Is The 2017 Jeep Renegade A Good Car?
The 2017 Jeep Renegade stands out in the crowded subcompact SUV market. Its unique style, off-road reputation, and city-friendly size draw attention. But is it a smart buy for you? Let’s take a close look at what this car offers, where it shines, and where it falls short.
Whether you want a daily driver or a weekend adventurer, understanding the 2017 Renegade’s strengths and weaknesses will help you make a confident decision.
Performance And Handling
The 2017 Jeep Renegade comes with two engine options. The base engine is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making 160 horsepower. It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The upgraded engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing 180 horsepower and matched with a nine-speed automatic.
For city driving, the base engine feels peppy and delivers good fuel economy (24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway). The 2.4-liter engine provides more power for highway merging and hills, but the nine-speed automatic sometimes shifts slowly.
Where the Renegade really shines is off-road. With the Trailhawk trim, you get Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system, extra ground clearance, and skid plates. This makes it one of the few subcompact SUVs that can handle rough trails. Most competitors can’t match this level of off-road ability.
Interior Comfort And Features
Inside, the 2017 Renegade feels more spacious than you’d expect. The boxy shape creates good headroom, even for tall passengers. The rear seats fold flat, making room for larger items.
Standard features include:
- Five-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth
- Rearview camera
- Keyless entry
Higher trims add features like:
- 6.5-inch touchscreen
- Navigation
- Heated seats
- Dual-zone climate control
The materials are mostly hard plastics, but the design is playful, with Jeep logos hidden in fun places. One non-obvious touch: the My Sky sunroof, which lets you remove two roof panels for an open-air feel. Few rivals offer this.
Safety And Reliability
The 2017 Renegade scores well in safety tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it four out of five stars overall. It comes with standard front and side airbags, plus electronic stability control.
Advanced safety options include:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These are available on higher trims. However, not all models have them, so check before buying.
When it comes to reliability, the 2017 Renegade is average. Some owners report problems with the 9-speed automatic transmission and minor electrical issues. Regular maintenance helps, but expect more quirks than in Japanese competitors like the Honda HR-V.
Fuel Economy And Running Costs
Fuel economy is decent for a subcompact SUV. The 1.4-liter turbo gets up to 31 mpg highway, while the 2.4-liter drops to about 29 mpg highway. The Trailhawk, designed for off-road, uses more fuel.
Insurance costs are average for this class. Maintenance can be a bit higher, especially if you choose the 4×4 models and plan regular off-road trips. Resale values for the Renegade are fair but not top of the class.
Pros And Cons At A Glance
Here’s a quick look at what stands out:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent off-road capability (Trailhawk) | Transmission issues reported |
| Unique, stylish design | Firm ride on rough roads |
| Good headroom and visibility | Average cargo space |
| Removable My Sky sunroof option | Some hard plastic interior parts |
| Available advanced safety features | Not the best reliability |
How The Renegade Compares To Rivals
Comparing the Renegade to other small SUVs helps highlight its position in the market.
| Model | Off-Road Ability | Fuel Economy (Highway) | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Renegade (Trailhawk) | Excellent | 29 mpg | Average |
| Honda HR-V | Poor | 34 mpg | Excellent |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Very good | 33 mpg | Very good |
| Chevrolet Trax | Poor | 33 mpg | Good |
The Renegade is the best choice for off-roading. If you need reliability and top fuel economy, look at the Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek.
Non-obvious Insights For Buyers
- The Trailhawk trim, while great off-road, rides stiffer on city streets. Test drive before you buy if comfort matters.
- The 1.4-liter turbo engine is often overlooked but gives better gas mileage and a more engaging drive with the manual transmission.
- Some advanced safety features are only available on higher trims, not standard across the range. Double-check the exact model if these features are important for you.
Who Should Buy The 2017 Jeep Renegade?
Choose the 2017 Renegade if you:
- Want a small SUV with real off-road ability
- Like unique, bold styling
- Prefer higher seating and good visibility
It might not be your best option if you:
- Need the highest reliability
- Want the smoothest, quietest ride
- Carry lots of cargo regularly
For adventure lovers, the Renegade is hard to beat in its class. For worry-free ownership, other brands may be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 2017 Jeep Renegade Reliable?
The 2017 Renegade is average in reliability. Some owners report issues with the automatic transmission and minor electronics. Regular servicing helps, but it’s not as trouble-free as some Japanese models.
How Much Can The 2017 Renegade Tow?
The Renegade can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is enough for a small trailer or a couple of dirt bikes, but not for heavy loads.
Is The 2017 Renegade Good For Families?
It works for small families thanks to reasonable rear seat space and safety features. However, cargo space is limited compared to larger SUVs. Check your needs before deciding.
What Are Common Problems With The 2017 Renegade?
Most common complaints include transmission hesitation, electrical glitches, and some interior rattles. These issues are not universal but are worth noting.
Where Can I Find More Detailed Specs?
You can find full specifications and detailed reviews at the official Jeep website for the most accurate information.
If you value adventure and style, the 2017 Jeep Renegade could be a great fit. For buyers seeking maximum comfort or reliability, explore all options before making your final choice.
