The 2018 Jeep Renegade lasts around 125,000 miles with serious engine and alternator issues. At $14,400 to $22,350, it’s cheaper than many competitors, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands repairing all the problems that pop up as it ages.
Is the 2018 Jeep Renegade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Jeep Renegade since there are a lot of mechanical issues reported as it ages. Owner reviews complain about the engine stalling, expensive repair costs, and burning a lot of oil.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are better than other small SUVs, the seats are comfortable on long drives, but cargo space is lower than many competitors.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are widespread transmission and engine problems found on the 2018 Renegade. Avoid models from 2015–2018, while 2019–2022 have higher reliability ratings.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is worse than other small SUVs from both of the relatively weak four-cylinder engines.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Renegade is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera while automatic emergency braking along with lane keep assist are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is average at up to 27 MPG, giving 342 miles of range out of the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $13 higher than average, at $203 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Jeep Renegade is less expensive than many other SUVs, but quick depreciation and expensive mechanical problems lower the value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Renegade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Jeep Renegade offers some decent crash-avoidance technology, but gets low owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Renegade at 3.6/5 enjoying the technology features, but doesn’t like the limited legroom in the tight rear seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Renegade a 3.9/5, praising the decent off-road performance for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the poor handling on roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Jeep Renegade Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Jeep Renegade include excessive oil consumption, the battery overheating, along with the stereo system freezing. Overall, these problems are worse than other small SUVs on the market, leading to more repair costs as the vehicle ages.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Jeep Renegade, showing up within the first 25,000 miles. Some oil consumption is normal, although the Renegade has known piston ring issues that allow a lot of oil into the cylinders. Rebuilding the engine fixes the problem, but costs nearly $1,500. Some people have had their entire engine replaced as well, costing over $3,500.
The battery overheating is another problem mentioned by 2018 Renegade owners at roughly 40,000 miles. An overheating battery can explode, making it a dangerous problem. The alternator is the most common source of the problem. The first thing you should check is the charging cable on the alternator to make sure it’s secure. If it is secure then it’s likely a problem with the actual alternator core, which will have to be replaced for over $500.
The stereo system freezing also shows up on some Renegade models within the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates for the touchscreen which improves the reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates as part of regular service for free, while others charge around $50.
There are two recalls on the 2018 Jeep Renegade, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. The first recall is for the voltage regulator which can cause the engine to stall, and the second is for the fuel pump. Jeep will replace the voltage regulator and fuel pump on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Jeep Renegade Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Jeep Renegade can last around 125,000 miles, which is much shorter than long-lasting SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $493 per year.
As a used 2018 Renegade reaches around 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel pressure sensor costing $290, intake manifold gasket costing $700, along with the A/C compressor which costs around $1,350.
Yes it is reliable. I have not had any problems other than a nail in a tire. Which tires are not that expensive and every tire place I went to had some and options. It is very dependable. I have gone on long drives and no problems. It also does amazing in the snow.
I have had zero problems with my renegade being unreliable. It is been a really good vehicle. It does not have any problems.
The 2018 jeep renegade Trailhawk is very reliable and does not have any problems. I have experienced.
Yes the vehicle is reliable, so far no problems. The only issue I have run across is the gas mileage it is not very good on gas.
Yes it's very reliable I haven't had any issues so far. The vehicle is way too new for me to have any problems.
Very reliable. Has not had any problems to date (knocking on wood). Has a lot of get up and go. Was not the initial one we wanted but that one got hit in the dealership parking lot so we got the upgrade.
No problems yet. Crossing my fingers it stays that way. Like I said before the only thing I can think of right now that I dislike is the 4 wheel drive button. It is too close to the console and has been bumped numerous times
It is very reliable. I have had no problems with it but I only have 3700 miles on it. I can drive in any conditions in it.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good for a small SUV, offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is similar to many competitors from the same year with a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Active lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear parking sensors
Is the 2018 Jeep Renegade a Good Value?
