DecodedCars2021 Jeep Renegade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport/Latitude/Limited 4X4, Sport/Latitude/Limited FWD, Trailhawk 4X4
- Engines
- 1.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 177–180 hp
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,025–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 22.8% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Jeep Renegade is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.3L 4-cyl turbo and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,190 lb (Sport/Latitude/Limited 4X4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 2% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Renegade — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Renegade →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Melfi, Potenza
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Renegade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport/Latitude/Limited 4X4 | 166.9 in | 71.3 in | 65.7 in | 101.2 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,190 lb | 60/40 |
| Sport/Latitude/Limited FWD | 166.9 in | 71.3 in | 65.7 in | 101.2 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,025 lb | 60/40 |
| Trailhawk 4X4 | 166.9 in | 71.3 in | 66.9 in | 101.2 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,490 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renegade 2WD | 1.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Renegade 4WD | 1.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 307 |
| Renegade 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 357 |
| Renegade 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 371 |
| Renegade Trailhawk 4WD | 1.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 372 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Renegade SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 22.8% |
| 2021 Jeep Renegade SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Renegade (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Structure › Body › Bumpers · Dec 10, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V918000 · 2,135 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D7B.
Seat Belts › Front · Jul 3, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V510000 · 337,128 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
- Risk
- A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
Not every 2021 Jeep Renegade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Jeep Renegade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Renegade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Renegade years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Renegade | 26 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 20 |
| 2022 Renegade | 27 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2020 Renegade | 27 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 63 |
| 2019 Renegade | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 80 |
| 2018 Renegade | 26 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 444 |
| 2017 Renegade | 26 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 566 |
| 2016 Renegade | 27 | 166.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 431 |
| 2015 Renegade | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 512 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →