2022 Jeep Renegade

Overview
As the most affordable Jeep, the 2022 Renegade is an entry point for the lifestyle brand and a rugged alternative to most subcompact SUVs. While not all Renegades are created equal when the blacktop ends, the Trailhawk model is the least likely to need a tow and the most deserving of its seven-slot grille. If slingin' mud and scramblin' over rocks isn't routine, even trims that aren't trail rated have one of the roomiest interiors in the segment, a relaxing ride, and a roster of standard driver assists. Too bad all Renegades are plagued by two unsatisfying powertrains. Likewise, the higher the price goes, the worse the consistently mediocre cabin materials look. Although it's elevated by the brand's reputation and neat features—like the available removable sunroof—the 2022 Jeep Renegade is best suited for folks who prioritize those traits most.

What's New for 2022?
For 2022, the Renegade family says so long to the previously standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, leaving the torquier turbo-four as the lone engine. Jeep also streamlines the lineup with fewer trim levels, but new is the (RED) Edition and an Altitude package that includes gloss-black exterior elements and distinct interior accents. Instead of a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, the entry-level Renegade Sport and Latitude now come with the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes built-in navigation. The top-tier Limited also receives a revised grille and 18-inch wheels, among other things.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Sport $26,290
Latitude $30,740
Altitude $31,735
(RED) Edition $32,135
Trailhawk $32,540
Limited $32,740
Those who intend to use their Renegade to tackle rugged terrain will want the top-of-the-line Trailhawk. However, that model starts at just over $30,000 and, apart from its enhanced off-road equipment, it doesn't feel nearly as premium as other similarly priced subcompact crossovers. Instead, we'd choose the Latitude model. It comes with a host of desirable standard features that include 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded interior materials. Those who want all-wheel drive can add it for $1500. We'd also upgrade our Renegade with the Sun and Sound package (Kenwood audio system, panoramic sunroof) as well as the Convenience package (heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, 115-volt power outlet).

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder is neither refined or particularly quick. The engine's redeeming trait is the useful torque it develops low in the rev range to help the Renegade accelerate away from stops. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. While all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 2000 pounds, Jeep doesn't recommend towing with front-drive versions. The Renegade is not intended to hustle hard, but it holds its own better than one might think. While it can feel stiffly sprung in its most off-road-oriented Trailhawk model, the ride in other versions is generally composed and comfortable. Steering is quick to respond to driver inputs, and there's less body roll around corners than you might expect from a vehicle shaped like a Christmas ornament. If an engaging driving experience is an important factor, the turbocharged Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30 both offer better performance and much more fun.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 Renegade is rated up to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Those ratings are for the front-drive model; all-wheel drive drops those figures to as low as 22 and 27 mpg, respectively. With an all-wheel-drive model, we saw 29 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. Still, that falls short of parsimonious competitors such as the Soul and Nissan Kicks that both earned 37 mpg. For more information about the Renegade's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As with the exterior design, the Renegade's interior is made to appeal to the part of our brains that once created full-length dialogues between two dinosaur-shaped erasers. It's filled with odd shapes, toyish trimmings, and small design surprises—such as maps imprinted into cupholders and the phrase "Since 1941" stamped into the dash plastic. Consider us amused. Too bad its chunky roof pillars make for significant blind spots, by far the most egregious in this class of vehicles. The Renegade's seats have clearly been doing their yoga stretching exercises, as they have no problem folding flat to create a level load floor. But even then, the space is average at best. Limited storage pockets and the lack of a full-length door cubby up front make storage opportunities scarce compared with other vehicles in the segment.

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