2023 Jeep Renegade Review: The Little Jeep Is Now AWD-only

Fielding a car that's approaching its eighth birthday in the modern marketplace is a risky move, especially when it competes in the hotly-contested subcompact SUV market. Jeep is confident that its little Renegade will be able to hold its own despite its age. Some changes have kept it fresh, and the (thankfully) simplified lineup means there should be something for everyone, although only four-wheel drive models remain for 2023. All models use a nine-speed auto to lay down power from the 1.3-liter GSE Turbo MultiAir engine. This little mill produces 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, which is class-competitive but not earth-shattering.

Built on the Stellantis (formerly FCA) Small Wide 4x4 platform shared with the Fiat 500X, the Jeep Renegade's competitors range from the Volkswagen Taos to the Subaru Crosstrek, and it joins the Subaru as the only contenders in this market segment to feature standard AWD across the range. There's a really off-roady version on offer, too, with the Renegade Trailhawk featuring a raised ride height, on/off-road tires, and under-belly skid plates. A little pricier than competitors, is the Jeep Renegade worth paying more for, or should you shop elsewhere?

What's the Price of the 2023 Jeep Renegade?

The Renegade range kicks off with the Latitude at $31,590, the Altitude at $33,085, the (RED) Edition at $33,885, and the Limited at $34,440. The more capable Trailhawk retails for $33,540. The price of the new Jeep Renegade excludes taxes, licensing, registration, and Jeep's destination fee of $1,595.

2023 Jeep Renegade Handling and Driving Impressions

The Jeep Renegade is short, quite narrow, and rather tall, but in spite of these drawbacks, it's actually surprisingly fun to drive. That's thanks to the Italian-designed platform and its sharp turn-in and stability around corners, even if the Renegade doesn't really give any impression of actually enjoying being hustled around. Heavy-ish, numb steering is standard, and while body roll is present it's not intrusive, and lateral grip is surprisingly generous until understeer eventually calms things down. The ride comfort is also surprisingly compliant for such a small car.

That little turbo engine is also rather boost-dependent. It needs to rev to deliver reasonable performance, but it takes a moment before the 177 hp kicks in. The result is noticeable boost lag followed by a surge of torque, which could catch unsuspecting drivers unaware. It's also pretty slow by modern standards, but hearty torque output makes for solid overtaking performance once the turbo is on song.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Jeep Renegade A Good SUV?

It's difficult to pinpoint any particular area in which the Jeep Renegade performs below segment standards, but it's also difficult to find anything it does exceptionally well. In its favor, the all-AWD model range offers driving security regardless of the road conditions, and the Trailhawk has some genuine off-road ability. However, the cramped rear seating area and small trunk limit its usefulness as a family vehicle, and that upright profile generates a lot of wind noise from the windscreen pillars at speed.

Compared to its rivals, the Renegade's only real advantage is its go-anywhere ability, but it lacks refinement, practicality, and performance in general driving in comparison to its competitors. You probably won't regret buying a Jeep Renegade for daily use if you go off-road once in a while, but most usage cases will likely be better served by any number of its opponents. Growing old has not been kind to the little Jeep.

What Jeep Renegade Model Should I Buy?

It's our opinion that in the subcompact segment, there are much better alternatives out there than the Renegade, particularly if you'll never stray beyond a gravel path. That's why unless you're considering a Trailhawk, we wouldn't even bother. The Trailhawk is ideal, though, as the only Trail Rated model in the range, equipped with different front and rear bumpers for improved off-road capabilities. It also gets a 4x4 drivetrain with a low-range transfer case and better ground clearance. It looks rugged and behaves the part, but just like the Wrangler, the off-road focus comes at the further expense of on-road comfort.