Can You Off Road With A Jeep Renegade?

‍Off-roading is a thrill that people can't get enough of. However, you need the right vehicle. So, can you off-road with a Jeep Renegade?

The Jeep Renegade is a tough and sturdy vehicle, no doubt, but does it stand up to the tests that off-roading can put it through?

Simply put, yes. The Jeep Renegade is actually considered one of the best choices for off-roading. The 2021 Jeep Renegade's engine is more than capable of giving you enough power on those tough terrains, and it boasts features and comfort that one expects from a modern jeep. 

The Jeep Renegade has a number of features that ensure that it remains at the forefront of people's minds when it comes to off-roading vehicles. From engine power to towing capacity to comfort, this vehicle has it all, and we're going to get into all of that in this article.

As off-roading enthusiasts, we are able to provide you with all of the information you need on the Jeep Renegade.

‍The Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is the iconic American brand that pioneered the sport utility vehicle's first attempt into the compact SUV market. Under the hood, the Renegade is quite similar to the Fiat 500X; due to Fiat and Jeep's joint ownership, the two cars are constructed at the same facility in Melfi, southern Italy. The Renegade, on the other hand, has additional ground clearance, Jeep's signature grille, and massive off-road aesthetics that you wouldn't assume from looking at them.

Of course, the engine is going to be the most important component of any off-roading vehicle. The Renegade's turbocharged 118bhp 1.0 petrol engine is a new addition to the mix and makes perfect sense since it appears to offer good low-down torque while also delivering reasonable fuel economy.

However, in practice, it just lacks the necessary force to propel it forward with conviction. Even if you opt to crank the engine to the red line, you never feel like you're making any progress. The 148bhp 1.3, which you'd think would make up for the lack of torque, is let down by a disappointingly sluggish dual-clutch automatic transmission that is so jerky that we can't recommend it.

The same is true for the top-of-the-line 178bhp 1.3, as we believe the hefty sticker price and higher running expenses will deter the bulk of purchasers. The 4xe plug-in hybrid is one variation that claims minimal operating expenses.

It has the same 1.3-liter engine as the standard Renegade, but it also has a 59-bhp electric motor that powers the back axle to give it a four-wheel drive. You also get an 11.4kWh battery that sits between the two, providing adequate power for a range of 26 miles. Depending on the trim level, the plug-in hybrid offers two combined power outputs: 187bhp in the Longitude and Limited versions and 237bhp in the Trailhawk.

The Trailhawk model in EV mode offers plenty of power for short trips around town. It will go up to highway speeds on volts alone if you drive with a light right foot and patience. When you start the petrol engine in this Renegade, you'll notice it offers a surprising amount of acceleration.

If the route is twisting, though, you won't want to be traveling too quickly. When handling turns, the Renegade leans considerably, and the steering is light and imprecise, making you wonder if you've moved the wheel far enough to get around a bend.

Off-Roading in the Jeep Renegade

The 2021 Jeep Renegade maintains the raw enthusiasm that all Jeep lovers like. Its four-cylinder engine is capable of reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than nine seconds. You may boost this performance even further by choosing a 1.3-liter engine with turbocharging capability.

A 2.4-liter engine will be standard, and both engine options will be backed up by a nine-speed automatic transmission. All trims will be available in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

While many subcompact crossovers lack AWD, the Jeep Renegade not only has it but also features Jeep's distinctive Trailhawk trim level. The Jeep Renegade Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter engine, although AWD is available as an option.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all grades above the Latitude, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen.

Those who enjoy hitting the back roads or who intend to take the Renegade camping will opt for the Trailhawk trim. The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is unlike anything else on the market, and it comes equipped with robust off-roading features as standard.

Off-Roading Features

Jeep's unique 4WD system with low-range gearing, higher ground clearance, and hill descent control are all standard off-road features on the Jeep Renegade. The higher off-road suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, full-size all-terrain spare, and distinctive external and interior details are all standard off-road equipment on the Jeep Renegade.

As you can see, customers will struggle to locate a subcompact crossover with this level of features and capabilities. For individuals who prefer some of the more opulent features found on the Jeep Renegade Limited, the Trailhawk may be equipped with leather upholstery and other comforts.

Few cars can boast both the efficiency of a small car and the off-road prowess of a truck. In truth, the Jeep Renegade is a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

The Renegade is not just a car that can easily tackle dirt tracks and the daily commute, but it's also Jeep's most affordable model. It's no surprise that the Jeep Renegade is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, with amenities like leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and superior safety technology.

The Jeep Renegade is a must-try whether you're looking for a subcompact crossover or an economical Jeep. The Function Pack II – named Function Pack I on Longitude vehicles – also includes height adjustment to the boot floor; however, it won't make much of a difference if you install a full-size spare wheel, which reduces cargo space.

Even with the boot floor in the lowest position and without a spare, storage isn't as good as the Seat Arona or Ford Puma, which includes a secret well where you can place a set of golf equipment. At the very least, the Jeep Renegade's back has a consistent design and easy access.

A number of additional significant improvements, such as redesigned bumpers and a 20mm rise in ride height, help the Renegade Trailhawk achieve higher off-road clearance. If you hit a rock, there are additional underbody skid plates to safeguard crucial sections. Because of its thick tires, which cushion bumps, this model has enhanced fording abilities and – maybe surprisingly – offers the finest ride quality on the road.

Boot and Towing Power

The 2.0-liter diesel Renegade has a towing capability of 1,500kg, while the 1.0-liter petrol engine has a towing capacity of 1,250kg.

With the seats in place, the boot has a capacity of 351 liters, and when they're folded, it expands to 1,297 liters. This is comparable to rivals such as the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, the latter of which has a 450-liter box but only 1,170 liters when the seats are folded.

Only top-of-the-line 40:20:20 split-folding seats are an option on Renegade models, and the load area isn't the simplest to utilize due to the odd boot lip. On the good side, the floor is reversible, allowing you to wipe it clean. 

If you ask someone to draw a 4x4, they'll most likely draw something that looks like a Jeep Renegade. The boxy off-roader has all of the features you'd expect from a hard-core Wrangler but in a more compact, city-friendly design.

When you go inside, you'll be welcomed with a slew of hefty details. In high-spec cars, there's a large grab grip for the passenger above the glove box, contrasting metal-effect trims on the dashboard and doors, and even a simulated mud spatter on the rev counter.

While the Jeep Renegade's design is undeniably upbeat, the majority of the inside features aren't. At the very least, the Renegade has been fitted with a good-sized touchscreen with smartphone mirroring as standard, as well as plenty of seat adjustability in the front.

Unfortunately, this spaciousness does not extend to the back seats, where tall passengers' knees will rub up against the front seats. The Jeep Renegade's cuboid design means there's plenty of headroom, and you won't feel like the hunchback of Notre Dame when you lift in a huge infant seat.