24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but it’s an acceptable figure for the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4WD with the 1.3L turbo. This is a specific vehicle for a specific buyer: someone who prioritizes genuine off-road capability in a subcompact package. They’re willing to trade a few MPGs for the Trailhawk’s increased ride height, skid plates, and Selec-Terrain traction management system. This isn’t an economy car; it’s a mini-adventure vehicle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for this particular Renegade configuration. The small-displacement turbo engine and nine-speed automatic transmission aim to balance power and efficiency. The key word here is “aim.” While the nine-speed helps on the open road by keeping the engine at lower RPMs, the 1.3L engine has to work harder in the city, especially when accelerating from a stop or navigating stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure is more realistic, provided you resist the urge to constantly overtake slower traffic. This Jeep isn’t quick, and aggressive driving will quickly diminish your fuel returns.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,800 for the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4WD 1.3L. That figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving (55% city, 45% highway), and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual costs will vary depending on how much you drive, how you drive, and the price of gasoline in your area. But this $1,800 number provides a useful benchmark when comparing the running costs against other vehicles in its class, or even the RENEGADE MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

Remember that EPA ratings are estimates achieved under controlled conditions. In the real world, factors like driving style, weather, tire pressure, and cargo weight can all impact fuel economy. Because the Renegade Trailhawk is often used for weekend adventures, think camping gear, kayaks, or mountain bikes, expect to see MPG figures towards the lower end of the EPA range when loaded up.

Cold weather can negatively impact MPG as well. Consistent short trips will keep the engine from ever reaching its optimal operating temperature, further reducing fuel economy.

How it compares

The Renegade’s fuel economy is in the middle of the subcompact SUV segment, especially when considering its off-road focus. A comparable Subaru Crosstrek, with its standard all-wheel drive, achieves around 29 MPG combined with the automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive Nissan Kicks truly excels at fuel economy with about 33 MPG combined. Even Jeep’s own Compass, in its 4×4 guise with the 2.4L engine, delivers slightly better MPG than the Renegade Trailhawk.

The comparison matters because some buyers might be willing to sacrifice some of the Trailhawk’s extreme off-road ability for better fuel economy elsewhere in the Jeep lineup. You’ll find all Jeep fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and consistent speed are key to maximizing fuel economy in the 2019 Renegade Trailhawk. Because the 1.3L turbo needs to spool up, avoid sudden bursts of throttle. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace as much as possible. Aggressive drivers will see economy plummet.

Tire pressure plays a critical role in fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Minimize unnecessary weight and drag. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when they are not in use, as these items significantly increase aerodynamic drag. Also, clean out any unnecessary items from the cargo area. Every extra pound counts against fuel efficiency.

Consider the drive mode selector. While the Trailhawk’s Selec-Terrain system is designed for off-road conditions, using the “Auto” mode for everyday driving will optimize fuel economy. Avoid using “Snow,” “Sand,” or “Mud” modes on pavement, as these settings can reduce fuel efficiency.