2021 Jeep Renegade — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2021 Jeep Renegade

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $24,292–$28,038
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr
The 2021 Jeep Renegade scores 6.6/10 at Carivo, ranking #2331 of 2454 suvs, with 2 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,188/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2021 Jeep Renegade

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$24,292–$28,038

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Jeep Renegade

With an overall Carivo score of 6.6/10, the 2021 Jeep Renegade earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.1/10, while Value at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.5/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $24,292–$28,038, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Renegade sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Jeep Renegade, but it needs the right buyer. Its value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Jeep Renegade ranks #2331 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 5% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $24,292 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 33%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2021 Jeep Renegade

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,940 ($2,188/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Renegade Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Jeep Renegade scores 6.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.6 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.3/10$24,205 Read review →
2024 6.7/10$26,695 Read review →
2023 6.7/10$25,894 Read review →
2022 6.7/10$25,093 Read review →
2021 (this review) 6.6/10$24,292
2020 6.6/10$23,491 Read review →
2019 6.5/10$22,690 Read review →
2018 6.4/10$21,889 Read review →
2017 6.5/10$21,089 Read review →
2016 6.4/10$20,288 Read review →
2015 6.4/10$19,487 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Jeep Renegade

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Jeep Renegade (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Air bags / Frontal
03/07/2024 · 24V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat…
Exterior lighting / Back up lights
10/12/2024 · 24V918000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Own a 2021 Jeep Renegade that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2021 Jeep Renegade

Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade reliable?

We rate the 2021 Jeep Renegade's reliability 7.5/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade worth buying?

It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #2331 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 5% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2021 Jeep Renegade cost?

The 2021 Jeep Renegade starts at $24,292 and ranges up to $28,038 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Renegade years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Renegade years we've rated are 2018 (6.4/10), 2016 (6.4/10), 2015 (6.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

What problems does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have?

The documented issues for the 2021 Jeep Renegade are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Jeep Renegade

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

Get the Monthly Reliability Report

Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

More Jeep Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Jeep models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.