2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire

Finding the spare tire location on a 2020 Jeep Renegade isn’t always obvious, especially when you’re standing on a dark roadside. The 2020 Jeep Renegade spare tire setup is different from what you might expect on a traditional SUV. Many owners are suprised to learn their Renegade doesn’t come with a full-size spare from the factory.

Instead, Jeep includes a temporary donut tire or sometimes just a tire repair kit. This can be a real shock if you get a flat in the middle of nowhere. Let’s break down exactly where your spare is, how to get to it, and what your options are for a better setup.

Where Is The 2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire Located?

Your spare tire is not mounted on the rear tailgate like older Jeeps. It’s also not under the vehicle. The 2020 Jeep Renegade spare tire is stored under the cargo floor in the back.

To access it, you need to lift the rear cargo mat. Then, pull up on the plastic panel that covers the spare tire well. You’ll see a shallow compartment holding the temporary spare and the jack tools.

Here is the step-by-step process:

Open the rear liftgate completely.
Remove everything from the cargo area, including the floor mat.
Locate the plastic pull handle on the floor panel.
Lift the panel upward and secure it with the built-in hook (if available).
You will now see the spare tire sitting in the well.

Some trims, like the Trailhawk, have a slightly deeper well. But the location is identical across all 2020 models. The spare is held in place by a large plastic wingnut or a bolt. Turn it counterclockwise to release the tire.

Now that you know where it is, let’s talk about the actual tire itself. The 2020 Jeep Renegade spare tire is almost always a temporary “donut” spare. This is a small, lightweight tire designed only for short-distance driving.

The standard size for this donut is T135/80R16. It’s mounted on a steel wheel that looks nothing like your factory alloy rims. This tire is not meant for speeds over 50 miles per hour. It also should not be driven for more than 50 miles total.

Here are the key specs for the factory spare:

Type: Temporary compact spare (donut)
Size: T135/80R16
Speed rating: Maximum 50 mph (80 km/h)
Distance limit: 50 miles (80 km)
Inflation pressure: 60 psi (check your owner’s manual)

One thing to note: the donut spare does not fit over larger brake calipers on some models. If you have a Trailhawk or a Renegade with the upgraded brakes, the donut should still work on the rear. But using it on the front can be tricky. In that case, you might need to move a rear tire to the front and put the donut on the back.

Does The 2020 Jeep Renegade Come With A Full-Size Spare?

No, it does not. The factory does not include a full-size spare for the 2020 model year. This is a cost-saving measure by Jeep. It also saves weight and cargo space.

However, some dealers offered a full-size spare as an optional accessory. You can also buy one aftermarket. The spare tire well can actually fit a full-size tire if you remove the foam insert. But the floor panel might sit slightly higher.

If you off-road or drive long distances, a full-size spare is a smart upgrade. You can find used Jeep Renegade wheels on eBay or at salvage yards. Just make sure the tire size matches your other four tires.

Tools You Need To Change The Spare Tire

The jack and tools are stored with the spare tire. They are located in a foam tray right next to the donut. Here is what you will find:

Scissor jack
Lug wrench (with a built-in screwdriver tip)
Towing eye bolt (for flatbed towing)
Gloves (sometimes included)

The scissor jack is not the sturdiest tool. It works fine on flat pavement, but on soft ground, it can be unstable. Always place the jack on solid, level ground. Use a piece of wood or a jack pad if the ground is soft.

One common complaint is that the lug wrench is short. This makes it hard to break loose tight lug nuts. You might need to use your foot to apply pressure. Or, carry a longer breaker bar in your vehicle for emergencies.

How To Change The Spare Tire On A 2020 Jeep Renegade

Changing a flat on a Renegade is similar to most modern cars. But there are a few Renegade-specific steps. Follow this guide carefully.

Park on a firm, level surface. Engage the parking brake.
Remove the spare tire and jack from the cargo area.
Place the jack under the designated jack point. The jack points are marked with small notches on the rocker panels. They are located just behind the front wheels and just ahead of the rear wheels.
Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire while the tire is still on the ground. Turn them counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely yet.
Jack up the vehicle until the flat tire is about 2 inches off the ground.
Remove the lug nuts fully. Pull the flat tire straight off the hub.
Mount the spare tire onto the wheel studs. Push it on until it sits flush.
Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This ensures even pressure.
Lower the vehicle until the spare tire touches the ground. Then tighten the lug nuts fully with the wrench.
Lower the jack completely. Do a final torque check on all lug nuts.

Remember: the spare tire is temporary. Drive carefully to a tire shop as soon as possible. Do not use the donut for extended highway driving.

What If Your 2020 Jeep Renegade Has No Spare Tire?

Some 2020 Renegades were sold without any spare tire at all. Instead, they come with a tire repair kit. This kit includes a can of sealant and a small air compressor. The kit is stored in the same location where the spare would be.

This is a problem if you get a large puncture or a sidewall blowout. The sealant only works on small tread punctures. For anything serious, you are stranded.

