Jeep Renegade 2023: The American Dream
The Jeep Renegade is a model that has always been unfairly overlooked by American customers in favor of its larger siblings with more generous dimensions. All that being said, the model's sales are not truly representative of its talent and capabilities. Until proven otherwise, the Jeep Renegade offers excellent off-road driving performance and is undeniably a functional vehicle. Additionally, it is attractive and offers a unique concept in its category.
The fact is, the Jeep Renegade 2023 offers serious off-road driving capabilities and is a vehicle that has been well thought out for adventure at all levels. It may not be the best subcompact SUV on the market, but if you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will hardly find anything better in the same price range.
Range and prices
Jeep has significantly refined the Renegade lineup over the years, eventually removing the front-wheel drive and one of the two available engines for the small SUV. The remaining versions are undoubtedly the most interesting ones in terms of value for money. Speaking of price, some may raise an eyebrow when they see the price tag of the American manufacturer's small SUV in 2023. Its starting price now stands at $38,090 for the base version and can go up to $44,335 for the ultimate trim level. We're in the territory of compact SUVs here, which probably explains the Renegade's lower popularity compared to some of its competitors. Finally, if this is a model that interests you, I recommend going all out and opting for one of the two variants of the Trailhawk version, which is by far the most interesting of the bunch.
North - $38,090
Altitude - $40,685
Trailhawk - $41,390
Trailhawk Elite - $44,335
Category and Competition
The Jeep Renegade 2023 operates in a category that has seen a literal explosion in popularity in recent years. Therefore, it can be said that the competition is fierce in this segment, with several manufacturers offering more than one vehicle.
Rivals: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Taos.
Design and Interior
The Jeep Renegade knows how to stand out and is available in several vibrant colors that go well with its personality. It is a vehicle that attracts enthusiasts and is not short of eye-catching features.
The interior also features color accents and a reasonably good quality finish. The design is starting to show its age, but it is far from being a problem for the model.
Technologies
Fortunately, even as the Jeep Renegade ages, it is part of the Stellantis family, which allows it to offer one of the best multimedia systems on the market. It's a shame that the rest of the technological experience is also limited, but it should not be forgotten that the model is getting older and is more than due for an update or a new generation.
Performance
For 2023, the Jeep Renegade only offers one engine option, a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It delivers an impressive power of 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque for an SUV in this category and especially of this size. This also makes it more enjoyable to drive off-road. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The 2023 Jeep Renegade has an average fuel consumption of 10.1L/100 km in the city and 8.1L/100 km on the highway, which is certainly within the good average and even exemplary for a small off-road SUV.
Weak Points
The Jeep Renegade was born out of the alliance between Fiat and the Chrysler group at the time. In fact, it shares many elements with the Fiat 500X, and perhaps that's why some buyers are more hesitant about the model. Its design could use a rejuvenation, and its price clearly does not fit all budgets.
Strong Points
It is a vehicle with a strong personality that turns heads wherever it goes. Its off-road capabilities are real, and it is a vehicle that can outperform many ATVs. Despite its power and dynamic driving, it remains surprisingly fuel-efficient.
Signature Element
I believe that the Jeep Renegade is a vehicle that will be remembered long after its departure. It may be one of the least popular models in the brand, but this small SUV has a heart as big as the earth and a strong personality, which more than makes up for it. Believe me, it is a vehicle that has everything to pleasantly surprise you.
Final Word
Being part of the Jeep brand has always been a double-edged sword for the Renegade. On one hand, it gives it excellent visibility thanks to the brand's excellent reputation, but few buyers are not interested in the other vehicles that the brand offers, such as the Wrangler or the Grand Cherokee, to name just the most popular ones. All that being said, the Renegade might have achieved more success under a different banner of the Stellantis family, but it is a vehicle that should not be overlooked, as it remains enjoyable to drive, practical, and turns heads wherever it goes.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
Tags: Jeep, renegade, 2023, trailhawk, taos, crosstrek, hrv, cx-30, kona, niro, seltos
Author: Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
