Getting its start with the Willys Jeep in World War II, Jeep built a stellar reputation in the automotive industry. This is why it’s always a big deal when Jeep unveils a new rig, which was certainly the case in 2015 with the debut of the Renegade crossover SUV. Designed with Jeep’s legendary four-wheel-drive capability, the Renegade turned heads for its lightweight design and responsive handling that made it a nimble trail runner. This capability has only improved with time, as we see in models like the 2021 Jeep Renegade.
The 2021 Renegade proudly continues Jeep’s reputation as a capable off-road warrior, but it doesn’t stop there. The Renegade is proof that a crossover can be both rugged and refined. From its powerful engine under the hood to its suite of advanced technology and safety features, the 2021 Renegade is in a class of its own. It challenges drivers to push the boundaries and set out for adventure in style in a crossover that can easily handle it all.
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Whatever adventure you’re on, there’s a Renegade designed specifically for you, your driving needs, and your budget. The nine-trim lineup includes three trims for the 2021 model year that didn't previously exist - the Jeepster, 80th Anniversary Edition, and Islander. The Sport, which is the base model and the inspiration for the Jeepster, starts the Renegade’s pricing at $22,850.* From there, the Latitude is next in the lineup and inspired both the 80th Anniversary Edition and the Islander. Meanwhile, the Upland and Freedom models set the stage for the top-tier Limited and Trailhawk trims.
So, what do the trims have to do with the Renegade’s performance? Everything! The trim you select determines what’s under the hood. Depending on the trim, you will get either a 1.3-liter turbo engine or a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine. When you opt for the Sport or Latitude, the trims come standard with the Tigershark engine and nine-speed automatic transmission under the hood. This combination delivers 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque with an average fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
If you’re looking for more power, you can opt to upgrade the engine to the 1.3-liter turbo that comes standard on the Limited and Trailhawk. These trims aren’t at the top of the Renegade food chain for nothing. The 1.3-liter delivers less horsepower than the Tigershark, but it makes up for it with an impressive 210 lb-ft of torque, which makes a huge difference on the trail. Paired with the same nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine also offers start-stop technology that drives its efficiency even higher than the Tigershark. Averaging 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, the turbo goes a long way and works efficiently to minimize your time at the pump to give you more time for adventure.
You can’t talk about a Jeep like the Renegade without talking about its capability. The Renegade might be in the small class of SUVs, but it’s more than capable of handling its own on the trail. This is especially true when you get behind the wheel of models like the Trailhawk.
With places to go and the world to see, the Renegade is ready thanks to Jeep’s legendary four-wheel drive systems. The Active Drive and Active Drive Low four-wheel drive options are paired with the Selec-Terrain traction management system that allows you to customize the Renegade’s performance by selecting between various drive modes - Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud. The Trailhawk, which pushes the limits both on and off the trail, adds a fifth drive mode to the system - Rock - that delivers exceptional rock-crawling capability in the small SUV.
And, speaking of exceptional, that’s a great way to describe the Trailhawk, which is the most rugged and trail-ready Renegade in the lineup. Equipped with Jeep’s Active Drive Low system, the Trailhawk passed Jeep’s most grueling road tests in traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance to earn its Trail Rated badge. It’s also outfitted with tools like Hill Descent Control and off-road components like tow hooks and underbody skid plates that add to its ability to handle whatever the trail throws its way. Together, these components and Jeep’s legendary four-wheel drive systems push the Trailhawk to its limit to confidently deliver 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 19 inches of water fording capability.
There’s a lot to be said for an SUV that embodies ruggedness on the outside and refinement on the inside to deliver a smooth yet capable ride. That’s exactly what you’ll find on the Renegade, courtesy of its innovative technology and safety features that are meant to keep you connected and safe behind the wheel. What exactly does the Renegade offer when it comes to tech?
Jeep made a few changes to the Renegade’s standard technology features for the 2021 lineup. The models are now equipped with a center display and the Uconnect infotainment system, as well as SiriusXM Radio. The Sport boasts a 7-inch display, while the Latitude upgrades that display to a full-color LCD cluster display with a security alarm. If you’re looking for intuitive technology, the Limited is a great option thanks to its 8.4-inch touchscreen display that includes GPS navigation, which is also available on the 80th Anniversary Edition. For the ultimate in connectivity, you’ll want the Trailhawk with its 8.4-inch display, Uconnect 4C system, GPS navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
When you’re behind the wheel of a top-level trim like the Trailhawk, you’ll experience seamless connectivity the moment you get in the Renegade. Promising to be “smart, just like your phone,” the Renegade Trailhawk allows you to instantly sync your smartphone with the SUV using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This gives you access to your favorite apps like music, podcasts, messages, and maps. You can also take advantage of the available Amazon Alexa, which you can use from the comfort of the SUV or from your home, where you can check fuel levels and start the Renegade with a simple voice command.
Another impressive tech feature on the Renegade is SiriusXM Guardian. You can use the app to remotely start the Renegade with the touch of a button from your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. The Send & Go tool is great when traveling since it allows you to locate points of interest and send the directions directly to the Renegade’s Uconnect 4C Nav system without having to rekey the address. The tool also provides a monthly vehicle health report that will keep you up-to-date with all the information you need to keep your Renegade running smoothly.
Jeep is dedicated to offering the latest safety and driver-assist tools to give you confidence when you’re on the road. The Renegade’s safety suite is remarkable and includes over 70 standard and available safety and security features.
Inviting you to wander confidently down the trail or the pavement, the Renegade’s standard safety features include Rear Cross Path Detection, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring to enhance visibility and minimize the potential for collision. You can add to this suite with available features like Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking, which alerts you of potential front-end collisions. If you fail to respond to the alert, the system will automatically engage the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop. You can also add Adaptive Cruise Control, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, Parallel and Perpendicular Park and Exit Assist, and ParkSense Front Park Assist.
While these safety and driver-assist tools are exceptional, Jeep also equips the Renegade with tools that are constantly working for you. The Renegade’s rain-sensing windshield wipers ensure your visibility is always clear in the rain by automatically regulating the wiper speed. You’ll also be able to see clearly in low-visibility conditions thanks to automatic high-beam headlights, which automatically dim the lights for oncoming traffic. Of course, the Uconnect system is always at the ready with the Uconnect Roadside Assistance button located on the overhead console. This delivers help when you need it at the touch of a button!