“Being in our 60's the Jeep Renegade is comfortable. I would rather have a wrangler but too bumpy.”
Jeep Renegade: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Jeep Renegade is a five-seat subcompact SUV known for its boxy shape, city-friendly size, and more off-road character than many small crossovers. Its Trailhawk trim adds genuine low-speed off-road hardware for drivers who regularly leave the pavement.
The Renegade spent its 2015-2023 U.S. run blending small-SUV practicality with recognizable Jeep character. Its upright seating position, squared-off design, and four-wheel-drive options helped it feel more adventurous than a typical city crossover. A 2019 refresh updated the styling and engines, while later years brought broader safety and smartphone technology.
Strengths
- Its compact footprint makes it easier to handle in town than a larger Jeep.
- The upright seating position gives the cabin a straightforward, SUV-like feel.
- Four-wheel-drive models provide useful confidence in poor weather and on dirt roads, and every 2023 U.S. Renegade had four-wheel drive.
- Trailhawk stands apart with hardware designed for slower, more demanding off-road driving.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the lineup for 2021, along with several active safety features.
Who it's for
The Renegade fits someone who wants a small SUV that is easy to place around town but still feels ready for snow, dirt roads, or weekend exploring. It makes particular sense for shoppers who value an upright driving position and Jeep styling more than a roomy back seat.
Jeep Renegade lineup
Sport served as the basic value trim in earlier years, while Latitude was the next step up and became the entry trim for the final 2023 model year. Limited is the more upscale choice, with added comfort and convenience features; recent versions also received more driver-assistance technology. Trailhawk is the capability-focused model and the one to pick for regular off-pavement use. Altitude and special editions such as Upland and Red Edition mainly suit shoppers who want a more distinctive appearance rather than Trailhawk’s specialized off-road focus.
Jeep Renegade generations
From 2015 to 2023, the Renegade spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — BU arrived for 2015.
1st Generation — BU (2015–2023)
The Renegade debuted as Jeep’s small SUV, with car-like construction, four-wheel drive, and a Trailhawk model built for low-speed off-road use. A 2019 refresh revised the front styling and introduced a 1.3-liter turbo engine, which became the only engine by 2022. The final U.S. model year was 2023.
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2023Trim changes
Sport and all front-wheel-drive versions leave the lineup, making every Renegade a 4x4. Latitude becomes the entry trim, Upland joins, and Limited gains standard adaptive cruise control.
2022Trim changes
The (RED) special edition and Altitude trim join the lineup. The 1.3-liter turbo becomes the only engine, and Limited gets updated styling and wheels.
2021Trim changes
The 80th Edition, Islander, Jeepster, and Freedom Edition expand the lineup. More driver-assistance features and smartphone connectivity become standard across the range.
2020Trim changes
The 1.3-liter turbo engine spreads to lower trims, while more safety and technology packages reach the Sport trim.
2019Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling arrives with a new 1.3-liter turbo engine for upper trims. The U.S. lineup also moves to nine-speed automatic transmissions.
2018Trim changes
A rearview camera, 5-inch touchscreen, and six-speaker audio system become standard. Larger touchscreens gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2017Trim changes
Altitude and Deserthawk special editions join the lineup. Push-button start becomes standard across the range.
2016Trim changes
The 75th Anniversary and Dawn of Justice special editions join the lineup. A Beats premium audio system replaces the previous nine-speaker setup.
2015New generation
The Renegade launches in the U.S. as an all-new small SUV with two four-cylinder engines, front- or four-wheel drive on most trims, and an off-road-focused Trailhawk.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jeep Renegade.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Jeep Renegade?
The Jeep Renegade is a small, four-door SUV with boxy styling, upright seating, and room for five. It is easier to maneuver than a larger Jeep, while its 4x4 versions and Trailhawk trim give it more trail ability than a typical small city crossover.
Does the Jeep Renegade come as a hybrid?
No. U.S. Renegades from the 2015–2023 run use gasoline four-cylinder engines. Later models use a 1.3-liter turbo with a nine-speed automatic, while earlier years also used 1.4-liter turbo and 2.4-liter engines.
Does every Jeep Renegade have four-wheel drive?
No. Many earlier Renegades were sold with front-wheel drive, and most trims also had 4x4 versions. Every U.S. Renegade in the final model year is 4x4. Trailhawk goes further with specialized low-speed trail hardware.
Is the Jeep Renegade actually good off-road?
Yes, especially in Trailhawk form. Trailhawk adds a low-range 4x4 system, Rock mode, hill descent control, extra ground clearance, skid plates, and tow hooks. Regular 4x4 trims are better suited to snow, dirt roads, and lighter trails.
Who is the Jeep Renegade a good fit for?
The Renegade fits shoppers who want a small, easy-to-park SUV with upright seating, distinctive Jeep styling, and useful bad-weather ability. Trailhawk suits drivers who expect rougher trails; people prioritizing rear-seat and cargo room may want something larger.
How many generations of the Jeep Renegade are there?
There is one U.S. generation, covering model years 2015–2023. A styling and powertrain refresh arrived for 2019, but the Renegade kept the same basic generation throughout its U.S. run.
How many people and how much cargo does the Jeep Renegade hold?
The Renegade seats five. In the final U.S. lineup, cargo capacity reaches 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and rear legroom is 35.1 inches. Its fold-flat front passenger seat on some trims also helps with long items.
Jeep Renegade Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jeep Renegade.
4.1
Jeep Renegade
(3,010 reviews)
“The Jeep Renegade is a very nice reliable vehicle for the cost. But it wasn't my first choice. I have been enjoying the driving it for the most part. I would recommend it for anyone who can not afford a more expensive Jeep.”
“It is a comfortable ride, great gas mileage, spacious head room, great for people with longer legs, comfortable seats, and nice interior. It's overall a great vehicle.”
“I love the color and the amount of head room. It doesn't feel claustrophobic like some small vehicles can”
“Good reliable vehicle for camping trips and Costco runs. Sits higher for driving in snow, which is great. Wish the used vehicle came with a printed user manual or better info on how to fully use the entertainment and connectivity features. Also, American made and that's a big deal to ensure economic strength.”
“The vehicle looks compact from the outside but is extremely roomy on the inside, making it a great first starter car for a family or a dog-friendly family vehicle most definitely.”
Sources
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 02 / 15 / Orders Now Open For New 2023 Jeep Renegade Upland Special Edition Solar Yellow Exterior Paint Bursts Onto The Scene
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 03 / 18 / Orders Now Open For New 2022 Jeepred Renegade Special Edition
- downloads.regulations.gov — NHTSA 2023 0022 0101 / Attachment 8
- jeep.com — Pdf / 2016 Jeep Renegade eBrochure