The 2017 Jeep Renegade lasts around 120,000 miles with some serious engine and transmission issues reported. At $11,995 to $16,825, it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs, but not worth buying when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.
Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the Jeep Renegade since there are a lot of serious mechanical issues as it ages. Owner reviews complain about expensive repair bills, poor customer service from Jeep, along with breaking down while driving.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are surprisingly nice for a small SUV, the seats are comfortable, although cargo space is not as large as some competitors.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are a lot of engine and transmission problems reported by 2017 Renegade owners. Avoid models from 2015–2018, while 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from both of the engine choices, which are slower than many of the other small SUVs on the market.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2017 Renegade gets 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rearview camera along with lane departure warning.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, giving 342 miles of range from the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $16 higher than average, at $222 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2017 Jeep Renegade is cheaper than other small SUVs, although rapid depreciation paired with expensive problems makes it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Renegade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Jeep Renegade really misses the mark in a lot of places for a small SUV, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Renegade at 3.2/5, enjoying the responsive steering through turns, but doesn’t like the clunky nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Renegade a 3.9/5, praising the decent off-road capabilities for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the lack of cargo space.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Jeep Renegade Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Jeep Renegade include excessive oil consumption, lunging forward, along with the keyless system failing. Overall, these problems are much worse than other small SUVs, leading to more expensive repair costs as it ages.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 Jeep Renegade, showing up in the first 45,000 miles. There are a lot of gaskets that fail in the engine, leading to leaks and burning oil. Some owners report having to replace the entire engine at a cost of nearly $7,000 to fix the problems.
Lunging forward and changing gears hard is another problem mentioned on the 2017 Renegade at around 25,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by damage to the gear teeth in the transmission which will cause it to slip while accelerating. Rebuilding the transmission costs around $1,500, while a whole replacement is over $3,000.
Keyless system failures have also been reported by some 2017 Renegade owners in the first 50,000 miles. The keyless receiver in the vehicle simply fails as the SUV ages. The only way to fix it is by replacing the module, which costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
There are three recalls on the 2017 Jeep Renegade, which is similar to other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers a loss of fuel pressure, which can increase the risk of a crash. Jeep will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. Other recalls include the oil pump housing cracking, along with some software issues. Jeep will replace and update software for free as well.
How Long Will the 2017 Jeep Renegade Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Jeep Renegade may last around 120,000 miles before it becomes too expensive, which is hundreds of thousands of miles less than the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $392 per year.
As a used 2017 Renegade reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the steering knuckle for $600, CV joints costing $900, along with the fuel pump which costs $1,300.
I have not had any issues this far. I did take extended warranty to cover any major issues that may arise.
It is reliable, the only downsides being a sharper than normal drop off in performance when maintenance is due.
Yes!! It is incredibly reliable. I have only had one issue with the fuel tank sensor and the dealership fixed it quickly!
Yes. Not once has a I had a mechanical problem with it at all. The only thing I would change is the fact that it does not come with a spare tire. Fortunately I found out before it was too late.
In the last few years that I have driven the renegade, I have not had any issues. I trust it to get me where I am going.
Yes. I haven't had anything wrong with it so far. I believe to it will be a reliable vehicle. It is so good to drive.
I have never had a problem with my jeep in the almost 3 years that I have had it. The only thing I have had to do is change 1 tire so far and a new battery.
So far it is been reliable. I haven't had any mechanical issues with it. I do take it in regularly for maintenance so I am really hoping it lasts until my lease is up.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is basic with a simple four-speaker audio system with AUX and USB inputs. Optional upgrades include a five-inch touchscreen, a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a more powerful stereo.
There are no standard safety features on the 2017 Renegade.
Optional driver assistance upgrades include:
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning
Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Jeep Renegade is a bad value since it has a lot of mechanical problems that are expensive to repair as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $11,995 to $16,825, making it less than a Subaru Crosstrek or Ford Escape. When new, the price range was $17,995 to $27,195. Depreciation is worse than many other small SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Renegade?
