If you live somewhere with harsh winters, you are probably wondering, are Jeep Renegades good in snow? The short answer is that Jeep Renegades handle snow reasonably well thanks to their available four-wheel-drive system and ample ground clearance. This compact SUV was designed with off-road capability in mind, but how does it actually perform when the roads get slick and white?
We are going to break down everything you need to know. From the drivetrain options to the tires and real-world driving feel, this guide will help you decide if a Renegade is the right winter vehicle for you.
Are Jeep Renegades Good In Snow
Let’s get straight to the point. The Jeep Renegade is a capable vehicle in snowy conditions, but it is not perfect. It has some clear strengths and a few weaknesses that you need to consider before driving it through a blizzard.
First, the ground clearance is a big plus. The Renegade offers about 8.1 inches of clearance in the standard model. That is higher than many small SUVs like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR. This helps you avoid getting stuck on packed snow or ice chunks.
Second, the available four-wheel-drive (4WD) system is a serious asset. Jeep calls it Jeep Active Drive. It can send power to the wheels that have the most traction. This is a huge help when you are starting from a stop on a slippery hill.
Key Features That Help In Snow
Let’s look at the specific features that make the Renegade a decent snow performer.
- Available 4WD: The Jeep Active Drive system can disconnect the rear axle when you don’t need it to save gas. But when you need traction, it engages quickly.
- Selec-Terrain System: This lets you choose a driving mode. You can select Snow mode. This adjusts the throttle response and transmission shifts to help you maintain control.
- Ground Clearance: As mentioned, 8.1 inches is solid. The Trailhawk version has even more, at 8.7 inches.
- Hill Descent Control: This feature is great for steep, snowy downhill sections. It keeps the car at a slow, steady speed without you needing to brake.
Weaknesses To Consider
No vehicle is perfect. Here are the main downsides of the Renegade in snow.
- Stock Tires: Most Renegades come with all-season tires. These are not great in deep snow. You will want winter tires for the best performance.
- Weight: The Renegade is a heavy little SUV. This can help with traction, but it also means longer stopping distances on ice.
- Visibility: The thick roof pillars and small rear window can create blind spots. This makes it harder to see pedestrians or other cars in snowy conditions.
- Engine Power: The base engine is a 1.4-liter turbo or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. They are not powerful. Getting up a steep, snowy hill can feel slow.
How The 4WD System Works In Winter
Understanding the 4WD system is key. The Jeep Active Drive system is not a full-time 4WD. It is actually a front-wheel-drive system most of the time. When the sensors detect wheel slip, it sends power to the rear wheels.
This happens automatically and very fast. You don’t have to do anything. But for the best snow performance, you should manually select the Snow mode using the Selec-Terrain dial.
Selecting Snow Mode
Here is how to use the system properly.
- Turn the dial to the Snow icon (it looks like a snowflake).
- The system will adjust the transmission to start in second gear. This reduces wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
- The throttle response becomes less sensitive. This helps you avoid sudden acceleration that could cause a loss of traction.
- The 4WD system stays engaged more often, giving you better stability.
This mode is a real game-changer. It makes the car feel more planted and predictable on packed snow and ice.
Real-World Snow Driving Experience
So, what does it actually feel like to drive a Renegade in the snow? Most owners report that it feels confident and stable in light to moderate snow. The car does not feel floaty or unstable at highway speeds.
However, in deep, unplowed snow, the Renegade can struggle. The front bumper is low and can act like a snowplow. This can push snow into the engine bay or cause the car to lose momentum.
Also, the all-season tires are the weak link. They are fine for a dusting of snow. But if you get more than 4 or 5 inches, you will notice the tires losing grip. You will feel the car slide a bit when turning or braking.
Comparing To Other Small SUVs
How does the Renegade stack up against competitors?
- Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek has more ground clearance (8.7 inches) and a better standard all-wheel-drive system. It is generally considered better in snow.
- Honda HR-V: The HR-V has less ground clearance and a weaker AWD system. The Renegade is better.
- Jeep Compass: The Compass is larger and heavier. It feels more stable on the highway in snow. But the Renegade is more nimble in town.
Overall, the Renegade is a solid choice for its class. It is not the best, but it is far from the worst.
Winter Tires: The Most Important Upgrade
If you want your Renegade to be truly good in snow, you need winter tires. This is the single best upgrade you can make. The stock all-season tires are designed for a balance of dry, wet, and light snow performance. They compromise on deep snow grip.
Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. They also have deeper tread patterns with more sipes (small slits) that bite into ice and snow.
Recommended Winter Tires For The Renegade
Here are a few popular options.
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90: Excellent ice and snow grip. Quiet on dry roads.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow: Very long-lasting and great for icy conditions.
- Continental VikingContact 7: A top performer in deep snow and slush.
Installing winter tires will transform your Renegade. It will feel much more secure and predictable. You will stop faster and turn with more confidence.
