Few cars arouse as many opinions as the Jeep Renegade 1.8 flex. An article about compact SUVs is enough to give rise to the well-known chorus: “it’s weak”, “it doesn’t go up curbs”, “it suffers in speed bumps”. The criticism of the E.torQ engine has become almost folklore and even a kernel of truth. But when you look at the market numbers, the discourse loses strength. The Jeep Renegade, even with a 1.8 flex engine, has never had difficulty in conquering the market. On the contrary.
Since its launch in 2015, the SUV produced in Goiana (PE) has established itself as one of the best sellers in the country. It arrived with a wide range of versions, flex and turbodiesel engines, which contributes to the wide offer of the car in the used market.
Let’s now bring you 10 facts about the Jeep Renegade 1.8.
Trajectory of the Jeep Renegade
The compact SUV first appeared at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Based on the architecture of the 500X, it was the first model of the brand produced in Italy – in times of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
In Brazil, the Renegade was launched by Jeep in March 2015, with two engine options: 1.8 flex aspirated and 2.0 turbodiesel. Curiously, it came amid the debuts of two would-be rivals: Honda HR-V and Peugeot 2008.
It was restyled in 2018, frequent special series and versions for all tastes. In seven years it reached the mark of 500 thousand units produced, with the vast majority for the aspirated model. About 90% of Jeep Renegade sales were with a 1.8 flex engine.
Precisely in the year it reached half a million units, the Jeep Renegade abandoned the aspirated 1.8 E.torQ engine and the 2.0 turbo and adopted the 1.3 GSE turboflex for the entire line.
Performance
The Renegade 1.8 flex delivers the basics for the city: 139/135 hp of power, 19,2/18,7 kgfm of torque at 3,750 rpm, honest starts and predictable behavior, without any pretense of sportiness. The 0 to 100 km/h is above 11 seconds.
The problem is that the group does not talk well. The E.torQ engine is rough, vibrates more than it should and finds in the Aisin’s six-speed automatic transmission, its biggest obstacle.
The transmission has clear hesitations between third and fifth, creates acceleration holes and hinders retakes. Anyone who knows the car knows that sometimes it is better to use the sequential mode to avoid delays.
Consumption of the Renegade 1.8
The reputation of a drunkard did not come about for nothing. In addition to the mechanical set, the squarer design impacts consumption, especially on the road. In the Inmetro cycle (PBEV – table 2019), the numbers of the 1.8 flex show only average efficiency:
Ethanol – city: 6.7 km/l
Ethanol – road: 8.1 km/l
Gasoline – city: 9.5 km/l
Gasoline – road: 11.0 km/l
Dynamics
If the engine divides opinions, the dynamics please. The Renegade, even tall and narrow, conveys safety. The independent suspension on all four wheels has competent adjustment, and the SUV remains firm in curves and stable at highway speeds.
The steering is straightforward and does not require constant corrections. Braking is efficient, remembering that the SUV offers disc brakes on all four wheels.
Comfort
The interior space has never been the highlight of the Renegade. The driving position is elevated and ergonomic, but the rear seat better accommodates only two adults. On the other hand, the suspension work is almost exemplary, filtering holes and irregularities on the track well and dealing well with speed bumps and even stretches without asphalt.
The finish is another strong point: soft and rubberized surfaces, well-fitted materials, modern look and details that reinforce the care in the project.
Renegade trunk
There is no miracle here. The trunk has always been small for the segment. There are 320 liters in the old versions of the Jeep Renegade. This number only improved with the temporary spare tire and reached 385 liters in the most recent remodeling of the SUV. Still, the compartment is shallow and limits larger bags.
Best version of Renegade 1.8
Let’s go for Renegade Sport 1.8 2018/19 MT. For those who don’t care about the automatic transmission, the five-speed manual better extracts what the engine can offer.
It still tends to have a more affordable price in the used market – between R$ 72 thousand and R$ 76 thousand for KBB Brasil’s Reseller Price. At the same time, it brings a good list of equipment.
The model is equipped with stability and traction controls, reversing camera, ramp climb assistant, electric windows on all four doors, electric steering, air conditioning, 17″ alloy wheels, and Uconnect multimedia center with 5″ screen.
Those who want the Renegade flex with automatic transmission can go for Night Eagle 1.8 AT 2017/18. Based on Longitude, the series in the form of an equipment package has darkened details in the look and prices between R$ 75 thousand and R$ 80 thousand – KBB Brasil.
Grille, wheels, moldings and emblems gain a matte or glossy black finish. Inside, more parts and darkened coatings on the steering wheel, air vents and console.
The equipment list includes items such as dual zone automatic air, tire monitoring, reversing camera, multimedia center with native GPS, steering wheel height and depth adjustments, among others.
Front side and curtain-type airbags were optional. As well as the panoramic roof.
Renegade 1.8 Maintenance
The 1.8 engine may not please everyone, but it has maintenance considered regular and parts easy to find. Check the prices of the components of the aspirated Jeep Renegade flex.
Set with four front brake pads: from R$ 220 to R$ 330
Set with four spark plugs: from R$ 300 to R$ 420
Fuel pump: from R$ 780 to R$ 1,000
Oil change kit (5 liters 5w30 + filter): from R$ 370 to R$ 490
Rear shock absorber: from R$ 630 to R$ 820 (pair)
Rear bumper: from R$ 560 to R$ 800
Right headlight: from R$ 470 to R$ 650
Renegade 1.8 main problems
Among the most common reports from owners are electrical failures (windows, fog lights, multimedia) and problems with the automatic transmission, especially in the heat exchanger – a repair that can be expensive.
There are also cases of transmission fluid and coolant leaks.
The line has had seven recalls over the years, involving electronics software, airbag modules, parking brake cable, relays and rear calipers. It is always worth checking the history of revisions and service of these factory calls.
Comments are the sole responsibility of their authors and do not represent the opinion of this site. Comments containing profanity or offensive language will not be published. If you identify anything that violates the terms of use, please report it.
