July 18, 21:00

Used Jeep Renegade 1.8 Analysis: 10 Important Points Before Buying the SUV

The Jeep Renegade 1.8, a compact SUV that was one of the best-selling in its category, is still considered a viable option in the used market, even in the naturally aspirated versions that frequently receive negative reviews.

Renegade History and Market

This vehicle generates diverse opinions, often being criticized for being weak, unable to handle rough roads, or suffering from potholes. Although criticism of the E.torQ engine is recurrent, market data shows that the Jeep Renegade, even with the 1.8 flex engine, achieved strong market penetration.

The SUV began its journey in 2015, after being presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014. It was manufactured in Goiana (PE) and offered a variety of engines from the start, including flex and turbodiesel. Jeep launched the Renegade in Brazil in March 2015, competing with models like the Honda HR-V and Peugeot 2008.

Evolution and Performance

After undergoing a restyling in 2018 and launching several special editions, the model accumulated 500,000 units produced over seven years, with about 90% of these sales coming from the 1.8 flex engine. When it reached this milestone, the Renegade discontinued the naturally aspirated 1.8 E.torQ engine and the 2.0 turbo, migrating to the 1.3 GSE turboflex across the entire line.

In terms of performance, the Renegade 1.8 flex offers basic power for urban use, with 139/135 hp and 19.2/18.7 kgfm of torque at 3,750 rpm. Its accelerations are considered honest and its behavior predictable, without a sporty focus, with a 0 to 100 km/h time exceeding 11 seconds.

However, the mechanical assembly presents challenges, as the E.torQ engine is described as rough and vibrating. The main hurdle is the six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, which exhibits hesitation between third and fifth gear, causing interruptions in acceleration and hindering take-offs, leading some drivers to prefer sequential mode.

Fuel Consumption and Vehicle Dynamics

The reputation for high fuel consumption is partially justified by the car's more square design, which affects consumption, especially on highways. According to the Inmetro cycle (2019 table), the 1.8 flex presents moderate efficiency: 6.7 km/l on ethanol in the city and 8.1 km/l on the highway; with gasoline, it reaches 9.5 km/l in the city and 11.0 km/l on the highway.

In contrast to the engine, the Renegade's dynamics are praised. Despite being tall and narrow, it provides a sense of security. The independent suspension on all four wheels is competent, keeping the SUV stable on highways and firm in curves. The steering is direct and efficient, complemented by disc brakes on all four wheels.

Comfort and Interior Space

Although interior space is not the Renegade's strong point, the driving position is ergonomic and elevated. The rear seat is better suited for two adults. A notable positive point is the suspension system, which absorbs road irregularities well, handling potholes and unpaved sections adequately.

The interior finish also receives attention, featuring soft and rubberized surfaces, well-fitted materials, and a modern look. The trunk, with 320 liters in older versions, has always been considered small for the category, although it reached 385 liters in the most recent version with a temporary spare tire, still limiting the transport of large luggage.

Version Suggestions and Maintenance

For those seeking the best cost-benefit in the 1.8 model, the Renegade Sport 1.8 2018/19 MT is suggested. This five-speed manual model allows for better extraction of the engine's potential and generally has a more accessible price in the used market, ranging between R$ 72 thousand and R$ 76 thousand (KBB Brazil Reseller Price), in addition to having stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, and a 5-inch Uconnect multimedia center.

Alternatively, the Night Eagle 1.8 AT 2017/18, based on the Longitude, is recommended for those who prefer an automatic transmission. This special edition costs between R$ 75 thousand and R$ 80 thousand (KBB Brazil) and includes items such as dual-zone automatic climate control, tire monitoring, and multimedia with native GPS.

Maintenance Costs and Common Problems

Maintenance for the 1.8 engine is classified as regular, and parts are easy to find. Estimated costs include: front brake pad set between R$ 220 and R$ 330; spark plug set between R$ 300 and R$ 420; fuel pump between R$ 780 and R$ 1,000; oil change kit (5 liters 5w30 + filter) between R$ 370 and R$ 490; rear shock absorber (pair) between R$ 630 and R$ 820; rear bumper between R$ 560 and R$ 800; and right headlight between R$ 470 and R$ 650.

The most reported problems by owners involve electrical failures (such as in windows, fog lights, and multimedia) and issues with the automatic transmission, especially the heat exchanger, whose repair can be costly. Leaks of transmission and cooling fluids are also recorded. It is important to note that the line had seven recalls over the years, covering electronic control unit software, airbag modules, parking brake cable, relays, and rear calipers, making it crucial to check the service history.

autopapo.com.brJuly 13, 17:00

Jeep Compass, Alfa Romeo, and Dodge models based on the same platform show declining sales outside of Brazil

Although the second-generation Jeep Compass continues to hold the title of best-selling mid-size SUV in Brazil for the ninth consecutive year, two of its 'relatives,' built on the same base, have faced a different fate abroad.

Model Production Reduction

The Dodge Hornet, which was discontinued in January, has almost zero stock in the United States, according to data from the website Carscoops, with fewer than 90 units remaining. Similarly, the Italian 'sibling' Alfa Romeo Tonale is projected to be discontinued in 2027.

Common Technical Specifications

The Hornet and Tonale were essentially modifications of the second-generation Jeep Compass, differing only in body style and emblem. All three models utilize the Small Wide 4x4 LWB platform, an architecture developed by the former Fiat Chrysler and introduced with the current generation Compass in 2017. The Hornet and Tonale were manufactured at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant in Italy, alongside the Compass.

The list of common components is extensive: the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine from the GME-T4 family, used in Jeep and Alfa Romeo, produces 272 hp and 40.8 kgm in the Hornet GT and Jeep. The hybrid plug-in models were based on the Compass 4xe system in Europe: in the Hornet R/T, a 1.3-liter turbo engine combined with a rear electric motor delivers 292 hp and 53 kgm. The digital instrument cluster, central Uconnect 5 system, screens, and a significant portion of the interior parts were also common across all three vehicles, which have similar dimensions: the Hornet reaches a length of 4.52 m, while the Compass is about 4.40 m.

Stellantis Strategy and Sales Challenges

This approach is part of the standardization strategy of the company Stellantis, which owns fourteen brands. By distributing the same platform among Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and even the Fiat Toro pickup, the group reduces high development costs and accelerates the release of new models through so-called 'badge engineering.'

However, this formula has not resulted in sales success outside of Brazil. The Hornet reached its best year in 2024, selling 20,559 units in the US; in 2025, sales sharply dropped to 9,365, representing a 54% decrease. The Tonale sold only 5,652 units in the same market in 2025, a decline of 36%. Dodge attributed the discontinuation of the model to 'changes in the political climate,' interpreting the market situation related to a 25% import tariff since the vehicle came from Italy.

Contrast with the Brazilian Market

A comparison with Brazil shows a clear difference: only the Compass sold 61,262 units in Brazil in 2025, which is 22.4% more, and entered the top ten best-selling cars in the country. This volume is nearly three times higher than the Hornet's best performance in the US and more than ten times higher than the Tonale's performance in the US.