Jeep Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrid review
The Jeep Renegade 4xe combines plug-in hybrid efficiency with real off-road ability
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 | 128-134mpg | 49-53g/km |
The Jeep Renegade 4xe is a small plug-in hybrid SUV that’s priced to compete with models such as the Kia Niro PHEV, MINI Countryman hybrid and Renault Captur E-TECH hybrid. It’s one of the smallest plug-in SUV models you can buy, but premium pricing means that it takes on larger, more practical models as well.
It uses a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an 11.4kWh battery. With the engine and motor combined, the standard version has 187bhp, and there is also a top-spec version with 237bhp as well. Four-wheel drive is fitted to all models – it’s a Jeep, after all.
There are three versions: Upland, Trailhawk and S. Prices are on the high side, as the four-wheel drive system adds cost next to the Renegade’s mostly front-wheel drive rivals, but equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There aren’t too many signs from the outside that the Renegade 4xe is a plug-in hybrid, and the design of the car is several years old now, but there wasn’t a need to fix what wasn’t broken: the Renegade has always been an attractive small SUV. There’s leather upholstery inside, but the dash looks a bit dated and material quality in the cabin doesn’t feel up to standard when you consider the Jeep’s premium price. The boot is a bit smaller than in petrol-powered Renegade models but overall it’s still a practical and spacious car.
While the Renegade 4xe is comfortable, it’s not very enjoyable to drive on the road. Like all hybrids it’s quiet when the engine is off and you’re using electric power alone, but it’s not even as engaging as a Kia Niro plug-in hybrid to drive. However, its unique strength is its off-road ability, as it’s able to keep up with serious off-roaders on rough 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...
