“It's my first Jeep and absolutely amazed at the fact its fuel economic. Renegades are fun to drive and can't wait for winter to make use of the 4 wheel drive!”
2016 Jeep Renegade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is a light-update year, led by the addition of the 75th Anniversary and Dawn of Justice special editions. The basic design, engines, and core trims carry over from 2015.
About the 2016 Jeep Renegade
1st generation (2015-2018), second model year before the later 2019 refresh.
Jeep positions the Renegade as a small SUV that keeps real Jeep character in a city-friendly footprint. Its core appeal is the mix of upright Jeep styling, available open-air roof panels, flexible interior packaging, and more serious off-road hardware than most subcompact SUVs offered at the time. For most shoppers, the Renegade is the choice for wanting a small daily driver that still feels adventurous and distinctly Jeep.
The 2016 lineup spans the simple Sport, the better-equipped Latitude, the leather-trimmed Limited, and the trail-focused Trailhawk. Trailhawk has a lifted off-road suspension, skid plates, and a dedicated Rock driving mode, while Limited centers on heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The special editions add either bronze heritage details and an open-air My Sky roof or a blacked-out look with standard 4x4.
What changed, by category
2016 Jeep Renegade specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, FF, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, FF, 2.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, FF, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, FF, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4T |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd / Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd / Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd / Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 21–24 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 21–24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160–180 hp | 180 hp | 160–180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 160–180 hp |
| Torque | 175–184 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175–184 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175–184 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50.8 cu-ft | 50.8 cu-ft | 50.8 cu-ft | 50.8 cu-ft | 50.8 cu-ft | 50.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade a major update over the 2015 model?
No. The 2016 Jeep Renegade keeps the same basic design, engines, and core trims as 2015. Its main changes are two special editions and a handful of trim-level equipment updates.
What is the 2016 Jeep Renegade 75th Anniversary edition?
The 2016 Renegade 75th Anniversary is a heritage-themed special edition based on the Latitude. It has bronze wheels and exterior accents, anniversary badging, a My Sky open-air roof, Beats premium audio, and a rearview camera.
What is the 2016 Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice edition?
The 2016 Renegade Dawn of Justice is a blacked-out special edition based on the Latitude 4x4. It pairs a 2.4-liter engine and nine-speed automatic with gloss-black trim, dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, and remote start.
Did the 2016 Jeep Renegade get new engines?
No. The 2016 Renegade continues with the 1.4-liter turbo engine paired with a manual transmission and the 2.4-liter engine paired with a nine-speed automatic.
Which 2016 Jeep Renegade trim has the most off-road equipment?
The 2016 Renegade Trailhawk has the most off-road equipment. It has a raised off-road suspension, protective skid plates, hill-descent control, low-range-style gearing, and a Rock driving mode.
2016 Jeep Renegade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Jeep Renegade.
“The Jeep Renegade is the most amazing vehicle I've ever owned!! Everyone should have one”
“The Renegade is fun to drive! It makes you proud to own a Jeep. It's reliable, gets good gas mileage and has some cool upgrades like Beats Audio and a sky roof.”