The 2024 Jeep Renegade remains a distinctive compact SUV that blends iconic Jeep styling with urban practicality. With its square profile, signature seven-slot grille, and available Trail Rated capabilities, the Renegade appeals to drivers who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. This review expands on the pros and cons, providing an in-depth look at performance, interior quality, safety, and value so you can decide if the Renegade is the right compact SUV for your lifestyle.

Overview of the 2024 Jeep Renegade

Introduced in 2015 as Jeep’s entry into the subcompact crossover segment, the Renegade has carved out a niche with its boxy, rugged design and genuine off-road ability. The 2024 model year represents a carryover from the refreshed 2023 version, which brought updated front and rear styling, a revised interior, and new standard technology features. While the platform is aging compared to newer competitors, Jeep continues to update the Renegade with modern amenities.

The 2024 Renegade is offered in several trims: Sport, Latitude, and Trailhawk. Each trim builds on the previous one, adding equipment such as alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment, and off-road hardware. The Trailhawk remains the go-anywhere variant, with increased ground clearance, off-road tires, a raised suspension, and skid plates. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive (4×4) is available on Sport and Latitude and standard on Trailhawk.

Pros of the 2024 Jeep Renegade

Off-Road Capability

The Renegade’s off-road credibility is its strongest selling point. In a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive city crossovers, the Renegade offers genuine trail capability. The Trailhawk trim is Trail Rated, meaning it meets Jeep’s standards for traction, water fording, maneuverability, and articulation. The available Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system includes a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it easier to tackle steep inclines and rocky terrain. Even the standard 4×4 system (Active Drive) can handle gravel roads and light snow better than most competitors. If you frequently venture off pavement, the Renegade is one of the few subcompact SUVs that can legitimately do so.

Compact Size with Good Maneuverability

The Renegade’s length of about 167 inches makes it one of the shorter vehicles in its class, which is a plus for city dwellers. Parking, squeezing through narrow streets, and navigating tight parking garages are stress-free. Despite its small footprint, the boxy shape provides decent interior space for front-seat occupants. The upright seating position gives a commanding view of the road, similar to larger SUVs. The short wheelbase also improves off-road breakover angles, making the Renegade more capable on uneven trails.

Bold, Unique Styling

The Renegade’s design is a polarizing but endearing mix of WWII-era Willys and modern urban chic. Its round headlights, trapezoidal wheel arches, and flat roof create a distinct silhouette that stands out among the sea of cookie-cutter crossovers. Available two-tone paint schemes, removable “My Sky” canvas panels, and a wide array of wheel designs allow owners to personalize their Renegade. Inside, the design continues with playful touches like a silhouette of the Moab, Utah, landscape embossed on the storage bins and a large, easy-to-read instrument cluster. For many buyers, the Renegade’s character is a major purchase motivator.

Updated Technology

For 2024, the Renegade comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen (8.4-inch available) running Uconnect, which remains one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems on the market. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and over-the-air updates. Higher trims add an upgraded nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a 7-inch digital cluster, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system is responsive and easy to navigate while driving, which reduces distraction. Standard features like push-button start, keyless entry, and a rearview camera are now expected, and the Renegade delivers.

Customization and Trim Flexibility

Jeep offers an extensive list of factory and dealer accessories for the Renegade, ranging from roof racks and running boards to custom graphics and skid plates. The trim structure allows buyers to choose the right level of equipment without being forced into options they don’t want. The base Sport is affordable and functional, while the Latitude adds comfort and style, and the Trailhawk is the off-road specialty model. This flexibility means you can build a Renegade to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Cons of the 2024 Jeep Renegade

Limited Cargo Space

Cargo capacity is a weak point even within the subcompact class. Behind the rear seats, you get about 18.5 cubic feet of space, which is less than the Honda HR-V (24.4 cu ft) or the Mazda CX-30 (20.2 cu ft). The Renegade’s boxy shape helps with loading awkward items, but the shallow cargo floor and narrow opening limit utility. Folding the rear seats expands cargo capacity to 50.8 cubic feet, but even that lags behind many rivals. If you regularly haul large strollers, camping gear, or dogs and supplies, the Renegade may feel cramped.

Engine Performance

The Renegade’s standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for gentle city driving, it feels strained during highway merging or when climbing steep grades with a full load. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that can be slow to downshift and sometimes hunts for gears. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes about 9.5 seconds, which is underwhelming compared to the turbocharged engines in competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek (Sport trim) or the Hyundai Kona. The optional 2.0-liter turbo diesel that was available in European markets is not offered in the US, leaving Americans with only one engine choice.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is another area where the Renegade falls behind. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Renegade at 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg. The four-wheel-drive versions drop to 21/29/24 mpg. These numbers are below average for the class. For example, the Honda HR-V gets 26/32/28 mpg with front drive, while the Mazda CX-30 achieves 26/33/29 mpg with its base engine. Over a year of driving, the Renegade’s fuel costs can add up, especially for commuters who drive long distances.

