The 2021 Jeep Renegade lasts around 175,000 miles, with some safety system and transmission issues reported. At $17,300 to $27,800, it’s cheap, but still mediocre in the very competitive compact SUV market.
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a decent year for the Jeep Renegade, although it’s still mediocre compared to other small SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the safety technology, off-road performance, and the spacious cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are basic but durable, the seats are comfortable on long trips, although cargo space is limited behind the rear seats.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Renegade. Models from 2015–2018 have a lot of engine problems, while 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – The engine choices are reasonably powerful for its size, but it’s still a fairly slow SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Renegade is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, offering 342 miles of range from the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $15 cheaper than average, at $173 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Jeep Renegade is less expensive than many other small SUVs, with average depreciation rates, giving it a good overall value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Renegade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Renegade offers a lot of modern features in a small, boxy package, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Jeep Renegade at 4/5, enjoying the easy-to-use technology features, but doesn’t like the excessive wind noise from the boxy design.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Renegade a 3.8/5, praising the standard driver assistance features, but owners don’t like that the transmission is slow.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Renegade Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Renegade include safety systems failing, delayed gear changes, along with excessive oil consumption. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other small SUVs, although repair costs are average for a compact SUV.
The safety systems failing is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Renegade owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Owners report that the sensors throughout the vehicle all start to fail, and the safety systems turn off. Replacing the sensors cost $100 to $350, depending on the issue.
Delayed gear changes have also been reported by Jeep Renegade owners at roughly 20,000 miles. There are some updates for the transmission control module, which improve the system. Usually, dealerships will update these for free, but some charge around $100. In some cases, the entire module has to be replaced, which costs roughly $1,000.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem on the 2021 Jeep Renegade that shows up within the first 25,000 miles. In some cases, excessive oil consumption is part of normal operation. In other cases, it’s a sign of damaged gaskets. Diagnosing excessive oil consumption costs around $100, and fixing it can cost $50 to $500 depending on the source.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Jeep Renegade, which is better than some other small SUVs from the same year. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have been extremely widespread or caused any safety issues.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Renegade Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Renegade can last around 175,000 miles, which is shorter than other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $498 per year.
As a used 2021 Renegade reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $120, a power seat switch costing $275, along with the fuel pump, which costs $1,450.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety features are very good, and include:
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
Optional driver assistance features available include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Hands-free parallel and perpendicular park assist
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Renegade is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,300 to $27,800, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $22,850 to $30,025. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Renegade?
There are four main models of the 2021 Jeep Renegade offered, from the entry-level Sport through to the more luxurious Renegade Limited and Trailhawk. The Renegade comes standard with front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Renegade Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Entry-level trim.
- 180 HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Standard front-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive.
- Cloth upholstery.
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Bluetooth and USB port.
- Satellite radio with six-speaker stereo.
- Remote keyless entry and push-button start.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Halogen headlights and heated side mirrors.
- 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tires.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.
Renegade Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Available with FWD or 4WD.
- Adds an extra USB port.
- 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Optional Luxury package includes:
- 177 HP turbocharged engine.
- Leather upholstery.
- 4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
- HD Radio.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- Hands-free park assist.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- LED headlights with automatic high beams.
- Optional Convenience package includes:
- Heated front seats.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Heated steering wheel.
- 120-volt power outlet.
- Rain-sensing wipers.
- Optional panoramic sunroof.
- Available nine-speaker stereo.
- Optional proximity keyless entry with remote start.
Renegade Limited has more luxury items with:
- Comes with a turbocharged engine.
- Standard four-wheel drive.
- Includes Latitude’s features.
- Leather upholstery.
- Heated front seats and steering wheel.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Proximity keyless entry and remote start.
- 4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
- HD Radio.
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
- Potential inclusion of Luxury package.
Renegade Trailhawk is the flagship model, which has:
- Top trim with turbocharged engine.
- Standard four-wheel drive.
- Most features from Limited trim.
- Trades leather seats for higher-riding suspension.
- Skid plates and tow hooks.
- Lower gear ratio.
- All-terrain tires.
- Option to include Luxury package.
