2017 Jeep Renegade review

1. Solid off-roader

The ability to go off-road and feel secure on any terrain is a blessing for any adventurer, and the 2017 Jeep Renegade is more than capable. The 160-hp 1.4L turbocharged base engine creates enough power for most environments. Depending on your needs, FWD comes as standard with 4WD as an option. When it comes to trims, for serious off-roading ability, keep an eye out for the Trailhawk or Deserthawk. They both include skid plates and an increased ride height, while the Deserthawk also tweaks the Trailhawk's interior a little.

2. Sophisticated cabin

Speaking of interiors, this very practical subcompact SUV is filled with upscale materials to make it feel like a home away from home when driving. Cloth upholstery is standard in the 2017 Jeep Renegade, but the top two trims (Limited and Trailhawk) upgrade that to leather. Upper trims also introduce heated front seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The materials and fabrics are nice enough regardless of trim. Standard features are a little scarce at the base level, but higher trims add increasing numbers of user-friendly details.

3. Powerful engines

The base engine of the 2017 Jeep Renegade is a punchy 1.4-liter, 160-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed transmission that feels adequately sporty. However, if you want a little extra grunt, keep an eye out for the 2.4L, 180-hp, four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed transmission. That's an available option for Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk, and Deserthawk trims. Both balance power and mileage; the 1.4L and 2.4L FWD engines both offer an EPA-estimated 26 combined mpg.

4. Six trim levels

There are six different trim levels to look out for when shopping for a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The Sport is the most basic trim, offering a four-speaker stereo, push-button start, and USB port, while the Latitude trim adds a five-inch touch screen, rearview camera, and air conditioning. The Altitude trim is based on the Latitude and is exclusive to the 2017 Jeep Renegade, adding black aesthetics and a My Sky® dual-panel roof. The Limited boosts the luxury even further, adding leather seating, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

5. A stunning view

The 2017 Jeep Renegade comes with the exciting My Sky^® open-air sunroof system as an optional extra, so you're in for a treat if you find a model that has this. It's composed of two easy-to-remove panels that come away from the roof of the vehicle and store neatly within the cargo area, bringing in more light and visibility, while adding a brand new dimension to your adventuring. Each panel only weighs 10 lbs, making them easy to remove and store even if there's only one person to do it. For lovers of the great outdoors, this is a huge perk if you're fortunate enough to find this feature when looking for a 2017 Jeep Renegade.