The rear-wheel-drive models are not suitable for towing, but the all-wheel-drive Jeep Renegade has a maximum braked towing capacity of up to 2000 lbs.
Towing unbraked loads significantly decreases the towing capability; however, towing unbraked loads is not recommended since it will substantially raise the wear on the Renegade’s brake pads.
As per the manufacturer, hauling 200 pounds higher than 2000 pounds is permitted as long as the vehicle speed does not exceed 62 mph. Still, it is recommended that you stay under 2000 pounds to guarantee the engine’s protection.
Staying under the 2000 lbs towing capacity of the Renegade, pulling cargo or small camper or jet skis is very possible. Towing small trailers would be a breeze for the Renegade as they usually weigh below 1500 lbs.
Jeep Renegade Engine
Upon opening the bonnet of the Renegade, you will be greeted with a 2.4L straight-four Tigershark engine. The Tigershark uses MultiAir 2 variable valve timing and variable valve lift technology. The Tigershark in the Renegade is capable of dishing out a power output of 180 hp @ 6400 rpm and 175 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm.
Towing with the Renegade
The standard Jeep Renegade isn’t configured for towing. Towing with the Renegade requires the installation of a trailering hitch and harness. Towing is known to produce excessive heat in the engine, so installing a cooling system would be a good idea. Additional attachments such as a zoomed trailer hitch camera will help track the hitch before and during towing.
Towing is forbidden for the first 500 miles of the vehicle’s journey because towing during this period will be hazardous to the vehicle’s transmission and engine. When towing loads, the vehicle speed must not exceed 50 mph over the next 500 miles. During this time, full-throttle starts should also be avoided.
Many features in the Jeep Renegade make towing more straightforward, such as Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which eliminates trailer swaying when towing. This function works by using sensors installed in the vehicle to detect irregular trailer motion and taking action to correct the trailer’s motion. Even though this is a very useful function, it is important to remember that it will not stop every trailer from swaying. Hence, relying on the TSC is not recommended.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Jeep, an American automaker. The Renegade was introduced in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show. The standard Renegade comes with a front-wheel-drive with an upgrade to an all-wheel-drive system is possible. The Renegade is available in five different trims: the base Sport, the mid-level Latitude, the upper-level Altitude, the luxurious Limited, and the off-roading Trailhawk.
In conclusion, an all-wheel-drive Renegade that is equipped with the proper towing aids would be able to tow a maximum of 2000 lbs. As such, the vehicle is perfect for light or moderate towing. As the vehicle offers features that support trailer-towing such as Trailer Sway Control, the Renegade makes for an acceptable towing companion.
