The 2022 Jeep Renegade isn’t a well-reviewed subcompact SUV. For most reviewers, it’s widely considered one of the worst options in the segment. Most of the time, it ranks outside of the top 10 overall. Although the Renegade has its strengths, there are a few significant reasons to avoid the 2022 Jeep Renegade.

Avoid the 2022 Jeep Renegade because it isn’t reliable

First and most importantly, the Jeep Renegade isn’t reliable. Historically, the model has performed poorly long-term. The subcompact SUV isn’t known to make it deep into six-figure mileage, nor is it inexpensive to maintain. According to Consumer Reports, predicted reliability is very low. Previous owners experienced frequent problems with the engine, transmission, climate system, brakes, and even the in-car electronics.

Overall, non-routine maintenance is likely to happen to owners of a 2022 Jeep Renegade. As with many Jeep models, they don’t tend to last long. It’s one of the crucial reasons why CR named it the second-worst subcompact SUV, only ahead of the Fiat 500X.

Avoid it for the unimpressive transmission

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Jeep Renegade’s nine-speed automatic transmission is “neither smooth nor responsive.” Additionally, U.S. News calls the same transmission “sluggish.” As a result, it’s difficult to recommend the Renegade due to its poor transmission performance. There’s nothing more intrusive while driving than a jittery, slow, unrefined transmission that shifts as hard as a new driver with a manual.

CR says the shifts are “drawn out and stiff.” Next, the publication claims that kick down is delayed when attempting to draw more power. In short, putting the pedal to the floor will take a few seconds to get a response.

The 2022 Jeep Renegade gets poor fuel economy

The 2022 Jeep Renegade averages 16 city and 32 highway mpg. Combined, that’s good enough for 24 mpg, which isn’t great. Using a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower, the Renegade is underwhelming on performance, so it should be better for fuel economy. Compared to other subcompact SUVs, it still isn’t near the top.

For example, the CR’s top-ranked model in the same class, the Subaru Crosstrek, averages 29 mpg combined. Alternatively, even lower-ranked models like the Kia Seltos get 28 mpg combined. Kia’s subcompact SUV model is barely ahead of Jeep’s, but fuel economy is still far better. Regardless of the vehicle’s quality, nearly every model in its class gets better fuel economy than the 2022 Jeep Renegade.

Reasons to avoid the Renegade

If you’re looking for an excellent subcompact SUV, avoid the Jeep Renegade. This model is best avoided with poor predicted reliability, an unrefined transmission, and unimpressive fuel economy. Moreover, almost every other similarly-sized model outranks the Renegade in every way. That’s why it appears close to the very bottom for most experts. For example, it’s U.S. News’ 11th-place model and Consumer Reports‘ 12th.

Lastly, the 2022 Jeep Renegade starts at $24,695. As a result, it’s more expensive than almost every single competitor. All 11 models Consumer Reports ranked ahead of it start at a cheaper price except for the Nissan Rogue Sport, which is only $24,760, barely above the Renegade. Although not significant, a higher price gives another reason to avoid the Renegade.