2021 Jeep Renegade SUV Performance, 0-60, Top Speed and MPG
Updated on: February 3, 2021

Content Writer
The 2021 Jeep Renegade carries over mostly unchanged from the model year 2020 apart from the introduction of a couple of driver-assist features as standard. The 2021 Jeep Renegade gets blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and much more as standard which was previously optional. Jeep has also introduced two new trims for the 2021 Renegade, namely - Islander and 80th Anniversary Edition.

The prices of the 2021 Jeep Renegade starts from $22,850 for the base Sport trim and ranges up to $28,925 for the range-topping Trailhawk trim. The 2021 Jeep Renegade offers a total of 2 engine options. All the trims of the 2021 Jeep Renegade except for the Upland, Limited, and Trailhawk get an FWD drivetrain as standard, with AWD being an optional extra worth $1500. Currently on-sale, the 2021 Jeep Renegade faces competition from some of the best sub-compact crossover models i.e. Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and the Ford Escape.
"The base engine is a bummer, but the Renegade’s off-road bona fides are intact." - TheCarConnection
2021 Jeep Renegade Engine: Power, Torque, and Transmission Options
2021 Jeep Renegade comes with the same engine options as the 2020 model - a base 2.4L Inline-4 engine that churns out 180 hp and 175 lb.-ft of torque and an optional 1.3L Inline-4 engine that produces 177 hp and 210 lb.-ft of torque. Both of these engines are paired with 9-Speed automatic transmission and both drivetrains are available according to the needs of customers.
Now, coming to the drivetrain, FWD is designed to give maximum performance and a high number of MPGs whereas AWD provides adventurous and simultaneously most comfortable rides on the toughest terrains too. Clearly, Jeep has boasting powerful engines among rivals, and the icing on the cake is its off-road performance which makes it is superior in this segment.
Models |
2021 Jeep Renegade |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Ford Escape |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$22,850 |
$22,000 |
$25,000 |
$22,040 |
Engine |
2.4L NA 4-cylinder |
1.5L turbo-inline-4 |
1.5L Turbo Inline -3 |
2.0L NA 4-cylinder engine |
Drivetrain |
4WD |
FWD/AWD(optional) |
AWD/FWD |
All-wheel-drive |
Transmission |
9-speed automatic |
CVT |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
Power |
180 hp @ 6400 RPM |
170hp@6200RPM |
181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
148 hp @ 6000 RPM |
Torque |
175 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM |
140lb-ft@3800 RPM |
190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
146 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM |
Jeep, Mazda, and Honda are available with Inline-4-cylinder engines whereas the Ford Escape gets a standard 3-cylinder engine. Jeep has the largest volume among engines making it more powerful among every rival. Coming with the smoothest 9-Speed automatic transmission, the lower and higher transmission provides amazing efficiency and hence, maximize fuel economy as well as comfort at higher speeds.
Also Read:
- How good of a performer is the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid?
- Jeep Renegade vs Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trax: Specs Compared.
2021 Jeep Renegade Acceleration: 0-60 and Quarter Mile Times
2021 Jeep Renegade with engines that produce ample power will sprint car by converting 0-60 MPH with more dominant 2.4L Inline-4 engine in just 9.0 seconds and completes quarter-mile in 17.2 seconds. Exclusively made for off-road, the 1.3L Inline-4 engine has less value in numbers due to its small volume and hence, speed lovers have a choice in having different levels of comfort in buying this product according to their need

The optional 1.3L turbo engine is not a big leap for the Renegade either. The engine generates 177 hp, which is less than the stock’s 180, but accrediting to its additional 25 lb.-ft. Of torque, which develops in a lower rev range, it can bring down the Jeep Renegade 0-60 time to 7.8 seconds.
Models |
2021 Jeep Renegade |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Ford Escape |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (sec) | 9.0 | 9.3 | 7.1 | 8.6 |
Quarter Mile (sec) |
17.2 |
16.8 |
16.7 |
16.3 |
Top Speed (MPH) |
115 |
125 |
130 |
120 |
The Ford Escape is the quickest of the lot, but the Renegade isn't that far behind. The Mazda does seem to be competitive despite the huge disadvantage in terms of power because it is extremely light when compared to its competitors.
2021 Jeep Renegade Brakes: F/R Rotor Dimensions and Stopping Distance
2021 Jeep Renegade is expected to provide very efficient braking performance stopping from 60-0 MPH in 126 feet. Being heavy, it has managed to provide such efficient braking and credit goes to its rotors which are 12.0 inches and 11.0 inches in numbers on front and rear sides respectively.

Brake assist is also there to provide confidence in handling situations that make anyone have the Heebie-jeebies. The 2021 Renegade comes with Active Braking and automatic emergency braking that makes the ride a safe halter. The ride posts shorter-than-average distances in emergency braking tests and there is no sign of any fade to it.
Model |
2021 Jeep Renegade |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Ford Escape |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in) |
12.0 |
11.5 |
12.8 |
11.0 |
Brake Rear (in) |
11.0 |
11.1 |
12.0 |
11.1 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3210 |
2906 |
3299 |
2851 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
126 |
121 |
128 |
127 |
Jeep has equipped its Renegade series crossovers with large brake rotors that give efficient braking performance even being heaviest and hence, takes an edge over rivals in this segment.
"The Renegade handles surprisingly well too. It's stable and planted in corners and easy and nimble to park." - Edmunds
2021 Jeep Renegade Ride and Handling
Due to the smoothest suspension provided with 9-Speed automatic transmission, driving is like a blissful experience in the 2021 Jeep Renegade. Driver assistance features are added in newer versions and powerful brakes provide exceptional handling to drivers which makes the ride more comfortable. RWD drivetrain provides maximum performance and available optimizing AWD drivetrain and braking systems provide the right amount of traction for a better experience of driving.

Jeep Renegade is a subcompact crossover and hence typically small in size and its tight turning radius gives handling around corners with stability, but its heavyweight creates some problem. Driver-adjustable modes present in this car makes everything perfect in all conditions. Trims like Trailhawk and Limited are exclusively made for off-road performance giving this Renegade series the perfect line-up to choose a car according to terrains.
2021 Jeep Renegade Performance Verdict
2021 Jeep Renegade is a perfect blend of performance and practicality in this segment. Being muscular, more powerful, and efficient performing in the braking field, it takes an edge over rivals. And its off-road performance is unrivaled best in class with a tough and rough body perfectly designed for fun to drive rides. It is costlier as compared to rivals, but its power and performance make everyone love this crossover and making it the best buying option in this segment.