2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk: Real-World Fuel Economy Analysis

Introduction: Putting the Desert Hawk to the Test

The Jeep Renegade has carved out a unique niche in the subcompact SUV market, blending distinctive styling with legitimate off-road capabilities. Among its various trims, the 2017 Desert Hawk edition stands out as a special package based on the Trailhawk platform, designed for enthusiasts seeking both style and substance. While we've previously evaluated the Renegade's on- and off-road performance, we hadn't conducted a comprehensive real-world fuel economy assessment until a recent 548-mile round trip from Chicago to Detroit for the 2018 North American International Auto Show.

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This extensive test provided ideal conditions to evaluate how the Desert Hawk's combination of off-road enhancements and everyday practicality translates to real-world efficiency. Unlike controlled laboratory conditions, our testing reflects actual driving scenarios that consumers experience daily, offering valuable insights for potential buyers.

Test Vehicle Specifications

Our test vehicle was a 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk with an as-tested price of $33,665, including the $1,095 destination charge. The Desert Hawk package builds upon the Trailhawk foundation, adding unique design elements and functional enhancements:

• Exclusive exterior decals and badging
• Functional rock rails for off-road protection
• All-weather rubber cargo mat
• 17-inch black aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires
• Enhanced off-road suspension with increased ground clearance

Under the hood, the Desert Hawk features the same 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine found in other top-tier Renegade models, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 system, which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio for serious off-road adventures.

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Testing Methodology and Conditions

To ensure accurate and representative results, we designed our testing to mirror typical long-distance travel conditions. The route covered 548 miles round trip between Chicago and Detroit, primarily using interstate highways with some urban driving at both endpoints.

Weather conditions during the test period featured temperatures ranging from the low teens to low 30s Fahrenheit, representative of typical winter driving in the Great Lakes region. The vehicle was driven solo with climate control maintained at comfortable temperatures, windows fully closed, and without use of cruise control to better simulate how most drivers operate their vehicles in winter conditions.

We employed two methods to calculate fuel economy: the vehicle's onboard trip computer and manual calculations based on fuel pump readings. This dual approach helps account for potential discrepancies in either measurement system and provides more reliable data.

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EPA Estimates vs. Real-World Performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk stand at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. These figures place it slightly behind front-wheel-drive versions of the Renegade, which is expected given the additional weight and mechanical drag of the 4x4 system.

Our real-world testing yielded results that fell short of these estimates, particularly on the highway portion where we achieved approximately 23.5 mpg compared to the EPA's 29 mpg highway rating. Several factors likely contributed to this discrepancy:

• Cold weather conditions: Winter temperatures increase air density and thus aerodynamic drag, while also causing engines to operate longer in less efficient warm-up modes
• 4x4 system drag: Even when not engaged, all-wheel-drive systems create additional mechanical resistance
• Aerodynamic profile: The Renegade's boxy design, while stylistically distinctive, creates more aerodynamic drag than sleeker competitors
• All-terrain tires: The more aggressive tread pattern on the Desert Hawk's tires increases rolling resistance compared to standard highway tires
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It's worth noting that while our highway results fell short of EPA estimates, our combined average of 23.45 mpg was remarkably close to the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating, suggesting that the EPA's testing methodology may overweight city driving in their combined calculation for this vehicle.

Factors Impacting Fuel Efficiency

Multiple elements contributed to the Renegade Desert Hawk's fuel economy performance during our testing. Understanding these factors provides context for the results and helps owners maximize their real-world efficiency.

Vehicle-Specific Factors

The Desert Hawk's off-road enhancements inherently impact efficiency. The increased ground clearance (8.7 inches versus 7.9 inches on standard models) creates more aerodynamic turbulence underneath the vehicle. The all-terrain tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern with deeper grooves and stiffer sidewalls, increasing rolling resistance. Additionally, the 4x4 system's additional components add weight (approximately 150-200 pounds over FWD models) and create constant mechanical drag, even when operating primarily in front-wheel-drive mode.

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Environmental Conditions

Winter driving presents multiple challenges for fuel efficiency. Cold, dense air increases aerodynamic drag exponentially with speed. Engine oil, transmission fluid, and differential gear oil become more viscous in low temperatures, increasing resistance until fully warmed. Winter blend gasoline typically contains less energy per gallon than summer blends, reducing mileage. Additionally, increased use of heating systems places additional load on the engine.

Driving Dynamics

The Renegade's nine-speed automatic transmission, while theoretically beneficial for efficiency with its wide gear spread, sometimes exhibits hunting behavior between gears on moderate grades, potentially reducing efficiency. The 2.4-liter engine must work relatively hard to maintain highway speeds given the vehicle's aerodynamic profile, often operating at higher rpm than some competitors with more powerful engines or better aerodynamics.

