With a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, the 2017 Jeep Renegade 4WD 2.4L isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it delivers acceptable efficiency for a small SUV designed for more than just commuting. This is a vehicle for buyers who prioritize adventurous capability and distinctive styling over ultimate fuel savings, and for them, this trade-off is perfectly acceptable.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Jeep Renegade 4WD 2.4L will achieve 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the performance of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the nine-speed automatic transmission. The city MPG is acceptable for stop-and-go driving, where the Renegade’s relatively light weight helps to minimize fuel consumption compared to larger SUVs.

On the highway, the nine-speed transmission allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, contributing to better fuel economy even with the added drag of the four-wheel-drive system.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Jeep Renegade 4WD 2.4L is $1,800. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Individual spending will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the actual number of miles driven.

However, this $1,800 figure gives potential buyers a good baseline for understanding the potential fuel expenses associated with owning this particular Renegade configuration. While this figure may be higher than some subcompact SUVs, it’s a reasonable cost for a vehicle with the off-road capability and visual appeal the Renegade offers.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary. Drivers who frequently engage the four-wheel-drive system, drive aggressively, or spend a significant amount of time in heavy traffic will likely see lower numbers than the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who drive conservatively, maintain their vehicle properly, and primarily use the Renegade for highway cruising may achieve figures closer to or even slightly above the EPA’s 29 MPG highway rating.

The type of tires used also impacts economy: aggressive off-road tires will invariably reduce fuel efficiency compared to standard all-season tires. It’s critical to consider your specific driving habits and conditions when evaluating the Renegade’s fuel economy.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2017 Jeep Renegade 4WD 2.4L sits within a specific context. A comparable vehicle like the Honda HR-V AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, making it noticeably more efficient, though it lacks the Renegade’s strong styling and off-road focus. The Subaru Crosstrek, another popular AWD subcompact SUV, manages around 29 MPG combined. Conversely, the Nissan Rogue Sport AWD comes in around 27 MPG combined. All Jeep fuel economy data shows this disparity between a more focused offroad vehicle and an on-road vehicle. What matters most is whether the Renegade’s unique blend of capabilities and styling justify the slight MPG difference for the buyer. The RENEGADE MPG across all years has generally remained consistent, showing that Jeep has prioritized other characteristics in this vehicle over gains in efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Lighten the load. The less weight the Renegade carries, the less fuel it will consume. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy objects in the cargo area. Every pound adds up, and reducing weight can positively impact fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires can also improve handling and extend tire life.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.4-liter engine responds well to gentle inputs. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The nine-speed automatic transmission is calibrated to shift efficiently, and smooth driving helps it do its job.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by turning off the engine will quickly outweigh the minimal wear and tear on the starter. Avoiding drive-throughs and parking to go inside further eliminate idling time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. This reduces the temptation to speed up and slow down, a habit that wastes fuel. Setting a reasonable speed, slightly below the speed limit, can further optimize fuel consumption during longer trips.