The 2020 Jeep Renegade lasts around 175,000 miles, with some average check engine light and stereo system issues. At $17,500 to $24,750, it’s a good value for shoppers on a budget, but there are better SUV choices on the market.
Is the 2020 Jeep Renegade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Jeep Renegade, although it’s still worse than some other compact SUVs from the same year. Owner reviews praise the roomy cabin, camera system, along with the four-wheel drive performance.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are durable and hold up well, the seats are comfortable on longer drives, but cargo space is limited.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are not any widespread complaints on the 2020 Renegade. Avoid models from 2015–2018, which have engine problems, while 2019–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Both of the four-cylinder engines offer reasonable performance for a small SUV, but it’s not very fun to drive.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Renegade is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, giving 342 miles of range out of the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $8 cheaper than average at $205 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Jeep Renegade is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market, with average depreciation rates, giving it a good value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Renegade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Jeep Renegade offers a solid feel overall with plenty of cargo space, while also getting good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Jeep Renegade at 3.9/5, enjoying the excellent exterior styling, but doesn’t like the amount of wind noise at highway speeds.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Renegade a 3.8/5, praising the great off-road capabilities in the Trailhawk, but owners don’t like the slow automatic transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Jeep Renegade Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Jeep Renegade include check engine lights, a frozen stereo system, along with some excessive noise from the wheels. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs, leading to average repair costs as the Renegade ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Renegade owners, showing up at around 5,000 miles. There are a lot of issues that can cause a check engine light to turn on, so you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code in the ECU. Once you know the source of the light, the repairs cost $50 to $550.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by some Renegade owners within the first 1,000 miles. The software locks up from time to time, and has to be restarted to get it working again. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Excessive wheel noise is another problem that shows up on some Renegade models at around 20,000 miles. The wheel bearings tend to wear out more quickly than in other SUVs, leading to a lot of noise. Replacing the wheel bearings costs around $350, depending on local labor rates.
There are two recalls on the 2020 Jeep Renegade, which is similar to other compact SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers the right rear brake caliper, which may fail. Jeep will replace the caliper on affected models for free. The second covers the rearview camera, which Jeep can fix with a software update.
How Long Will the 2020 Jeep Renegade Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Jeep Renegade can last around 175,000 miles, which is shorter than some other small SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $448 per year.
As a used 2020 Renegade reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission mount for $200, the oxygen sensor costing $380, along with the brake master cylinder, which costs around $475.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is average for a small SUV and includes a 5-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include larger 7 or 8.4-inch touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is basic since it only has a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic parking assist
- Lane keep assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2020 Jeep Renegade a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Renegade is a decent value since it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs and has better reliability than in earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,500 to $24,750, making it less than a Honda HR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $22,375 to $28,500. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Renegade?
There are four main models of the 2020 Jeep Renegade offered from the entry-level Sport through to the off-road focused Trailhawk. The Renegade comes standard with front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Heated and power-adjustable mirrors
- Rearview camera
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Removable cargo floor panel
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Bluetooth
- 5-inch touchscreen
- USB port
- Six-speaker sound system
- Sport Appearance package (Optional: 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass)
- Uconnect 7.0 Group (Optional: dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto)
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Automatic headlights
- Body-colored door handles and mirrors
- Ambient LED lighting
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Second-row USB port
- Cold Weather Group (Optional: automatic wipers with de-icers, heated front seats, heated steering wheel)
- Standard Sport Appearance package features
- Standard Uconnect 7.0 Group features
Limited has more features, such as:
- 18-inch wheels
- Automatic wipers
- Keyless ignition and entry (with remote engine start)
- Upgraded driver information display
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 115-volt household-style power outlet
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seat with center pass-through
- Standard features from the Cold Weather Group
Trailhawk is the off-road focused model with:
- 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
- Most Latitude features, plus some Limited upgrades
- Premium Leather package (Optional: additional Limited’s upgrades)
Available Options:
- Safety and Security package (Limited and Trailhawk): blind-spot monitor, vehicle alarm, cargo cover.