What Engines Come In the Jeep Renegade?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade offers two engine options:
- The first is a 4-liter inline-four engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 24 MPG. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 9 seconds.
- The second option is a 3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which produces 177 horsepower and a higher torque of 210 lb.-ft. This engine also uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and offers a slightly better combined fuel economy of about 27 MPG. The 0-60 MPH time for this turbocharged engine is marginally quicker, clocking in at around 8.7 seconds.
What Colors Does the Jeep Renegade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Renegade?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade stands out in its segment for its comfort, blending rugged capabilities with a well-appointed interior that caters to both driver and passenger needs. Inside the cabin, the Renegade offers supportive seats that provide a good balance of cushioning and firmness, suitable for long drives or off-road adventures. The front seats, particularly, are designed with ergonomics in mind, making sure that the driver can enjoy a comfortable posture even on longer journeys. Additionally, the availability of adjustable lumbar support in higher trims adds to comfort, making it easier for individuals to find their ideal seating position. The rear seats also offer adequate space and comfort, although they might feel a bit snug for taller passengers on longer trips.
The Renegade’s ride quality further contributes to its overall comfort. The suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, delivering a smooth ride in urban settings and on highways. While it’s not as soft as some of its competitors, the Renegade strikes a good balance between being comfortably compliant and sufficiently firm to handle off-road conditions effectively. The cabin’s sound insulation is another highlight, minimizing road and wind noise, thus providing a quieter, more pleasant driving experience.
In terms of interior amenities, the 2021 Renegade comes with a range of features that enhance comfort. Standard air conditioning, along with available dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims, provides a pleasant cabin environment in various weather conditions. The infotainment system is user-friendly, adding to the ease of use and comfort during drives. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Renegade provides a commendable level of comfort, making it a suitable choice for those who want a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on either comfort or capability.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Renegade Have?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade is designed with a focus on utility and practicality, offering a commendable amount of storage space for a vehicle in its class. The cargo area behind the rear seats provides about 18.5 cubic feet of room, which is ample for day-to-day requirements. When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to 50.8 cubic feet. This variability in space allows for a wide range of uses, from grocery shopping to more adventurous outings. For instance, with the seats up, the cargo area can comfortably accommodate several grocery bags, a couple of medium-sized suitcases, or outdoor gear like a folded tent and camping chairs. With the seats down, the space is enough for larger items like a bicycle, a sizable amount of camping equipment, or even small furniture pieces, making the Renegade a versatile choice for different needs.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Jeep Renegade also offers various small storage solutions that enhance its practicality. The vehicle features several compartments and pockets designed for everyday convenience. There’s a reasonably sized glove compartment, door pockets in both the front and rear doors, and a center console with integrated cup holders. The Renegade also includes a unique storage tray that can be found in the front passenger seat, which is perfect for keeping small items like wallets, phones, or keys. These storage solutions are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin, providing easy access and helping to keep the interior organized. This combination of a spacious cargo area and well-designed small storage spaces makes the 2021 Jeep Renegade a smart choice for those who value both convenience and versatility in their vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Jeep Renegade was introduced in the 2015 model year as an all-new small SUV from Jeep.
2015: First model year for the Jeep Renegade, which is the smallest SUV available from Jeep.
2016: Improved Beats stereo system added to the lineup.
2017: Keyless ignition and Xenon headlights added.
2018: Standard 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera on all models, larger touch screen now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes and some new options packages introduced.
2020: More powerful 1.3L engine added, smartphone apps added to all models.
2021: More driver assistance features added, Limited model only has four wheel drive, and improvements to the Limited model as well.
How Does the Jeep Renegade Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade is a mediocre small SUV since it’s not as reliable as most of the competition on the market, and offers a very basic interior.
The Kia Soul is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. The interior materials are nicer in the Kia Soul, while the Jeep Renegade handles snow and dirt roads better. We recommend the Kia Soul since there are fewer mechanical problems reported by owners as they age.
The Jeep Compass is a slightly larger compact SUV offered by Jeep, which costs $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Compass, while the Jeep Renegade has more unique exterior styling. We recommend the Jeep Compass, but both of them are not great choices with all the options on the market.
