds: 3.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: 77 / 100
2022 Renegade, Edmunds review:
“I bought this car a little over a month ago and I love it so far. It has better mileage than my last SUV and has much better and updated tech. The A/C is great and I have no problem with the handling or the speed, but it does take some getting used to. The best part is the exterior styling, the off road and 4×4 capability, Apple Car Play, and cool little Jeep easter eggs all over the place…”
2021 Jeep Renegade
The 2021 Renegade was updated with a lot of standard driver assist features, safety features and a wider selection of trim levels.
The features integrated included blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
The adventurous nature of the Renegade was apparent throughout this model year, according to critics.
The Wrangler-inspired design matched with a relatively powerful engine and great suspension made for a great SUV.
- Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: 79 / 100
2021 Renegade, Edmunds review:
“I love this little Jeep. It is fully loaded with everything I need and then some. The gas mileage isn’t the best but I don’t drive a Jeep for the gas mileage I drive it for pleasure. This thing has plenty of spunk especially on the top end…. I have no issues passing slow-moving vehicles. The engine has an idle that is rock solid…”
2020 Jeep Renegade
The 2020 Renegade has practical strengths, plenty of personality and real off-road chops.
Only minor revisions were implemented for the 2020 model year.
Among which was the new telematics unit, a one-year subscription service that allowed users to remotely lock, unlock, and start the Renegade through a mobile app.
Optional add-ons such as 19-inch wheels, the LED Lighting package, the Safety and Security package, and the Advanced Tech package were made available for the lower-end trim levels.
- Edmunds: 3.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: 78 / 100
2020 Renegade, Edmunds review:
“We chose the 2020 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 due to features and lease price around 300 a month. Jeep has reduced the price quite a bit on the 2020 year. It has a lot of Latitude features like the bigger Cherokee. Have not driven it much yet, but so far we like it more, compared to my old Patriot…”
2019 Jeep Renegade
The 2019 Renegade received a new and improved engine, upgraded exterior design, and a slew of safety and entertainment features that were received warmly by owners and reviewers alike.
The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was replaced with the now-standard 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, and the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine was designated as the base engine for the entry-level trims.
If you need some serious off-road capability, then opt for the Trailhawk model which is far superior off-road to anything else in the small SUV segment.
- Edmunds: 3.8 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.0 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2019 Renegade, Edmunds review:
“We looked at several models of small SUVs, including the Buick Encore, Ford Ecosport and Chevy Tracy, and ultimately settled on the Renegade for several reasons. First, for an inexpensive model, the Latitude is feature-heavy. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and an awesome infotainment system with a seven-inch screen that’s extremely intuitive to use… the front seats are very comfortable; love the keyless entry and push button and remote start. We also like the way it handles. Not as nimble as the Ecosport, but nimble enough and with a lot more headroom and footroom.”
Consumer Scores For Best Jeep Renegade Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Jeep Renegade | NA | 4.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2022 Jeep Renegade | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 77 / 100 |
| 2021 Jeep Renegade | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
| 2020 Jeep Renegade | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2019 Jeep Renegade | 3.8 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | NA |
Related: How Long Do Jeep Renegades Last? (Solved and Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Jeep Renegade?
The Renegade got off to a bumpy start, with a lot of models from its early production years being the most problematic.
2018 Jeep Renegade
The 2018 Renegade had a lot of issues. The most frequently reported issues revolved around the engine.
Engine problems are often the most expensive to fix and Renegade owners widely reported loss of power, stalling and excessive oil consumption.
Here’s what the owners had to say:
“My engine has stalled on several different occasions after accelerating it will stall out with no warning. It will restart but usually takes a few attempts.“
“I have had 4 incidents now where I made a right-hand turn and the car stalled in the middle of the road. Turned the engine off, attempted to restart. The engine would try to fire, but would take several tries, then would start roughly. Then would run fine.”
Another widespread complaint was the touch screen would delaminate from the top down.
The 2018 Renegade had a total of 92 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 441 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Catastrophic clutch failure
- Stalls when driving
2017 Jeep Renegade
According to NHTSA stats, the 2017 Jeep Renegade is the second most problematic model to date.
The 2017 Renegade had widespread engine complaints, owners reported the car shutting off for no reason, stalling, being unable to accelerate and excessive oil consumption.
“Engine is burning oil. One recall issued and answered with a software update. Update has not fixed the problem. Dealership did an oil consumption test. Dealership said it passed despite the fact it lost half a quart of oil in 1500 miles.”
A number of owners also reported that their fog lights caught fire, as described by the owner below:
“My fog light has now caught fire and burned twice. The entire assembly has melted to pieces. This is a safety concern and can result in someone’s vehicle burning to the ground and possible injury to someone.”
The 2017 Renegade had a total of 92 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 758 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Dies, stalls while driving
- Engine knocking, rattling noise
- Excessive oil consumption
- Fog lights caught fire
2016 Jeep Renegade
The biggest issue reported by 2016 Renegade owners was sudden and intermittent shutting off of the vehicle.
