Jeep Renegade used cars for sale

The Renegade comes in just one version. It’s a five-door, five-seat SUV with a hatchback boot lid. You’d be forgiven for thinking the Renegade’s as American as apple pie – which was invented in the UK – but this little SUV is actually built in Italy alongside the Fiat 500X using many of the same parts and engines.

If you’re on the lookout for Renegades, you might want to cross-shop it against the Peugeot 2008, Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Stonic or Hyundai Kona.

The Renegade is the smallest car Jeep makes, measuring in at a little over 4.2 metres long, putting it pretty much in the middle of its class for size. Those dimensions mean it shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge to park in the city, but most models include rear parking sensors to make life easier.

Thanks to the car’s upright, boxy body, the Renegade offers good practicality. Adults sat in the rear won’t find their knees brushing against the front seats, plus headroom is generous for all except the rear-centre passenger if you’re carrying five. Boot space is decent, with a tall, square opening and cargo area – although the load lip is a little higher than some rivals.

Jeep has gradually trimmed down the engine lineup for the Renegade to only the most popular versions. All versions have enough power to help the Renegade feel relaxed on the move, but we’d choose one of the more potent options if you’re a regular motorway driver. Some more recent Renegade models come with powerful plug-in hybrid engines that are worth seeking out if you want a great blend of performance and economy.

While the Renegade hasn't topped any reliability surveys, there are no widespread reports of common problems with this model. Like any car, keeping on top of scheduled maintenance will give your Renegade the best chance of lasting for many years.

You can spec an extended warranty when you buy your Renegade. This will cover you in the event of an unexpected mechanical or electrical failure.

Jeeps have always offered something of a unique experience with their focus on off-road driving. Owners are usually willing to put up with a few compromises, like performance and material quality, in exchange for their rugged looks and four-wheel-drive capability.

Despite having the square-jaw charm of larger Jeeps, the Renegade is easier to live with every day. The handling has been optimised to work as well on road as it does off it, and there's plenty of room for four passengers, or five at a push.

Some rivals in this segment, like the Skoda Kamiq or Peugeot 2008, might be better all-round road cars but, if you're a fan of that uniquely 'Jeep' style, the Renegade is a fun, practical compact SUV.

No, some Jeep Renegade models are front-wheel drive only, with four-wheel drive being available on the larger engine options. Front-wheel-drive versions still have the high ground clearance, big tyres and chunky looks you'd expect from a Jeep, and you can always fit winter tyres for unshakeable all-weather ability in cold or slippery conditions.

Jeep actually offers two four-wheel-drive systems for the Renegade. The regular system is called Active Drive and will automatically engage the rear axle if it detects slip on the front axle. You can also electronically 'lock' the axles together using a button on the dashboard to take on more challenging off-road routes.

Range-topping Trailhawk versions come with the upgraded Active Drive Low system. This has an extra-low crawler gear, allowing the Renegade to scale serious inclines and tackle properly unforgiving terrain.

The Renegade should be a little more affordable to service and maintain compared with more premium options in this segment. Many of its parts and engines are shared with the Fiat 500X which, itself, is fairly affordable to run. 

Be aware, however, that four-wheel-drive models will have extra mechanical components that'll need additional servicing over the car's lifetime.

It's worth spending the money, too, because that's the easiest way to make sure your Renegade is worth as much as possible when you come to sell it. Missed services and ignored faults will shave thousands off your car's resale value.

It's worth checking the specific tow rating of your Renegade, because this figure has changed over the model's lifetime.

Generally speaking, non-turbo 1.6-litre petrol models can pull a braked trailer weighing 860kg. Older 1.4-litre turbo petrol cars can pull either 1,000kg with the manual gearbox or 1,260kg if equipped with an automatic. Newer Renegades with the 1.0-litre petrol engine can pull 1,250kg and 1.3-litre models up this to 1,450kg.

Older 1.6-litre diesel versions are rated to 1,200kg with the manual or 960kg with the automatic gearbox. At the top of the range, all 2.0-litre diesel Renegades get the same 1,500kg braked trailer rating.