The 2021 Jeep Renegade 4WD 1.3L’s 26 MPG combined fuel economy is a trade-off. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for saving money on gas. Instead, it’s a consciously chosen, smaller SUV with off-road potential beneath its frame. Acceptable gas mileage is part of owning a Jeep with personality and capability for light trail adventures.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Renegade 4WD 1.3L at 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands on the small turbocharged engine and nine-speed automatic transmission in stop-and-go traffic. The 29 MPG highway number shows a more relaxed side of the Renegade, those numbers require a light foot and resisting the turbocharger’s power. Owners who drive mostly in cities will likely see fuel economy closer to 23 MPG, while those with longer commutes may get close to 29 MPG. These numbers are for the 4WD version. The 2WD version gets slightly better MPG in the city and on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Jeep Renegade 4WD 1.3L at $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs may change depending on your driving, roads you drive on, and gas prices in your area. Drivers with shorter commutes or lower gas prices could see lower annual fuel costs, while those with longer commutes or higher gas prices could see higher costs. It’s a useful benchmark with other factors relevant to your driving. You can view RENEGADE MPG across all years here.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are valuable for comparison, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Renegade owners will likely see numbers slightly below the EPA combined estimate, especially if they often use four-wheel-drive or drive aggressively. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and accessories like roof racks can affect fuel consumption. Consistent highway driving at a steady speed will offer the best results, while frequent acceleration and braking will reduce fuel economy. The small engine must work hard to move the Renegade’s weight, and that is reflected at the gas pump.

How it compares

The Renegade 4WD 1.3L’s fuel economy places it in a specific niche in the subcompact SUV segment. The Mazda CX-3 offers a better 29 MPG combined, appealing to those who want handling and fuel efficiency. The Honda HR-V with all-wheel drive gets a combined 27 MPG and provides a more spacious interior, a competitor for buyers who need more room. The Nissan Kicks, without all-wheel drive, gets an impressive 33 MPG combined, appealing to urban drivers where AWD is not required. The Jeep’s rugged image and off-road capability set it apart. Many buyers value those features more than fuel economy.

You can view all Jeep fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Renegade’s small turbocharged engine is responsive, but heavy acceleration burns a lot of fuel. Gentle acceleration allows the turbocharger to spool up efficiently without using as much fuel.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, often found on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb. Consider the type of tire, off-road oriented tires look great, but they also hurt fuel economy.

Limit unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo adds weight, which decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy objects in the trunk. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to move, increasing fuel economy.

Plan your trips and combine errands. Cold starts use more fuel than warm starts. Combining multiple errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, improving overall fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing acceleration and braking. This improves fuel consumption, especially during long drives on flat roads.