There are four versions of the Jeep Renegade offered for the 2017 model year, from the entry-level Sport to the more off-road focused Trailhawk. The Renegade comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Power windows and locks
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Cloth upholstery
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Driver information display
- Four-speaker sound system with auxiliary jack and USB port
- Optional Sport Appearance package: alloy wheels and roof rails
- Optional Power group: heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors, cruise control, and air-conditioning
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Contains the Sport package and Power group contents
- Fog Lights and automatic headlights
- Body-colored door handles and mirrors
- Ambient LED lighting
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Rearview camera
- Uconnect control interface with 5-inch touchscreen
- Satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
- Voice commands, additional USB port and six-speaker audio system
- Altitude package: 18-inch wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, and vinyl door trim
Limited offers the most luxury with:
- Unique 18-inch wheels and dual exhaust tips
- Automatic wipers
- Full keyless ignition and entry (with remote engine start)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Upgraded driver information display
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 115-volt power outlet
- Leather upholstery
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with four-way power lumbar)
- Heated front seats, heated steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob and 40/20/40-split folding rear seat with pass-through
Trailhawk is the flagship model with:
- Four-wheel drive
- Hill descent control
- Raised suspension
- Tow hooks and underbody skid plates
- 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires
- Unique exterior accents
- Full-size spare
- Upgraded driver information display
- Premium cloth upholstery
- Red interior stitching
- Removable cargo floor panel
- Most of Limited model’s standard features offered via option packages
Additional Options Include:
- 5-inch touchscreen, navigation system, HD radio, Uconnect Access
- Safety and Security package: blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert
- Advanced Technology package: lane departure warning/intervention system, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and braking
- Manually removable My Sky sunroofs (power-operated front sunroof option for all but Sport model)
- Nine-speaker Beats premium audio system (all models but Sport)
- Tow package (requires four-wheel drive)
What Engines Come In the Jeep Renegade?
- The base model is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
- The optional engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that outputs 180 horsepower while getting 25 MPG. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is poor, taking 9.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Renegade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Renegade?
The 2017 Jeep Renegade offers a comfortable ride with an interior that balances utility with comfort. The seats are well-bolstered, providing solid support during long journeys and off-road adventures alike. This model comfortably seats up to five people, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and back seats, accommodating adults of varying heights.
Regarding ride quality, the Renegade smoothes out most road imperfections, thanks to its adept suspension. It strikes a balance between firmness for handling and softness for comfort, providing that the ride is neither too bumpy nor too floaty.
The interior design includes high-quality materials, adding to the overall comfort. The controls are logically arranged and easy to use, contributing to a hassle-free driving experience.
Optional features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel can further enhance the comfort level. Also, its relatively quiet cabin adds to the vehicle’s comfort, making it a pleasant companion for both city commutes and long-distance travels.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Renegade Have?
The 2017 Jeep Renegade, a model that stands out for its cargo capacity in the compact SUV class, offers 18.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. With this amount of room, you can easily stow a moderate amount of luggage, a large grocery haul, or a couple of medium-sized suitcases.
When you require more storage space, the rear seats of the Renegade can be folded down to accommodate larger items. With the rear seats folded, the cargo capacity expands to a generous 50.8 cubic feet. This ample space can easily house larger objects such as a bicycle, a full-sized cooler, or a sizable piece of furniture like a small couch or a coffee table. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a big shopping day, the 2017 Jeep Renegade offers a robust cargo area that caters to a variety of storage needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Jeep Renegade was introduced for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the all new small SUV.
2016: Upgraded Beats stereo system, and more standard features.
2017: Xenon headlights along with keyless ignition and entry added.
2018: Standard rearview camera and 5-inch touchscreen, while larger touchscreens have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes, more available features.
2020: 1.3-liter engine is more powerful, standard remote smartphone app.
2021: More standard driver safety features, limited trim comes with 4WD only, and new limited editions.
How Does the Jeep Renegade Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a terrible small SUV since there are a lot of serious mechanical problems, and it’s lacking a lot of the entertainment and safety features found in the competition.
The Jeep Compass is another competitor from Jeep which costs about $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Compass, while the Jeep Renegade fits better into large cities since it’s smaller. We recommend avoiding both for the 2017 model year since they have expensive engine problems reported.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV which is available for about $3,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the Crosstrek with the standard all-wheel drive system, while the Jeep Renegade has a little more cargo room. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since it lasts longer and has lower ownership costs as it ages.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Renegade?
Yes. It's easy on gas and is great when traveling. It is 4 wheel drive gets me around in the snow. It is a smooth ride. It had auto start and heated seats and heated steering wheel. The cost was great and the monthly payment fell in my budget. The dealer is local so I do not have far too travel when I need service.
Yes, it performs well. It is good on gas mileage and drives well. It burns oil faster than the recommended oil change timeline, which means trips to put oil in.
Yes, it is the best car I have ever owned! It is so safe, great in bad weather, has heated seats and great ac. I love all the features it has. And it is roomy enough for multiple children's car seats.
Yes, great drive and build. Has comfortable seats and really great gas mileage. Has plenty of space for someone on the go, and it feels extremely safe no matter what weather I am driving it in.
Yes! I have been very satisfied with the jeep renegade. It is comfortable and fun to drive. I have not had any issues. I only wish it was a little bit higher and not so low to the ground and more like a jeep.
Yes the renegade is a great car. It is my primary vehicle and I love the way it drives. I recommend this car to anyone.
It is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. Reliable, spacious and stylish. Everything I could need or want in a vehicle.
It is an average vehicle. I do not think it is made very well. I hit a curb at about 25 mph when it was icy and it bent the frame. It is a jeep! It is clunky and noisy. The speed does not pick up well. I am just happy that I haven't had any major problems with it.