2024 Jeep Renegade Model, Engine, Exterior – Jeep has gone all retro with the little Jeep Renegade crossover. The Renegade, which shares a platform with its corporate sibling, the Fiat 500X, combines charming looks and a box-shaped container with all-wheel drive and a “Trail-Rated” logo. That is a significant deal in the 2024 Jeep Renegade world, and no other subcompact is quite as capable off-road. While the ability to explore the unknown and one of the best infotainment systems on the market bode well for the rugged Renegade, the only transmission choice is a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The engine options, which include a 180-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.4-liter and a 177-horsepower turbocharged 1.3-liter, are obvious shortcomings. Can audacious styling overcome mediocre hardware in a segment filled with Kia Seltos, Hyundai Konas, and Honda HR-Vs? We remain unconvinced following our in-depth Renegade assessment.
2024 Jeep Renegade Redesign
After receiving major enhancements last year, including greater safety technologies and additional special-edition models, the 2024 Renegade will see few modifications. The 2.4-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine from the base model has been phased out in favor of the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine, which produces similar power as the outgoing 2.4 but with much more torque and improved fuel efficiency. The former seven-inch infotainment system has been discontinued, with all trim levels down to the entry-level car equipped with the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation.
Many trim levels, including Jeepster, Upland, Freedom, and 80th Anniversary, will be phased out starting in 2024 Jeep Renegade, leaving only four regular trim levels – Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk – and a new limited-run Red Edition model.A new altitude option is available on the Latitude trim level. Its interior and external design elements are gloss black, as are the fabric or leather seats with gray stitching. Limited models have updated 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and mirror covers, as well as a reworked grille and rear valance.
Interior
The Renegade’s cabin has a number of unusual shapes and elements, such as the front passenger’s powerful grasp hold. The materials are relatively normal for the class, combining soft-touch plastics with some rougher edges distributed throughout the inside. There is sufficient space in general, with the exception of rear legroom for taller people. Throughout the line, automatic temperature control with dual zones is standard. Upholstery choices range from economical cloth to quality leather on the most expensive versions. All versions are equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system this year. The upright dash and windshield, together with the deep glasshouse, provide the sense of a much larger car, with sufficient shoulder room and frontal head-and legroom measurements of up to 41.1 inches and 41.2 inches, respectively, without the sunroof.
However, the seats lack support, and when combined with the soft suspension, passengers may require additional assistance on uneven roads. Unfortunately, entering the back of the interior creates a completely different impression; while the wide-opening doors simplify access and egress, the huge front half of the cabin leaves rear occupants with just 35.1 inches of legroom. While the 40.5-inch headroom is more than adequate, the rear seating layout is awkward and inconvenient, making long drives unpleasant.
Engine
The Renegade range is powered by a single four-cylinder engine this year: a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This turbocharged engine is capable of 177 hp and 210 pound-feet of torque. The car comes standard with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine delivers lots of torque, but is held back by the year 2024’s perhaps worst automatic transmission implementation. Shifts are jerky, the gearbox is always hunting for a suitable gear and never finds one, and even manual shift instructions are futile since the transmission disregards them. Furthermore, nine gears are ineffective if the eighth and ninth are never engaged, even at highway speeds with little throttle input. While a manual transmission would surely improve the experience, the powertrain as-is is simply unpleasant.
The most fuel-efficient engine in the range, according to the EPA, is the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine in the 2WD trim, which delivers 24/32/27 mpg in city/highway/combined driving. The results decreased to 23/29/26 mpg when coupled with the 4×4 drivetrain. The Trailhawk 4×4 achieves the lowest fuel efficiency in the range, with 22/27/24 mpg. The most economical model, with a 12.7-gallon gasoline tank, should have a total cruising range of around 343 miles. Subaru Crosstrek automatic earns up to 28/33/30 mpg.
2024 Jeep Renegade Release Date and Price
The Renegade lineup begins with the Sport trim, which starts at $22,495 for 2WD and goes up to $24,095 for 4WD, a $1,600 premium. This is the only trim level that has standard 2WD; all other trim levels include standard 4WD. The Latitude costs $26,695, the Altitude costs $27,690, the Red Edition costs $28,185, and the Limited costs $29,995. The Trailhawk, which is more competent, is similarly priced at $29,995. The price of the 2019 Jeep Renegade does not include taxes, license, or registration, nor does it include Jeep’s $1,595 destination charge. When equipped with all available options, the Jeep Renegade will cost more than $35,000.