No, the 2018 Jeep Renegade is a bad value since it has a lot of mechanical problems, making it one that buyers should avoid. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,400 to $22,350, making it less than a Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $18,750 to $27,445. 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 main models of the 2018 Jeep Renegade offered, from the entry-level Sport all the way through to the more luxurious Limited. The Renegade comes standard with two-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Standard Equipment:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Manually adjustable mirrors
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Push-button ignition
- Power windows and locks
- Rearview camera
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Cloth upholstery
- Removable cargo floor panel
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- 5-inch touchscreen
- Six-speaker sound system with a USB port
- Packages:
- Sport Appearance package (alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass)
- Power & Air Group package (heated power-adjustable mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning)
- Uconnect 7.0 Group (dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Standard Features (Includes Sport packages):
- Fog Lights
- Automatic headlights
- Body-colored door handles and mirrors
- Ambient LED lighting
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Additional USB port
- Packages:
- Altitude package (black exterior styling, 18-inch wheels, upgraded upholstery, vinyl door trim)
- Safety & Security Group (xenon headlights, automatic wipers, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert)
- Uconnect 8.4 NAV Group (navigation system, 8.4-inch touchscreen, HD radio, contents of Uconnect 7.0 package)
- Tow package available (with four-wheel drive option)
Limited adds features such as:
- Standard Features (Includes Latitude features):
- 4-liter engine
- Dual exhaust tips
- Automatic wipers
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Silver roof rails
- Keyless ignition and entry (with remote engine start)
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 115-volt household-style power outlet
- Leather upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable driver seat (with 4-way power lumbar)
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seat with center pass-through
- Packages:
- Advanced Technology Group (automatic high-beam control, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking)
Trailhawk is the flagship model with:
- Standard Features (Builds off Latitude):
- 4-liter engine
- 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- Four-wheel drive with low-range settings
- Hill descent control
- Raised suspension
- Tow hooks
- Underbody skid plates
- Full-size spare
- Unique exterior and interior accents
- All-season floor mats
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Some Limited upgrades (automatic wipers, vinyl door trim, upgraded driver information display, 115-volt outlet, leather-wrapped shift knob)
Common Options Across Models:
- Manually removable My Sky sunroofs (power-operated front sunroof option except on Sport)
- Nine-speaker Beats premium audio system (except Sport)
- Tow package available for Latitude models and above (with four-wheel drive option)
What Engines Come In the Jeep Renegade?
- 1.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: This engine comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission and produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque at up to 27 MPG. The towing capacity for this option is limited to 2,000 pounds, and its 0-60 mph time is roughly 8.7 seconds.
- 2.4-Liter Inline-4 Engine: The larger 2.4-liter engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft of torque while getting 25 MPG. With this engine, the Renegade can tow up to 2,000 pounds as well, and it reaches 0-60 mph in around 9.0 seconds.
What Colors Does the Jeep Renegade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Renegade?
The comfort level of the 2018 Jeep Renegade can be quite subjective and may vary based on personal preferences and the specific trim level. Generally, the vehicle is designed with a blend of off-road capability and urban driving in mind. The seats are described as supportive and comfortable, accommodating both the driver and passengers on long and short journeys alike. Higher trim levels may offer leather upholstery and heated seats, adding to overall comfort.
However, some critics have noted that the ride can feel a bit firm, especially on rough or uneven surfaces, which might detract from the comfort level for some passengers. The cabin is reasonably well-insulated but might allow some road noise to enter, especially at highway speeds. Overall, the 2018 Jeep Renegade provides a decent level of comfort, especially considering its price range and class, but opinions may differ based on individual expectations and specific driving conditions.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Renegade Have?
The 2018 Jeep Renegade offers a versatile storage space that accommodates the needs of adventure seekers and daily commuters alike. When the rear seats are upright, it provides 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, enough room for everyday items like grocery bags, small pieces of luggage, or sporting equipment. For those needing more space for larger items, the rear seats can be folded down to create a total of 50.8 cubic feet of cargo area.
This expanded space can fit larger objects such as bicycles, a substantial amount of camping gear, or even a small piece of furniture. Additionally, the front passenger seat can be folded flat to accommodate longer items, showcasing the Renegade’s adaptability in handling various cargo needs. The available storage capacity and functional design make the 2018 Jeep Renegade a practical choice for those who require both space and flexibility.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Jeep Renegade was launched for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the new compact SUV from Jeep.
2016: More standard features offered, and an upgraded Beats stereo system is available.
2017: Keyless ignition and Xenon headlights added.
2018: Rearview camera and a 5-inch touchscreen are now standard on all models, the larger touch screens offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019: Small exterior styling changes, and more options packages.
2020: More powerful 1.3-liter engine, standard remote smartphone app on all models.
2021: Additional standard driver safety features, Limited model comes with 4WD only, and some limited edition trims.
How Does the Jeep Renegade Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Jeep Renegade is a terrible small SUV since it has a lot of serious mechanical problems that get very expensive as it ages, making it one buyers should avoid, especially out of warranty.
The Subaru Outback is a slightly larger SUV which can be found for about $4,000 more. The standard all-wheel drive system is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Jeep Renegade offers a nicer base stereo. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it has much lower ownership costs.
The Honda CR-V is another small SUV which is available for $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are much better in the Honda CR-V, while the Jeep Renegade has some higher-quality interior materials. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it will last much longer, and be more affordable.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Renegade?
Yes. It has great gas mileage for a jeep. The modifications for the renegade are cool. It is a safe car.
Yes, it gets great gas mileage and inexpensive to fill up as well. It drives super smooth, only thing is the speed can get away from you.
Yes the vehicle is good for me. The style, design, amenities, and smooth comfortable ride make it id.
Jeep renegade is a reliable vehicle it is sporty and cute, however the trunk space is really small and it is not good on gas.
It's a good reliable vehicle. It's comfortable and roomy. I like the dependability and performance of the vehicle.
Excellent. Could not have asked for a better one. Gets great mileage. Zips in and out of traffic like a champ.
Yes drives very nice. Love the color, and the gas mileage is great. The only problem I dislike are the button for the 4 wheel drive. It is too close to the console and has been bumped accidentally a few times
Yes it’s fun to drive and good in the snow. It is similar to the Wrangler but more affordable. I really love it.