Ground Clearance And Approach Angles
The Renegade’s ground clearance is a big advantage. But there is more to it than just the number. The approach angle (how steep a slope you can drive up without hitting the bumper) is also important.
The standard Renegade has a 28.9-degree approach angle. The Trailhawk version has a 30.3-degree angle. This is better than most small SUVs. It means you can drive over snowbanks or deep ruts without damaging the front of the car.
The departure angle (the rear) is also decent. This helps when you are backing out of a snowy parking spot.
Trailhawk Vs. Standard Model In Snow
The Trailhawk is the off-road-focused version. It has several upgrades that help in snow.
- Increased Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches vs. 8.1 inches.
- Skid Plates: Protect the underbody from rocks and ice.
- All-Terrain Tires: These are better than all-season tires, but still not as good as dedicated winter tires.
- Rock Mode: Not directly useful for snow, but the low-range gearing can help in deep snow.
If you live in an area with heavy snow, the Trailhawk is a better choice. But remember, even the Trailhawk benefits from winter tires.
Heating And Comfort In Winter
Snow driving is not just about traction. You also need to stay warm and comfortable. The Renegade has a few features that help.
Heated seats are available on higher trims. The heater itself is powerful and warms up the cabin quickly. The steering wheel heater is also a nice option.
However, the Renegade’s cabin can be a bit noisy. The boxy shape creates wind noise at highway speeds. This is not a big deal, but it is something to note.
Defrosting And Visibility
The front defroster works well. It clears the windshield fast. The rear defroster and heated mirrors are also effective. But the small rear window can get covered in snow quickly. You will need to clean it off manually before driving.
The wipers are standard. You might want to upgrade to winter wiper blades for better performance in ice and snow.
Fuel Economy In Winter Conditions
Winter driving hurts fuel economy. The Renegade is not the most efficient SUV anyway. The 2.4-liter engine gets about 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in good conditions.
In winter, you can expect a drop of 10-15%. This is because the engine takes longer to warm up, and the 4WD system adds drag. Using winter tires also increases rolling resistance.
Plan for more frequent gas station stops if you are doing a lot of winter driving.
Common Problems In Cold Weather
Some Renegade owners report issues in extreme cold. Here are a few things to watch for.
- Battery Issues: The battery can be weak in very cold temperatures. If you live where it gets below -20°F, consider a battery warmer.
- Door Locks Freezing: Some owners say the door locks can freeze shut. This is more common on older models.
- Transmission Hesitation: The 9-speed automatic transmission can feel sluggish when cold. It may hesitate to shift. This usually goes away after the transmission warms up.
These are not deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing about.
How To Prepare Your Renegade For Winter
Here is a simple checklist to get your Renegade ready for snow.
- Check Your Tires: Make sure they have enough tread. Consider winter tires if you get heavy snow.
- Check The Battery: Have it tested. Replace it if it is more than 3 years old.
- Check The Coolant: Make sure it is rated for the lowest temperatures you expect.
- Check The Wiper Fluid: Use a winter formula that won’t freeze.
- Pack An Emergency Kit: Include a blanket, shovel, ice scraper, and flashlight.
Doing these steps will make your winter driving much safer and more enjoyable.
Final Verdict: Is The Renegade Good In Snow?
So, are Jeep Renegades good in snow? The answer is yes, with some conditions. The Renegade is a capable small SUV for winter driving. Its 4WD system, ground clearance, and Snow mode give it a real advantage over many competitors.
But it is not a snow monster. The stock tires are the weak point. If you live in an area with regular, heavy snowfall, you should invest in winter tires. Also, the Renegade is best for moderate snow conditions. It can struggle in deep, unplowed snow.
For most people, the Renegade is a solid winter vehicle. It is fun to drive, practical, and offers good peace of mind when the weather turns bad. Just be realistic about its limits and prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Jeep Renegade Handle Deep Snow?
It can handle up to about 6-8 inches of snow with winter tires. Without winter tires, it struggles in anything over 4 inches. The low front bumper can push snow, so deep snow is not ideal.
Is The Jeep Renegade 4WD Or AWD?
The Renegade offers a 4WD system called Jeep Active Drive. It is technically an all-wheel-drive system that can send power to all four wheels as needed. It is not a traditional part-time 4WD system.
Does The Jeep Renegade Have A Snow Mode?
Yes. The Selec-Terrain system includes a Snow mode. It adjusts the transmission and throttle to reduce wheel spin and improve traction on slippery surfaces.
How Does The Renegade Compare To A Subaru Crosstrek In Snow?
The Subaru Crosstrek is generally considered better in snow. It has more ground clearance, a more refined AWD system, and better standard tires. However, the Renegade is more affordable and has a more rugged feel.
Do I Need Winter Tires On My Jeep Renegade?
If you live in an area with regular snow and ice, yes. Winter tires dramatically improve traction, braking, and handling. They are the most important upgrade you can make for winter driving.