Rear Visibility

The Renegade’s boxy design also creates large rear blind spots. The D-pillars are thick, and the small rear window limits your view of traffic and obstacles behind you. While the standard rearview camera helps when reversing, backing out of parking spaces or changing lanes requires extra caution. Some competitors like the Kia Seltos offer a wider rear window and more expansive visibility. If you are not used to SUVs with substantial rear pillars, the Renegade may take some adjustment.

Higher Price Point

The Renegade’s starting price hovers around $28,000 (including destination) for the base Sport trim with front drive. A well-equipped Latitude with 4×4 will likely cost $30,000+, and the Trailhawk starts above $32,000. While this pricing isn’t outrageous, it is higher than many subcompact SUVs when comparably equipped. For the same money, buyers can step up to a larger or more powerful vehicle like the base Chevrolet Equinox or a top-trim Hyundai Kona. The Renegade’s off-road hardware and distinctive styling partially justify the cost, but value-conscious shoppers may find better deals elsewhere.

Performance and Handling

On the road, the Renegade feels more like a small truck than a typical car-based crossover. The steering is light but lacks feedback, and the suspension can be busy on uneven pavement, transmitting small bumps into the cabin. The ride quality improves on smoother roads, and the high ground clearance (up to 8.7 inches on Trailhawk) provides confidence on gravel or dirt. Body roll is noticeable during cornering, which is expected for a tall, short-wheelbase SUV.

The nine-speed automatic transmission is tuned for fuel economy, often upshifting early to keep revs low. Shifts are smooth in normal driving, but the transmission can lag when you need quick acceleration, such as pulling into traffic. Using the manual shift mode or Sport drive mode (when equipped) helps keep the engine in its power band. Off-road, the low-range gearing on Trailhawk models is a standout feature, allowing the Renegade to crawl over obstacles with precision. The Jeep Active Drive Low system includes a 4WD lock and hill descent control, which works well for steep descents.

For a more detailed driving impression, check out Car and Driver’s full review of the Jeep Renegade, which covers handling dynamics, acceleration, and off-road performance in depth.

Interior Comfort and Features

Seating and Space

Front seats are comfortable with good support for long drives. The driver’s seat offers manual or power adjustment depending on trim, and steering wheel tilt/telescope adjustability helps find a good driving position. Rear seats are less generous; legroom is tight for adults over six feet tall, and the seat base is low, creating a knees-up seating position. The rear seat is best suited for children or shorter trips with three passengers uncomfortably squeezed. Overall, the interior feels spacious for two people but cramped for four.

Materials Quality

The Renegade’s interior uses hard plastics throughout, even on upper trims, which is a step behind competitors like the Mazda CX-30 or the Volkswagen Taos. However, the rugged design language makes the hard surfaces feel more intentional rather than cheap. Areas where your elbows rest, like the center armrest and door armrests, are padded. The cloth upholstery on lower trims is durable, while the optional leather seats on Latitude and Trailhawk add a touch of upscale feel. Noise insulation is only average; wind noise and tire noise are noticeable at highway speeds.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Uconnect system is a highlight. The 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The interface is intuitive, with physical volume and tuning knobs, which is a rarity in modern vehicles. The available Alpine premium audio system is one of the best in the segment, offering clear sound with decent bass. Navigation is optional but not necessary with smartphone mirroring.

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2024 Jeep Renegade comes standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. In government crash tests, the Renegade has performed well, earning four out of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for front and rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the Renegade the highest rating of “Good” in most crashworthiness tests, though headlight performance varies by trim and was rated “Poor” in some variants.

For more detailed safety results, you can view the 2024 Renegade’s NHTSA safety ratings and IIHS ratings.

Pricing and Trims

The 2024 Jeep Renegade starts at $28,390 (including destination fee) for the Sport 4×2. Adding 4×4 adds about $2,000. The Latitude trim begins at $29,990 for 4×4, while the off-road-oriented Trailhawk starts near $33,490. These prices put the Renegade on the higher side of the subcompact SUV segment. However, Jeep frequently offers dealer incentives and rebates, so actual transaction prices are often lower than MSRP. Many buyers can find a well-equipped Latitude 4×4 for under $30,000 after negotiations.

For perspective, a 2024 Honda HR-V starts around $25,000, and a Subaru Crosstrek with all-wheel drive begins under $27,000. The Renegade’s premium over these models is justified if you need genuine off-road capability or desire the unique styling. But if you value space, efficiency, or performance, the Renegade may not offer the best value. Consult Kelley Blue Book’s expert review of the 2024 Renegade for up-to-date pricing and consumer ratings.

Conclusion

The 2024 Jeep Renegade is a niche vehicle that excels in areas where most subcompact SUVs do not: off-road readiness, trail capability, and bold personality. Its drawbacks in cargo space, fuel economy, and on-road refinement are real but may be acceptable to buyers who prioritize adventure-ready design and Jeep heritage. For urban commuters who rarely leave pavement, there are more rational choices. But for those who want a vehicle that can handle a skiing trip, a camping weekend, or a dirt road commute without complaint, the Renegade is a compelling, fun-to-drive option. Before making a decision, test-drive both the Renegade and its closest rivals to see which compromises fit your lifestyle best.