Thinking about getting a Jeep Renegade? Smart move. But hold up – not all model years are created equal. In this guide, I’ll break down the best and worst Jeep Renegade years, so you can make an intelligent choice and avoid potential headaches.
I’ve delved deeply into the data, examining sources like NHTSA reports, Consumer Reviews, and real-world owner feedback. The result? A brief rundown of which Jeep Renegade years shine and which ones you might want to avoid.
Ready for the inside story?
We’ll cover common transmission hiccups, delve into the nitty-gritty of the finest and worst years, and highlight what makes the Renegade outstanding.
Let’s get moving.
Table of ContentsShow
Jeep Renegade Generations
The Jeep Renegade burst onto the scene in 2014 as a 2015 model, carving out its niche in the compact SUV market. Right off the bat, it turned heads with its off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim.
Under the hood, Jeep gave buyers options. You could opt for a spirited 1.4L FIRE turbocharged four-cylinder or a more potent 2.4L Tigershark engine. Choices, choices.
Here’s a brief glimpse of the Renegade’s first (and so far, only) generation:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (BU/520) | 2015-Present |
Why does this matter? Simple. Understanding how the Renegade has evolved over time gives you the upper hand. Whether you’re eyeing a recent model or searching for a bargain, knowing the generational changes helps you make a smarter pick.
Jeep Renegade Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
Let’s cut to the chase – how do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Jeep Renegade model years? It’s not just about gut feeling. We delve into the dependable data:
- Owner reliability surveys (because who knows better than the folks driving these rigs?)
- Annual maintenance costs (your wallet will thank you later)
- Safety ratings (because, well, it matters)
- Consumer Reports reliability and satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Perplexed? Don’t be. I’ve crunched the numbers and boiled it all down into one easy-to-digest graph:
Now, let’s examine it even more:
| Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 | N/A | 2015 2016 2017 2018 |
Hold up – what’s with the “Neutral” years? Think of them as the middle ground. Not terrible, not outstanding. They’ve got their pros and cons, landing them squarely between the stars and the flops.
A word on our ranking system: More NHTSA recalls, complaints, or other crimson flags? That’s a one-way ticket down the reliability ladder.
Alright, let’s dive into the outstanding, the bad, and the ugly of Jeep Renegade years.
Best & Worst Years for Jeep Renegade 1st Generation (2015-Present)
The Jeep Renegade rolled onto the scene in 2015, bringing some rugged allure to the compact SUV game. But not all years are created identical.
Here’s the lowdown: The facelifted models (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023) are the cream of the crop. On the flip side, those early birds (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018)? They’re the ones you might want to think twice about.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Why do these years come out on top? It’s all in the numbers. Outstanding marks from owners on Edmunds, VehicleHistory, J.D. Power, and Cars.com don’t lie.
What changed? For starters, Jeep upped their engine game. The 2019 model introduced a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed auto. Translation? Smoother rides and excellent fuel economy. We’re talking 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Not too shabby.
Tech-wise, these models got a significant upgrade. The Uconnect system, available with 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens, brought Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation to the party. Suddenly, staying connected on the go got a whole lot easier.
Safety also got a boost. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and front parking sensors? Check, check, and check. Jeep clearly had your back (and front) in mind.
But let’s keep it authentic – even the positive years aren’t perfect. The 2019 model, for instance, had its share of recalls. Issues with the rearview display and Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) emerged. Just something to keep in mind.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Now, for the years you might want to steer clear of. The 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Renegades? They had their considerable share of growing pains.
The 2015 model, new off the production line, stumbled out of the gate. Electrical gremlins, transmission hiccups, and engine woes were the order of the day. Owners complained about battery drain, unpredictable shifts to neutral, oil-guzzling engines, and coolant fans with a mind of their own.
That 9-speed transmission? It became the topic of the town – and not in a favorable way. Chrysler even had to issue a recall in 2016 to sort out those moody transmission sensor clusters.
The saga continued into 2016 and 2017, with engine and transmission issues still dominating the spotlight.
But wait, there’s more. The 2017 and 2018 models decided to throw a distinct problem into the mix: engine stalling at high altitudes. It got severe enough that Chrysler had to recall models with 2.4l engines. The culprit? A misbehaving fuel pump that could leave you high and dry (literally).
The 2018 model? It couldn’t escape the curse. A recall for Voltage Regulator failures kept the engine stalling saga lively and thriving.
Want the down-and-dirty on these matters?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Jeep Renegade models.
Jeep Renegade Average Resale Values
Interested about how well the Renegade retains its value? Take a look at this chart:
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the Jeep Renegade’s journey laid bare. The verdict? Post-2018 models are your best bet, offering a trustworthy blend of dependability and improved features.
Now, I’m curious – after this thorough dive into the Renegade’s history, which year has caught your eye? Think you’ve found a winner?
Drop your ideas in the comments below.
Let’s keep the conversation running!
