2017 Jeep Renegade Overview
The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that offers a unique blend of rugged Jeep styling and off-road capability in a surprisingly practical and stylish package. It's designed for those who want the versatility of an SUV without the bulk of larger models, and who appreciate a vehicle with personality and a touch of adventure.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2017 Renegade offered two distinct powertrain choices to cater to different driving preferences:
- 1.4L Turbocharged Multi-Air Inline-4: This engine prioritizes fuel efficiency and offers a spirited driving experience for city cruising and everyday commutes. It's paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- 2.4L Tigershark Inline-4: This naturally aspirated engine provides more power and torque, making it better suited for those who anticipate more spirited driving, occasional towing, or carrying heavier loads. It comes standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Safety Features: Jeep equipped the 2017 Renegade with a commendable suite of safety technologies to enhance occupant protection and driver awareness. Notable features included:
- ParkView Rear Backup Camera: Provides a visual aid when reversing, displaying guidelines to help you maneuver safely into parking spaces or avoid obstacles.
- Available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: This advanced system uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and can alert the driver with audible and visual warnings. If the driver doesn't react, the system can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Available Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: Helps drivers stay within their lane. The system can warn the driver if it detects unintentional drifting and, in some cases, can provide gentle steering inputs to guide the vehicle back into its lane.
- Available Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection: These systems enhance situational awareness. Blind Spot Monitoring alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, while Rear Cross-Path Detection warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking spot.
- Trim Level Summary: The 2017 Renegade was available in a range of well-equipped trims, each offering a progressively enhanced level of features and capability:
- Sport: The entry-level trim provides essential features for a comfortable and functional driving experience, including a decent infotainment system and power accessories.
- Latitude: This trim builds upon the Sport with a more premium feel, often including alloy wheels, a more advanced Uconnect touchscreen system, and enhanced interior appointments.
- Altitude (Special Edition): Typically offered unique styling cues and a curated set of popular features, often with a more aggressive aesthetic.
- Limited: Positioned higher in the lineup, the Limited trim offers luxurious touches, such as premium leather-trimmed seating, advanced climate control, and often a more robust feature set.
- Trailhawk: The crown jewel for off-road enthusiasts. The Trailhawk trim comes standard with the 2.4L engine and 9-speed automatic, along with Jeep's advanced "Active Drive Low" 4x4 system, which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio for superior off-road control. It also features a lifted suspension, skid plates, red tow hooks, and distinctive exterior styling to emphasize its go-anywhere capabilities.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Distinctive Styling: The Renegade stands out in its segment with its boxy, retro-inspired design that clearly pays homage to Jeep's heritage. This unique look is a major draw for many buyers.
- "My Sky" Dual-Pane Sunroof: An optional feature on some trims, this innovative sunroof allows for a panoramic, open-air experience, with removable panels for a truly engaging drive.
- Impressive Off-Road Prowess (Trailhawk): For a subcompact SUV, the Trailhawk variant is remarkably capable off-road, thanks to its dedicated 4x4 system and thoughtful design elements.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Jeep Renegade is generally a straightforward and enjoyable experience, particularly for those who appreciate its unique character.
- Driving Experience: The Renegade offers a comfortable ride for a subcompact SUV, with competent handling that inspires confidence. The steering is responsive, and the suspension is well-tuned to absorb road imperfections, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. The turbocharged 1.4L engine provides peppy acceleration for urban environments, while the 2.4L offers a bit more grunt.
- Interior Comfort and Functionality: The cabin is surprisingly spacious for its exterior dimensions, with a good amount of head and legroom for front passengers. Rear seating can be a bit tighter, especially for adults on longer trips. The interior design is functional and well-laid out, with intuitive controls. Cargo space is adequate for daily needs, though it might be a limiting factor for those frequently hauling large items.
- Maintenance: Like most vehicles in its class, the 2017 Renegade will require routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule will help ensure longevity and optimal performance. For models equipped with the 1.4L turbo engine, ensuring proper upkeep of the turbocharger system is important. The 2.4L Tigershark engine is known for its reliability. As with any vehicle, keeping up with any recalls or recommended service bulletins from Jeep is crucial.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2017 Jeep Renegade will vary based on factors such as your driving record, location, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim level. Generally, subcompact SUVs fall within a moderate insurance cost range, but it's always advisable to get quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Jeep Renegade offers a compelling package, there are a few potential drawbacks and considerations that prospective buyers should be aware of:
- Transmission Behavior (9-Speed Automatic): The 9-speed automatic transmission, particularly when paired with the 2.4L engine, has been reported by some owners to exhibit slightly hesitant or jerky behavior at times, especially during low-speed maneuvers or when shifting between gears. While not universally experienced, it's something to be mindful of during a test drive.
- Fuel Economy: While the 1.4L turbo engine is reasonably fuel-efficient, the 2.4L engine is not particularly outstanding in terms of EPA estimates compared to some competitors in the segment. Drivers prioritizing maximum fuel economy may want to lean towards the turbocharged option.
- Road Noise: Some reviewers and owners have noted that road and wind noise can be more noticeable inside the cabin at highway speeds compared to some other subcompact SUVs. This is often a trade-off for the Renegade's more utilitarian and adventure-oriented design.
- Rear Seat Space: While the front cabin is comfortable, the rear seats are best suited for children or smaller adults. Legroom can be restrictive for taller passengers on longer journeys.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a charming and capable subcompact SUV that successfully blends rugged Jeep DNA with a practical and stylish urban-friendly package. It appeals to buyers seeking a distinctive vehicle with a hint of off-road adventure, even if that adventure is limited to unpaved roads or challenging weather conditions. With its unique styling, available "My Sky" sunroof, and the exceptionally capable Trailhawk trim, the Renegade carves out its own niche. While it might not boast the absolute best fuel economy or the most refined ride in its class, its personality, strong safety features, and undeniable Jeep character make it a compelling and enjoyable choice for those who dare to be different.