Stalling issues and excessive oil consumption were widespread which were often accompanied by electrical gremlins such as lights flickering and brake lights staying on.
Here’s one owners account:
“While driving, car comes to a complete stop and stalls when accelerating. Dangerous during oncoming traffic whether it’s the pedestrian or the cars surrounding me. Car won’t move instantly upon pressing on gas pedal– it stalls for a bit before moving.”
The 2016 Renegade had a total of 175 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 571 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Premium audio sounds terrible
- Traction control turns on unintentionally
- Stalls while driving
2015 Jeep Renegade
The 2015 Renegade is the most problematic and complained about year in the Renegade’s history. To add to that, Car Complaints bestowed upon this model year the “Beware of the Clunker” badge further highlighting its unreliability.
This should come as no great surprise as debut model years are often always the most problematic and come with a wide range of teething issues.
This model had widespread transmission and engine problems.
Owners reported a number of powertrain related issues including:
- Engine and transmission warnings
- Engine shaking
- Shifter won’t move out of park
- Car will not stay in drive
- Transmission bucks when it shifts
- Stalling
- Slip into neutral while driving
- Hesitates when shifting gears
The Jeep Renegade’s 9-speed transmission became quite infamous due to the number of complaints it received.
Electrical glitches were also widespread and varied.
These ranged from the battery dying, locks not working with key fob, to electrical accessories not working properly.
In summary, the 2015 Renegade is one to steer clear of.
The 2015 Renegade had a total of 350 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 710 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Check engine light on
- Automatic transmission problems
- Electrical issues
- Squealing brakes
Related: Where Are Jeep Renegades Made? (Solved & Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
| 2023 Jeep Renegade | 0 | NA |
| 2022 Jeep Renegade | 0 | 8 |
| 2021 Jeep Renegade | 7 | 35 |
| 2020 Jeep Renegade | 1 | 36 |
| 2019 Jeep Renegade | 2 | 37 |
| 2018 Jeep Renegade | 92 | 441 |
| 2017 Jeep Renegade | 92 | 758 |
| 2016 Jeep Renegade | 175 | 571 |
| 2015 Jeep Renegade | 350 | 710 |
What Problems Do Jeep Renegade Have?
- Check engine light on
- Automatic transmission problems
- Squealing brakes
- Premium audio sounds terrible
- Traction control turns on unintentionally
- Stalls, dies while driving
- Engine knocking, rattling noise
- Excessive oil consumption
- Catastrophic clutch failure
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Jeep Renegade?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Mazda CX-30 | 8.6 | $22,950 – $35,400 | City: 22 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Kia Soul | 8.5 | $19,790 – $24,090 | City: 28 – 29 /Highway: 33 – 35 |
| Hyundai Kona | 8.4 | $21,990 – $30,300 | City: 27 – 30 /Highway: 32 – 35 |
| Kia Sletos | 8.2 | $22,840 – $28,340 | City: 25 – 29 /Highway: 30 – 35 |
| Honda HR-V | 8.1 | $23,800 – $29,400 | City: 25 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Volkswagen Taos | 8.1 | $24,155 – $34,535 | City: 25 – 28 /Highway: 32 – 36 |
| Buick Encore GX | 7.8 | $25,900 – $32,100 | City: 26 – 29 /Highway: 29 – 32 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | 7.8 | $29,100 – $41,500 | City: 23 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Nissan Kicks | 7.8 | $20,290 – $22,850 | City: 31 /Highway: 36 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 7.8 | NA | City: NA /Highway: NA |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 7.7 | $23,645 – $29,495 | City: 22 – 28 /Highway: 29 – 34 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 7.7 | $22,100 – $27,700 | City: 26 – 29 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Hyundai Venu | 7.6 | $19,500 – $22,750 | City: 29 /Highway: 33 |
| Buick Encore | 7.4 | $24,600 – $25,220 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Jeep Renegade | 7.3 | $29,745 – $32,445 | City: 23 /Highway: 29 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 6.9 | $21,400 – $23,820 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Nissan Rogue Sport | 6.9 | $24,960 – $31,090 | City: 24 – 25 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Toyota C-HR | 6.7 | $24,280 – $27,300 | City: 27 /Highway: 31 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 6.6 | $21,795 – $28,045 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 28 – 30 |
| Fiat 500X | 6.1 | $27,965 – $29,955 | City: 24 /Highway 30 |
| Ford EcoSport | 5.8 | $22,040 – $28,395 | City: 23 /Highway: 29 |
| Volkswagen Taos | NA | $23,495 – $33,645 | City: NA /Highway: NA |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Jeep Renegade Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/renegade
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/jeep/renegade
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Jeep/Renegade/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/jeep/renegade/
https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/renegade/
https://www.kbb.com/jeep/renegade/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/jeep/renegade
