“I love my Jeep more than thought I would. I've never owned an SUV before because I considered them "soccer mom" cars but my Jeep is fun, cute and sporty!”
2021 Jeep Renegade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Jeep Renegade is that several driver-assistance features become standard across the lineup. It is not a redesign, but it also gains standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a revised group of special editions.
About the 2021 Jeep Renegade
1st generation Renegade (2015-2023 in the U.S.), in the facelifted 2019+ version; 2021 is a mid-cycle year, not a redesign.
Jeep positions the Renegade as a small SUV that mixes city-friendly size with real Jeep character. The core appeal is easy daily driving, upright styling, useful cabin flexibility, and available 4x4 hardware that goes farther off pavement than most subcompact rivals. Even in regular trims, Jeep markets it as a vehicle for drivers who want a compact footprint without giving up the brand’s outdoorsy image and trail-ready credibility.
Jeep positioned the Sport as the straightforward everyday model, while the Limited emphasized leather, heated seats, and an 8.4-inch navigation touchscreen. The Trailhawk remained the trail-focused version with low-range 4WD, extra ground clearance, terrain modes, and underbody protection. Special editions added distinct personalities, including the open-air Islander and rugged, military-themed Freedom Edition.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking became standard across the lineup.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on every trim. Sport also gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control, while navigation became standard on Limited and Trailhawk.
Styling
Freedom Edition and Islander joined the lineup, while North Edition continued under the 80th Edition name. Altitude, High Altitude, and Orange Edition were dropped. Freedom Edition brought rugged hardware and military-themed details, while Islander added beach-themed styling and a panoramic sunroof.
2021 Jeep Renegade specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap M-Air, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21–24 mpg | 22 mpg | 21–24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29–32 mpg | 27 mpg | 29–32 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 177 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 177–180 hp | 177 hp | 177–180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175–210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft | 175–210 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 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 | 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 | 35.1 in | 35.1 in | 35.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
The biggest change is the expanded standard safety equipment. Every 2021 Renegade has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade a redesign?
No, the 2021 Renegade is not a redesign. It keeps the facelifted first-generation structure and core powertrains, with updates focused on standard safety and technology features plus special-edition changes.
Does every 2021 Jeep Renegade have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2021 Renegade trim. Sport also receives a standard 7-inch touchscreen for this model year.
Which special editions changed for the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
Freedom Edition and Islander joined the 2021 lineup, and North Edition continued under the 80th Edition name. Altitude, High Altitude, and Orange Edition were dropped.
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade worth considering over the 2020 model?
Yes, the 2021 model is the more appealing choice for shoppers who value standard safety and smartphone connectivity. The basic vehicle is largely unchanged, so the strongest reasons to favor 2021 are its broader standard driver aids, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and revised special-edition lineup.
2021 Jeep Renegade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Jeep Renegade.
4.2
2021 Jeep Renegade
(359 reviews)
“Do some research first before purchasing for possible problems. My 2017 Renegade had so many issues. The 2021 is doing a bit better so far. Still having stereo issues though”
“This is not the Jeep Renegade model that I was most interested in, but it was the one that I could afford. If money were no object, I would have preferred leather seats, moonroof and a better stereo system. Still, it is easy and fun to drive. It carries all my stuff and I have even car camped in it. I like it!”