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 plug-in hybrid SUV fighting a war on two fronts. Firstly, it competes with similarly sized rivals such as the Kia Niro PHEV, MINI Countryman hybrid and Renault Captur E-TECH hybrid, while its premium pricing means it squares up to larger, more practical models, too.
It uses a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an 11.4kWh (useable) battery. Two power outputs are available: 187bhp for the Limited trim and 237bhp for the Upland or range-topping Trailhawk. Four-wheel drive comes as standard – it’s a Jeep, after all.
There are three versions: Limited, Upland and Trailhawk. Prices are high because providing a four-wheel-drive system adds cost to the Renegade’s primarily front-wheel-drive rivals. The entry-level Limited comes with 17in alloys, rear parking sensors, cruise control and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Renegade has always been an attractive small SUV, so it’s only received minor exterior changes in all that time to keep it fresh. There are even fewer changes made to distinguish the plug-in hybrid 4xe model from the regular e-Hybrid Renegade besides an additional filler flap and ‘4xe’ badging.
Inside, the Renegade’s dash doesn’t look so fresh, and the cabin's material quality doesn’t feel up to the standard of the Countryman hybrid - a shame when you consider the Jeep’s premium price. The boot is a bit smaller than in the petrol-powered Renegade.
While the Renegade 4xe has a comfortable ride, the overall driving experience on the road isn’t very enjoyable. As with most 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 because it’ll 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, 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...
