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2018 Jeep Renegade review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Jeep Renegade highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Smooth ride and agile handling
  • Easy-to-use technology features
  • Capable all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Clunky automatic transmission
  • Noisy freeway ride
  • Small cargo area

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined

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The 2018 Jeep Renegade gets a rearview camera as standard

The 2018 Jeep Renegade packs Jeep looks and character into an extra-small SUV that’s both comfortable on the road and capable when the pavement runs out. The available Trailhawk trim comes with extras like a low-range crawl gear and raised suspension that make it a unique subcompact crossover. But if you’re not heading off road, you’ll appreciate the Renegade’s soft ride and easy-to-use technology. Unfortunately, the Renegade’s boxy shape generates lots of wind noise at freeway speeds, and doesn’t come with practical benefits: Cargo space and rear legroom are both lacking. Additionally, the automatic transmission is a little clunky.

For 2018, Jeep added a 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera as standard equipment. Sadly, other driver aids remain optional equipment. The available 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens have been upgraded with new software and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.

All Jeep Renegade years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Jeep Renegade generation from 2015 to 2023

What is new for the 2018 Jeep Renegade?

  • Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance features.
  • Trim Discontinued: Base Model, no longer available for purchase.
  • Standard Equipment on all: Advanced Safety Package now included across all trims.
  • New Equipment: Updated infotainment system with wireless connectivity options.
  • Significant Removal: Manual transmission option is no longer offered.

2018 Jeep Renegade trims

Curious how Jeep Renegade trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Sport:

  • 160-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • 180-hp, 175-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • Smart Key
  • Cloth Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Jeep Renegade Sport inventory

Latitude:

Altitude:

Upland:

Limited:

Trailhawk:

Jeep Renegade photos

What We Like

Ride: Subcompact crossovers aren’t known for offering the smoothest ride, but the Jeep Renegade feels almost pillowy on the road. Even with the comfortable ride, the Renegade still handles well.

User-friendly tech: Jeep’s new 8.4-inch touchscreen is crisp and clear, with easy-to-read buttons and a straightforward interface. The built-in navigation isn’t great, but the addition of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make that less important.

Capability: Especially in the Trailhawk trim, which packs a lot of off-road gear into such a small vehicle, the Renegade lives up to the Jeep name. Most other subcompact crossovers don’t come close to being this ready for adventure.

What Needs Improvement

Practicality: The boxy Jeep profile might make you think there’s lots of room inside the little Renegade, but that’s not the case. The cargo space is small, even for a subcompact, and rear-seat legroom is tight.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.4 out of 5

23 customer reviews
The 2018 Jeep Renegade offers solid reliability, smooth handling, and decent fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily commutes and off-road trips. However, backseat space and cabin noise are common drawbacks. Technology, like Apple CarPlay, is appreciated, though fuel economy and interior comfort see mixed reviews. Overall satisfying for most owners.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Jeep Renegade an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Jeep Renegade 4th out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade features and specs

Curious how Jeep Renegade trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Sport 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Cloth Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology

Optional Features

  • Cloth Seats
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • No A/C
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Manual Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

160

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

12.7

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

166.6"

Width

74.2"

Height

66.5"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35.1"

Head room

F 41.1"/R 40.5"

Front tires

P215/65TR16

Rear tires

P215/65TR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Jeep Renegade FAQ

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