Jeep Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrid review
The Jeep Renegade 4xe is the brand's first plug-in hybrid, combining the benefits of electrification with Jeep's trademark off-road prowess
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Genuine off-road ability
- Lots of standard equipment
Cons
- Not the best to drive
- Cheap-feeling interior
- Unrefined petrol engine
| Car type | Electric range | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 26 miles | 118-134mpg | 49-51g/km |
The Jeep Renegade 4xe is one of the smallest plug-in hybrid SUVs you can buy, but it's by no means the cheapest. In fact, it’s priced close to several more established rivals, including the Kia Niro PHEV, MINI Countryman hybrid and Renault Captur E-TECH hybrid. The Renegade 4xe also offers a broadly similar combination of passenger space and practicality, as well as some more traditional SUV attitude.
Power comes from a 1.3-litre petrol engine married to an electric motor, which draws its energy from an 11.4kWh battery. Total output for the standard model is 187bhp, but top-spec Trailhawk cars put out an impressive 237bhp. Four-wheel drive is standard across the range.
The trim line-up is simple – entry-level Longitude, mid-range Limited and top-of-the-range, off-road-focused Trailhawk. Pricing is punchy when compared to rivals, but equipment is generous; adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity all feature.
The Renegade's basic design is several years old now, but still looks fresh: only detail changes set the 4xe apart from its purely combustion-engined counterparts. Inside, the car feels a little dated, but comes with leather upholstery as standard; material quality isn't the best otherwise. The better news is that squared-off proportions outside make for a spacious cabin inside – although the boot is slightly smaller than what you get in non-hybrid Renegades.
The Jeep rides well and is comfortable to travel in, but it's not the most dynamic or engaging small SUV around – rivals like the Kia Niro PHEV are better to drive overall. However, none of them can match the Renegade 4xe's formidable off-road prowess; you'll need a Land Rover to challenge its ability to effortlessly deal with difficult terrain.
Sadly for Jeep, the market offers plenty of compelling alternatives to the Renegade 4xe – and although none can quite offer the same rough-and-tumble attitude as the American car, almost all are a better bet for most UK buyers. If you need the off-road ability or just like its chunky looks, though, the Renegade is a serviceable plug-in hybrid SUV. For a more detailed look at the car, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...