Range Considerations and Practical Implications

With its 12.7-gallon fuel tank and observed fuel economy of approximately 23.5 mpg, the Renegade Desert Hawk offers a theoretical range of about 298 miles between fill-ups. In practice, most drivers will refill with 1-2 gallons remaining, creating an effective real-world range of 250-275 miles.

This range limitation became apparent during our testing, requiring more frequent fuel stops than many competitors in the segment. For comparison:

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The relatively small fuel tank capacity exacerbates the efficiency challenges, giving the Renegade one of the shortest ranges in its class. For drivers in rural areas or those planning extended off-road excursions, this limited range warrants careful trip planning and potentially carrying extra fuel.

Comparative Analysis Against Competitors

To contextualize the Renegade Desert Hawk's fuel economy performance, it's helpful to compare it against key competitors in the subcompact SUV segment with similar all-wheel-drive capabilities.

As the data illustrates, the Renegade Desert Hawk falls at the lower end of the fuel efficiency spectrum among its competitors. This positioning reflects its different priorities—where competitors optimize primarily for on-road efficiency, the Renegade prioritizes off-road capability with features like its low-range gear reduction, increased ground clearance, and enhanced approach/departure angles.

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The trade-off is clear: the Renegade offers capabilities that most competitors cannot match (rock crawling, serious trail capability) but does so at the expense of on-road efficiency. For buyers who value off-road performance, this compromise may be entirely acceptable.

Highway Driving Dynamics and Comfort

Beyond fuel economy, our extended highway drive provided insights into the Desert Hawk's behavior as a road trip vehicle. The Renegade's upright seating position offers excellent forward visibility, a valued asset in congested traffic or poor weather conditions. The seats proved supportive during extended driving sessions, with sufficient adjustment range to accommodate drivers of different sizes.

However, we noted some dynamic limitations on the highway. The Renegade's relatively short wheelbase and off-road-tuned suspension contribute to a ride that can feel busy and occasionally choppy on imperfect highway surfaces. Wind noise becomes noticeable at speeds above 65 mph, a common trait among boxy, upright vehicles with significant frontal area.

The 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power for merging and passing maneuvers, though it requires generous throttle application and downshifts when confronted with steep grades. The nine-speed automatic transmission generally operates smoothly, though it occasionally exhibits hesitation when responding to sudden throttle changes.

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Winter Performance Considerations

Although our test route fortunately avoided significant snowfall, the Renegade Desert Hawk's winter capabilities merit discussion given its intended purpose. The Jeep's available Select-Terrain system includes a Snow mode that adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control intervention to optimize performance in slippery conditions.

The standard all-terrain tires provide better traction in light snow than typical highway-focused tires found on most competitors, though dedicated winter tires would be recommended for severe winter conditions. The Renegade's generous ground clearance proves advantageous in deep snow, reducing the likelihood of becoming high-centered.

During our cold-weather testing, the heating system proved effective at quickly warming the cabin, and all glass surfaces cleared of frost efficiently. The optional cold weather package (including heated seats and steering wheel) would further enhance comfort in freezing conditions.

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Ownership Cost Implications

The Desert Hawk's fuel economy results have tangible implications for ownership costs. Based on current national average fuel prices and 15,000 annual miles (55% city, 45% highway driving), we can project annual fuel expenses:

Note that the Renegade's manufacturer recommends premium fuel for optimal performance, though it can run on regular unleaded. This requirement adds approximately $200 annually to fuel costs compared to competitors that specify regular fuel exclusively.

Over a typical 5-year ownership period, the Desert Hawk's fuel costs could exceed those of key competitors by $1,500-$2,000, a significant differential that prospective buyers should factor into their purchasing decision.

Improving Your Renegade's Fuel Efficiency

For Desert Hawk owners seeking to maximize their fuel economy, several strategies can help mitigate the vehicle's efficiency challenges:

Driving Techniques

Adopting a smooth, anticipatory driving style can significantly improve efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, maintain steady speeds on highways, and use cruise control on flat terrain. Gradually building speed rather than quick acceleration reduces fuel consumption substantially.

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Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal efficiency. Keep tires properly inflated (slightly higher pressures can reduce rolling resistance but may impact ride comfort), use the recommended grade of synthetic motor oil, and replace air filters according to the maintenance schedule. Address any mechanical issues promptly, as problems like dragging brakes or misaligned wheels can significantly impact fuel economy.

Strategic Modifications

For owners who primarily drive on-road, consider switching to less aggressive all-season tires when the all-terrain tires wear out. Reduce weight by removing unnecessary items from the vehicle, and avoid adding aerodynamic drag from roof racks or cargo carriers when not needed.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Trade-Offs