- Safety and Security Group II (Sport and Limited): automatic wipers and features from Safety and Security package.
- Advanced Technology package (Latitude and Limited): automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automated parking system.
- LED Lighting package (all but Sport): LED exterior lighting.
- Uconnect 8.4 Nav package (all but Sport): 8.4-inch touchscreen navigation system.
- Full-size spare: removes underfloor storage bin (standard on Trailhawk).
- My Sky sunroof panels: manually removable (available for all trims).
- Traditional power-operated sunroof: available for all except Sport.
What Engines Come In the Jeep Renegade?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade offers two engine choices to cater to various driving preferences and needs.
The first option is a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine. This engine delivers 180 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It provides a combined fuel economy of around 24 MPG. As for its performance, the Renegade equipped with this engine can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in roughly 9 seconds.
The second available engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4. Generating 177 horsepower, this engine is mated to the same nine-speed automatic transmission. Its combined fuel economy stands at about 27 MPG, making it the more fuel-efficient choice of the two. In terms of acceleration, this engine allows the Renegade to sprint from 0-60 MPH in just under 9 seconds.
What Colors Does the Jeep Renegade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Renegade?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade is designed with a blend of urban appeal and rugged charm, providing comfort both on city streets and off-road terrains. Inside, the Renegade offers spacious seating for both the driver and passengers. The seats are crafted with quality materials, offering enough cushioning and support, ideal for longer drives. Many trims come with the option of heated seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during colder months.
The cabin layout is user-friendly, with intuitively placed controls, making it easy for the driver to manage various functions without unnecessary distractions. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth ride. Additionally, noise insulation is effective, keeping most of the external sounds at bay and making sure a serene in-cabin experience. While the Renegade might not be as plush as some luxury SUVs, it certainly delivers a level of comfort that is commendable for its class, providing a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Renegade Have?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade offers versatility in storage, making it a favorite among many SUV enthusiasts. The vehicle boasts a total cargo space of 18.5 cubic feet behind the second row, which is spacious enough to accommodate daily shopping bags, a couple of medium-sized suitcases, or even a baby stroller. For those who require more room, the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo space to an impressive 50.8 cubic feet. This expanded space can comfortably fit larger items like a bicycle, camping equipment, or multiple suitcases for a long trip.
Beyond the primary cargo area, the Jeep Renegade has a variety of small interior storage solutions. There’s a useful glovebox, door pockets, cupholders, and a center console bin for keeping smaller items organized and within reach. The underfloor storage in the cargo area provides an additional hideaway spot for items you might want to keep out of sight. Whether you’re heading out on an adventure or running errands around town, the 2020 Jeep Renegade makes sure that you have ample space to carry whatever you need.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Jeep Renegade was launched for the 2015 model year as a new compact SUV.
2015: First model year for the Jeep Renegade, which is the smallest SUV offered by Jeep.
2016: Upgraded Beats stereo system added and more standard features offered.
2017: Keyless ignition and Xenon headlights also added.
2018: There’s a standard 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera on all models, the larger touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019: Small exterior styling changes, more options packages offered.
2020: Stronger 1.3L engine added, and standard smartphone apps on all models.
2021: Additional driver safety features added, Limited model only offered with 4WD, also new limited-edition models added.
How Does the Jeep Renegade Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade is a fine small SUV for shoppers on a budget, although it’s not really a class-leader in any areas aside from its decent four-wheel drive system.
The Jeep Compass is another compact SUV from Jeep, which costs $1,200 more. Passenger room is a bit better in the Jeep Compass, while the Jeep Renegade offers slightly better off-road performance. We recommend the Jeep Compass since it’s a better daily driver, but it’s worth testing both to see which you prefer.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular small SUV which costs about $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Subaru Crosstrek, while the Jeep Renegade has more unique styling. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since the lower ownership costs make it a better long-term value.