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2019 Jeep Renegade Review: A Lively Compact SUV With a Steep Price

2019 Jeep Renegade Review: Performance, Features, Off-Road Capability & Pricing

2019 Jeep Renegade Review: Turbo Power Meets Trail Capability


Overview: What's New in the 2019 Jeep Renegade?

The 2019 Jeep Renegade receives its first significant refresh since its debut, delivering a blend of rugged off-road potential and modern technology upgrades. The highlight is a new turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an updated exterior and more available safety features. With a bold personality and unmistakable design, the Renegade stands out in the competitive subcompact SUV segment.

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Turbocharged Performance: Small Engine, Big Punch

Don’t be fooled by its modest 1.3-liter displacement—the turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out an impressive 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers surprisingly brisk acceleration, especially in urban settings. Though there's slight hesitation during hard acceleration, the new engine improves overall responsiveness compared to the aging 2.4-liter naturally aspirated alternative.

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Trim Comparisons: Trailhawk vs Limited

We tested both the Trailhawk and Limited trims, and the differences were striking. The Trailhawk, with its increased ground clearance and off-road tires, offers rugged ride quality but suffers from noticeable transmission lag. Meanwhile, the Limited delivers a smoother on-road experience with more refined shift logic—though mechanically identical. Prospective buyers should test multiple trims to see which best suits their needs.

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Fuel Efficiency: A Modest Gain

The turbocharged engine also provides an edge in efficiency. Front-wheel-drive models earn up to 27 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive versions manage 26 mpg. That's a modest improvement over the 2.4-liter engine, which delivers 25 mpg (FWD) and 24 mpg (AWD). The Trailhawk, due to its added weight and off-road kit, also achieves 24 mpg combined.

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Interior Comfort and Space

Despite its subcompact dimensions, the Renegade feels spacious inside, thanks to its boxy design and tall roofline. Headroom is ample, and the optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin’s openness. The infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is intuitive and refreshingly straightforward—ideal for drivers who prefer functionality over flashy design.

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Off-Road Capability: Trail-Rated and Ready

True to its Jeep heritage, the Trailhawk trim boasts impressive off-road credentials. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, a 21:1 crawl ratio, and hill descent control, it’s equipped to handle everything from rocky paths to muddy trails. The Renegade Trailhawk can even ford up to 19 inches of water—an unmatched capability in the subcompact class.

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On-Road Driving Experience

In daily driving, the Renegade exhibits competent handling and a comfortable ride, especially in Limited trim. The steering is responsive, and the small footprint makes urban navigation easy. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission can feel clunky at times, particularly in off-road-oriented trims. Nevertheless, the turbo engine keeps the Renegade lively and engaging at city and highway speeds alike.

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Technology and Infotainment

Jeep keeps things simple and effective in the Renegade. The infotainment system runs on Uconnect, offering a user-friendly interface, responsive touchscreen, and standard smartphone integration. Available upgrades include a premium audio system, navigation, and a larger 8.4-inch display for those seeking extra convenience and connectivity.

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Safety Features and Limitations

Safety is one area where the Renegade lags behind its rivals. While features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available, more advanced technologies—such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking—require expensive add-ons. Unlike competitors such as the Toyota C-HR, many safety features are not standard and can significantly increase the vehicle's price.

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Pricing: Worth the Cost?

The Renegade starts reasonably, but upper trims can quickly climb into territory occupied by larger, more capable SUVs. The Limited tested was priced at $34,860, and the Trailhawk came in at $36,005. For context, a larger 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD starts at $36,145, and a Honda CR-V AWD at $35,195—both offering more space and advanced safety features.



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Competitor Comparison: How the Renegade Stacks Up

Against its direct rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek, the Renegade stands out with true off-road capability. However, it falls short in refinement, cargo utility, and standard features. It's the go-to choice for adventurers but may not appeal to shoppers prioritizing comfort, tech, and value.

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Who Should Buy the 2019 Jeep Renegade?

Adventurous drivers looking for a subcompact SUV with serious off-road chops will find the Renegade Trailhawk a compelling option. Urban commuters and tech-savvy drivers may gravitate toward the more refined Limited trim. However, those seeking top-tier safety features without shelling out for premium packages might be better served by rivals.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Jeep Renegade is a character-filled subcompact SUV that blends quirky styling, legitimate off-road prowess, and new turbocharged performance. While it stumbles in areas like pricing and safety tech availability, it remains a solid choice for those seeking adventure in a small package. Buyers should carefully weigh trim options and feature availability to find the right balance for their needs

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motorverorachael

Last Updated On May, 30-2025

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