“Overall a great and capable small vehicle. The 4WD selector is in an odd place or is overly sensitive. On a few occasions I have accidentally activated the 4WD lock while putting my sunglasses in the nearby tray.”
2018 Jeep Renegade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Jeep Renegade’s biggest change is upgraded cabin tech, led by standard touchscreen infotainment and a rearview camera. It also gets revised interior storage, adds the Upland Edition, and drops the Deserthawk, but there is no redesign or new engine.
About the 2018 Jeep Renegade
1st generation (2015-2023), last pre-refresh year before the 2019 exterior update.
Jeep positions the Renegade as the smallest SUV in the brand’s lineup, but still one that feels like a real Jeep. Its core appeal is combining city-friendly size, upright styling, and easy parking with more trail ability than most small crossovers. For most shoppers, that means a subcompact SUV with distinctive Jeep character, practical cargo flexibility, and available 4x4 systems that go beyond the soft-road focus of many rivals.
The Sport is the straightforward entry model, while the Latitude adds everyday comforts and the Limited brings leather-trimmed heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Trailhawk remains the off-road-focused version with low-range four-wheel drive, skid plates, and extra ground clearance; the new Upland Edition provides some rugged hardware and Trailhawk-inspired styling without the Trailhawk’s full off-road setup.
What changed, by category
Tech
A 5-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera became standard across the lineup. The 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen systems gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; dual-zone climate control also became standard on Altitude, Latitude, and Trailhawk.
Interior
Jeep revised the center-console area and cabin storage layout for easier everyday use.
Trim lineup
The rugged-looking Upland Edition joined the lineup, while the Deserthawk was dropped.
2018 Jeep Renegade specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4T / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 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, 1.4T / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, MultiAir, FF, 2.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 2.4L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd / Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd / Automatic, 9-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd / Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–24 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 16–24 mpg | 16–24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–31 mpg | 23–29 mpg | 23–31 mpg | 23–31 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160–180 hp | 180 hp | 160–180 hp | 160–180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 175–184 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175–184 lb-ft | 175–184 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 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 | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
The biggest change is improved cabin tech. Every 2018 Renegade has a rearview camera, 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and six-speaker audio, while the larger touchscreen systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Does the 2018 Jeep Renegade have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, 2018 Renegades with the 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard 5-inch system does not include those smartphone interfaces.
Was the 2018 Jeep Renegade redesigned?
No, the 2018 Renegade was not redesigned. It is the final model year before the 2019 exterior refresh, and its updates focus mainly on infotainment and cabin usability.
Did the 2018 Jeep Renegade lineup change?
Yes, the Upland Edition joined the lineup for 2018 and the Deserthawk was dropped. Upland combines Trailhawk-inspired styling with four-wheel drive, a front skid plate, tow hooks, and hill-descent control, but it does not have the Trailhawk’s full low-range off-road system.
Is a rearview camera standard on the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
Yes, a rearview camera is standard on every 2018 Jeep Renegade. It was one of the main lineup-wide equipment upgrades for this model year.
2018 Jeep Renegade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jeep Renegade.
4.1
2018 Jeep Renegade
(272 reviews)
“Love the jeep renegade. It's very durable and handles highway and local driving like a pro. The only problem that I have is the fact that it started burning more oil than usual within 6 months. This ended up being addressed in a recent "recall." Other than that, it's been fun to drive.”
“Absolutely love all the room I have and love that the seats fold flat. Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth let me stream all the music and podcasts I want. I love how this car drives and I feel perfectly safe driving in the snow and rain and in any terrain.”