The 2022 Jeep Renegade
offers decent off-roading capabilities for a compact SUV, but rock-crawling enthusiasts should look for something more capable to fulfill their daredevil desires. The 2022 Jeep Renegade off-road rating is unlikely to fit the bill for hardcore trailblazers. While many SUVs look like they can handle just about any type of road you throw at them, some are more capable than others. So, which SUVs are just talking the talk, and which ones can walk the walk?
In this article, we'll help you determine if you should take the 2022 Jeep Renegade off road. We’ll go over all the key specs that make great off-road vehicles truly great, and we’ll offer up some alternative SUVs that might suit your needs better.
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Start earning nowCan the 2022 Jeep Renegade go off road?
Yes! The Renegade continues the Jeep tradition of being stylish and off-road ready. Though you won’t find it at the top of an off-road enthusiast’s list, the 2022 Renegade has decent off-road capabilities for a reasonable price.
With a starting MSRP of $24,195, the 2022 Renegade comes prepared for roads less traveled with low-range gearing, hill descent control, skid plates, and front and rear tow hooks.
What else qualifies the 2022 Renegade for off-road adventures? Let’s zoom in on some of the Renegade's most important off-roading specs.
Ground clearance
One of the most important items to consider when taking your vehicle off road is ground clearance. The minimum ground clearance on the base model 2022 Jeep Renegade is 6.7 inches, but the Trailhawk trim’s clearance measures 8.7 inches.
Experts suggest that your vehicle have a ground clearance of 6.6inches for even the tamest off-road situations. The Renegade base model does not fulfill that requirement—but just barely. For more rugged terrain, experts suggest having a clearance of at least 8.8 inches for overland trekking and 10.8 inches for serious rock-crawling situations. Again, even the Trailhawk falls just shy.
The Renegade’s ground clearance won’t keep it confined to city streets, but it’s not fit for all off-road situations. If you want to go on a serious 4x4 excursion, you might want to look for something else with a higher clearance, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which boasts a ground clearance of 11.3 inches.
Torque
Another key ingredient in a good off-road vehicle is torque. Torque is the vehicle's ability to turn its wheels. Low-end torque is the ease with which a vehicle's wheels can turn in low or no-speed situations—like when your Jeep’s wheels are wedged against a large rock.
The 2022 Renegade has a maximum torque of 210 pound-feet at 1,750 revs per minute. That’s a decent showing, especially for a compact SUV like the Renegade.
Tires
The base model Renegades are outfitted with all-season touring tires. These tires aren’t the best choice for offroading, but that’s easily remedied by purchasing all-terrain tires with a more open tread to provide better traction.
The downside to all-terrain tires is that they don’t last as long as standard all-season tires do, which adds to the Renegade’s overall cost of ownership.
Drivetrain
All-wheel or four-wheel drive is key for offroading. The base model 2022 Jeep Renegade Sport is front-wheel drive, so you’ll need to look at a trim level higher to get the four-wheel drive you need to confidently drive off the beaten path.
Angles
Along with ground clearance, it’s important to know your vehicle’s approach and departure angle to ensure that it is capable of climbing without damaging the vehicle’s underbelly. At this point, you’re probably asking, “What is the approach and departure angle?”
Approach angle: The maximum angle of a ramp that a vehicle can ascend without the front bumper contacting the ramp—17.9 for the Renegade
Departure angle: The maximum angle of a ramp that a vehicle can descend without the rear bumper contacting the ramp—29.7 for the Renegade
The 2022 Renegade’s approach and departure angles—measuring 17.9 and 29.7 degrees, respectively—don’t allow it to do any steep climbing. That’s good enough for gravel roads and dirt paths, but any high-intensity rock climbing should be avoided.
Off-road rating: Rough and Ready
Jerry has rated the 2022 Jeep Renegade using our highly scientific DIRTrating system, outlined in the table below:
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|---|
| | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
| | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
| | Vehicles designed for casual offroading |
| | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
The 2022 Jeep Renegade has been rated R for Rough and Ready. With decent ground clearance, good low-end torque, and available four-wheel drive, the 2022 Renegade should be able to handle just about any casual off-roading situation with ease. (Be sure to pop on some all-terrain tires for maximum traction.)
But if you’re looking for a serious 4x4 off-road adrenaline rush, you’ll want to consider other vehicles more suited to the task.
MORE: Jeep Renegade Sport towing capacity
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Jeep Renegade
If you’re looking for a compact SUV as at home on the campground as in the city, the 2022 Jeep Renegade is a great choice. But, for drivers who are looking to take their SUV on overland jaunts or rock-crawling escapades, this rugged little ditty will not do.
Perhaps the $25,790 entry price is more than what you were hoping to pay, or maybe you just want something with a little more gusto. Here are the top alternatives to the 2022 Jeep Renegade—no matter what you’re looking for.
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Best affordable alternative | | | The Honda HR-V is a very practical subcompact SUV with storage space for days and great fuel economy. |
| | | The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is comfortable and roomy, with a bundle of available driver-assist options and a sleek infotainment system. If you don’t plan on leaving city limits, this could be your best bet. |
Best alternative for serious offroading | | | If you’re looking for an off-road capable crossover, look no further than the 2022 Jeep Cherokee. Base models start with an 8.4-inch ground clearance, but upgrade to the Trailhawk trim and you’ll gain almost 3 inches, as well as 4WD and approach and departure angles of 26.6 and 30.2 degrees, respectively. |
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Off-roading can be risky business, and for that reason, insurance rates tend to be higher for off-road-ready vehicles. If you want to find the cheapest rate on car insurance
for your off-road vehicle, just get the Jerry
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