Is Jeep Discontinuing The Renegade?
The Jeep Renegade has been a familiar sight on roads since its launch in 2014. Designed as a compact SUV, it quickly attracted buyers looking for adventure in a smaller package.
But lately, rumors have been swirling: Is Jeep discontinuing the Renegade? This question matters for current owners, potential buyers, and anyone interested in the SUV market.
Let’s explore what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it might affect you.
The Renegade’s Place In Jeep’s Lineup
The Renegade sits at the entry-level of Jeep’s SUV family. It’s smaller than the Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, making it affordable and easy to drive in cities. Here’s a quick comparison of Jeep’s main SUV models:
| Model | Length (inches) | Starting Price (USD) | Engine Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renegade | 166.6 | ~$24,000 | 1.3L Turbo |
| Compass | 173.0 | ~$28,000 | 2.0L Turbo |
| Cherokee | 182.0 | ~$30,000 | 2.4L, 3.2L V6 |
| Grand Cherokee | 193.5 | ~$40,000 | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8 |
The Renegade’s small size and lower price made it popular among first-time Jeep buyers and people living in urban areas.
Why Is Jeep Ending The Renegade?
Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, announced in early 2024 that production of the Renegade will stop for the North American market after the 2024 model year. Here’s why:
- Declining Sales: Renegade sales peaked in 2016 at almost 106,000 units in the US. By 2023, sales dropped below 30,000 units—a decline of over 70%.
- Changing Demand: Consumers now prefer larger SUVs or electric vehicles. Compact SUVs like the Renegade face tough competition from brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford.
- Regulations and Costs: New emissions rules are pushing automakers to invest in electrification. The Renegade’s platform isn’t suited for modern hybrid or electric powertrains without major changes.
- Focus on New Models: Jeep wants to focus on models with higher demand and profitability, including the Compass, Wrangler, and upcoming electric SUVs.
Here’s a look at Renegade sales trends:
| Year | US Sales |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 106,606 |
| 2019 | 78,677 |
| 2021 | 47,137 |
| 2023 | 28,993 |
What Does Discontinuation Mean For Buyers And Owners?
If you’re thinking about buying a Renegade, or you already own one, the news can feel confusing. Here’s what you need to know:
- New Renegades: Dealerships will sell remaining inventory through 2024. Discounts may appear as dealers clear stock.
- Used Market: The Renegade will still be available used, but prices may drop slightly due to discontinuation.
- Parts and Service: Jeep promises to support Renegade owners with parts and service for years to come. Automakers are legally required to provide parts support for discontinued models.
- Resale Value: Resale values may decrease, but not dramatically—Renegade’s low price means depreciation was already expected.
- Warranty Coverage: All warranties remain valid for sold vehicles.
Common Mistakes When Buying A Discontinued Model
Many buyers worry about discontinued models, but here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Assuming parts will vanish quickly: Most parts are available for 7-10 years.
- Overestimating depreciation: Used Renegade prices may drop, but not overnight.
- Ignoring reviews and reliability: The Renegade has mixed reliability, especially for earlier models (2015–2017).
What Models Will Replace The Renegade?
Jeep isn’t launching a direct replacement for the Renegade right now. Instead, the Compass becomes the smallest US Jeep SUV. The Compass has grown in size, features, and popularity.
A comparison between Renegade and Compass:
| Feature | Renegade | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 166.6 inches | 173 inches |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | 200 hp |
| Fuel Economy | 24/32 mpg | 27/32 mpg |
| Price | ~$24,000 | ~$28,000 |
The Compass now offers better power, features, and fuel efficiency than the Renegade. Jeep is also developing electric models that may eventually fill the small SUV gap.
Is The Renegade Discontinued Worldwide?
The Renegade will still be sold in some regions, including Europe and South America. In these markets, the Renegade remains popular and has been updated with hybrid options. Jeep’s strategy is to adapt to local demand, so discontinuation is mainly for North America.
For example, in Brazil and Italy, the Renegade is among the best-selling SUVs. European models offer plug-in hybrid versions, which help meet emissions rules.
Non-obvious Insights For Renegade Fans
- Special Editions May Gain Value: Limited-run Renegade editions, like the Trailhawk or Anniversary models, could become collectibles. Fewer units mean higher rarity.
- Insurance Costs Could Drop: As resale prices dip, some insurers reduce rates for discontinued models. It’s worth checking with your provider.
