The 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is an SUV that blends Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities with modern-day urban practicality. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling rugged terrain, the Renegade Trailhawk offers a robust balance of comfort, technology, and adventure.
Exterior Design
One look at the Renegade Trailhawk and its rugged, boxy exterior, and you know it’s built to handle more than just the city streets. Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, aggressive front fascia, and higher ground clearance give the Trailhawk a distinctive, adventurous vibe. Red tow hooks in the front and rear, along with underbody skid plates, hint at its off-road prowess, while black accents and the “Trail Rated” badge add a layer of toughness to the design.
The Renegade’s short overhangs make it ideal for navigating tight spots, and the available My Sky removable roof panels take your outdoor experience to a new level, giving you an open-air experience reminiscent of larger Jeeps like the Wrangler.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2018 Renegade Trailhawk, and you're greeted with a well-appointed interior that offers both style and function. The cabin layout is straightforward with durable materials, although some may find the hard plastics a bit unrefined for this price range. The leather-trimmed seats, embroidered with the Trailhawk logo, are comfortable and supportive, especially during long drives or bumpy off-road adventures.
Despite its compact size, the Renegade makes good use of interior space. Front seats offer plenty of room for passengers, while the rear seats are manageable for adults on shorter trips. The cargo area is versatile, with 18.5 cubic feet of space, which expands to 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is enough for camping gear or a weekend's worth of adventure supplies.
Technology and Features
Jeep has equipped the 2018 Renegade Trailhawk with a respectable array of tech features. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen comes standard, offering easy navigation of menus, clear graphics, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those looking for a little more, an optional 8.4-inch screen with built-in navigation is available.
Other tech features include dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and an available BeatsAudio premium sound system for audiophiles. Keyless entry and remote start are convenient touches that add a bit of luxury to this rugged package.
Off-Road Capabilities
This is where the Renegade Trailhawk truly shines. Jeep has equipped this model with its Active Drive Low 4x4 system, complete with a 20:1 crawl ratio and Selec-Terrain traction management. The system offers settings for snow, sand, mud, and rock, allowing the Renegade Trailhawk to handle a variety of terrains. Hill descent control and Jeep’s Trail Rated badge mean this vehicle is ready to tackle challenging off-road conditions with confidence.
The Trailhawk’s raised ride height, skid plates, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, combined with a respectable 30.5-degree approach angle and 34.3-degree departure angle, make it a true off-roader. It may not have the extreme capabilities of the Wrangler, but it’s more than capable of handling dirt roads, rocky trails, and some light bouldering.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2018 Renegade Trailhawk comes with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Renegade’s powertrain offers sufficient power for everyday driving and light off-roading. However, some may find it a bit underwhelming for high-speed passing or towing. While it's not the most thrilling engine in the compact SUV class, it gets the job done for those looking for moderate off-road adventures.
The Renegade Trailhawk’s handling is fairly responsive for its class, with a suspension tuned to absorb the impacts of rough terrain. The steering feels precise and adequately weighted, though you might notice some body roll during more aggressive cornering, which is common for off-road-focused SUVs. The ride remains smooth and composed, making it comfortable for daily commutes as well as off-pavement excursions.
Fuel Economy
Given its off-road capabilities, the Renegade Trailhawk isn’t going to win any awards for fuel efficiency. The 2.4-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with a combined 24 mpg. For those primarily using it for city commutes, the fuel economy may feel a bit underwhelming, but for a vehicle with true 4x4 capability, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
Safety
The 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk includes a decent array of safety features, including standard electronic stability control, a rearview camera, and multiple airbags. Optional safety packages add advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2018 Renegade respectable scores in crash testing, making it a solid choice for families and off-road enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is the perfect option for drivers who want a compact SUV that can handle both the city streets and off-road trails. Its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and practical technology make it stand out from the crowd. While its fuel economy and engine performance might not be top-tier, the overall package is a strong contender for adventure-seekers.
If you're looking for a capable off-roader in a small package, the Renegade Trailhawk offers solid value, and it's ready to handle your next weekend adventure with style and confidence.
Whether you're considering a Renegade for daily driving or for its trail-busting capabilities, the Trailhawk trim offers the best of both worlds, combining the spirit of Jeep with the needs of today’s drivers.