If your Renegade has no spare, you have a few options:

Buy a used donut spare from a salvage yard. Cost is around $50-$100.
Purchase a full-size spare wheel and tire. This gives you peace of mind.
Carry a plug kit and a portable air compressor. This is a backup if you have no spare.
Consider a modern spare tire eliminator kit. Some off-roaders remove the spare to save weight and use a patch kit instead.

I recomend checking your vehicle’s build sheet. Look under the cargo floor. If you see only a foam tray with a compressor, you have no spare. You can order a spare tire kit from a Jeep dealer or online.

Upgrading To A Full-Size Spare Tire

Many Renegade owners want a full-size spare for off-roading or long trips. The good news is that it fits. The spare tire well is deep enough for a 225/55R18 tire, which is the standard size on higher trims.

Here is what you need to do for the upgrade:

Find a matching wheel. Look for a used OEM Jeep Renegade wheel on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Mount a tire that matches your other four tires. Same brand and tread pattern is best.
Remove the foam insert from the spare tire well. It is not needed.
Place the full-size tire in the well. It will fit, but the cargo floor will sit about 1 inch higher.
Secure the tire with a ratchet strap or a threaded rod kit. The factory wingnut may not be long enough.

One downside: the cargo floor will not sit perfectly flat. You might need to trim the plastic panel or live with a slight bump. Some owners simply remove the floor panel and use a rubber mat instead.

Spare Tire Mount Options For The 2020 Jeep Renegade

If you do not want the spare inside the cargo area, you have other options. Aftermarket companies sell spare tire carriers that mount to the rear hitch. This keeps the cargo area free.

Here are the most common mounts:

Hitch-mounted carrier: Slides into the receiver hitch. Holds one full-size tire. Easy to remove when not needed.
Rear bumper mount: Bolts to the rear bumper. More permanent. Looks rugged but adds weight.
Roof rack mount: Straps the tire to the roof rack. Not ideal because it raises the center of gravity.

Hitch-mounted carriers are the most popular. They cost between $150 and $400. Make sure your Renegade has a factory or aftermarket hitch receiver. The Trailhawk trim comes with a hitch standard.

Common Problems With The 2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire

Owners report a few issues with the spare tire system. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.

Spare Tire Well Fills With Water

Some Renegades have a problem with water leaking into the spare tire well. This happens when the rear tailgate seal is damaged or the roof rack mounting points leak. Water can pool in the well and rust the spare tire.

To fix this, check the tailgate seal for cracks. Also, inspect the rubber plugs on the roof. If water is present, dry it out and find the source. You can drill a small drain hole in the lowest point of the well as a last resort.

Jack Is Too Small Or Unstable

The factory scissor jack is flimsy. On uneven ground, it can tip over. Many owners replace it with a small bottle jack or a hydraulic floor jack. Store the replacement jack in the same foam tray if it fits.

Always carry a jack base or a piece of plywood to spread the weight. This prevents the jack from sinking into soft ground.

Lug Nuts Are Too Tight

The factory lug nuts are torqued to 100 ft-lbs. The short wrench makes it hard to loosen them. If you cannot break them loose, try using a length of pipe over the wrench for extra leverage. Or, carry a 4-way lug wrench for better grip.

Some owners also replace the factory lug nuts with aftermarket ones that are less prone to rust. Rusty lug nuts can seize onto the studs.

Frequently Asked Questions About The 2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire

Can I Put A Full-size Spare In My 2020 Jeep Renegade?

Yes, you can. The spare tire well can fit a full-size tire up to 225/55R18. You will need to remove the foam insert. The cargo floor will sit slightly higher, but it works fine.

Does The 2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk Have A Spare Tire?

Yes, the Trailhawk trim includes a temporary spare tire as standard. It is located under the cargo floor. Some Trailhawks also have a full-size spare if the original owner ordered the option.

What Is The Tire Size For The 2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire?

The factory spare tire size is T135/80R16. This is a compact donut tire. It is 16 inches in diameter and very narrow. The recommended inflation pressure is 60 psi.

How Do I Remove The Spare Tire Cover On A 2020 Jeep Renegade?

Lift the cargo mat. Then, pull up on the plastic floor panel. There is a small handle or notch to grip. The panel is held by clips, so it may require a firm pull. Once lifted, you will see the spare tire.

Can I Drive With The Spare Tire On My 2020 Jeep Renegade?

Yes, but only temporarily. The donut spare is rated for 50 miles and 50 mph. Driving faster or farther can cause tire failure. Replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts On The 2020 Jeep Renegade Spare Tire

Knowing where your spare is and how to use it can save you time and stress. The 2020 Jeep Renegade spare tire setup is simple once you understand it. Check your spare tire’s air pressure every few months. Donuts lose pressure over time.

If you off-road often, consider upgrading to a full-size spare. It gives you more confidence on rough trails. And always carry a basic tool kit with a breaker bar and a jack pad. A little preparation goes a long way.

Remember, the spare is a temporary solution. Get your flat tire repaired or replaced quickly. Driving on a donut for too long can damage your Renegade’s differential. Stay safe out there.