Overview of the Jeep Renegade

In the beginning, there was the "crossover," a vehicle that looked like a tall station wagon and drove like a truck. Soon came the "compact crossover," which looked like a crossover washed in hot water and drove like a smaller truck. Now, there's the "subcompact crossover," which looks like a big hatchback and drives like, well, a big hatchback, which is kind of a good thing. Not surprisingly, people (including us and, presumably, you) like them.

The Jeep Renegade is one of the more likeable "baby utes," because it does all the in-town things you'd expect from a subcompact crossover, but can also handle Jeep things that involve rocks and dirt and stuff. If you're the kind of person who stops into the local camping gear superstore on the way to your cabin on the side of a mountain, this is your kind of vehicle. The rugged-looking exterior doesn't take up too much space on the trail, but there's still plenty of room inside for people and gear. And it's decent around town, too, we hear. All in all, it's a fun, functional piece of machinery.

The Renegade's stock stereos aren't awful, especially if you spring for the optional premium system. But if music is an important part of your on- and off-road adventuring, you'll definitely want to upgrade your audio.

The 6" receiver (and the 5" model, below) can be replaced by a variety of aftermarket receivers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

The Renegade's stock stereo offerings consist of a 4-speaker package, a 6-speaker package and a top-line Beats Audio system. Receiver-wise, the choices included a 5" LCD and a bigger, better 6-1/2" LCD. A factory nav system was optional.

When you remove the stock receiver, you'll lose factory features like the USB connection, satellite radio, and (if present to begin with) navigation and the hands-free phone interface. The good news is that you'll have a healthy selection of both single-DIN (2" tall) and double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket receivers to choose from, so replacing (and even upgrading) those things won't be all that difficult.

The "Since 1941" messaging is one of the many "easter eggs" found throughout the Renegade (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

Removing the old receiver is pretty simple. Use a panel tool to pry off the receiver trim panel to release eight retaining clips, then remove the panel. Remove the four Torx T-25 screws securing the receiver to the dash, disconnect the harnesses and remove the receiver.

Installing the new receiver isn't that bad, either, but with most aftermarket receivers, you will need to cut off four plastic tabs along the top edge of the cavity. This isn't hard to do, but work carefully and wear eye protection when you're doing the cutting.

You'll have to remove these tabs to install your new stereo (Crutchfield Research Photo)

If you're an experienced car audio DIY-er, you'll notice some "different" aspects to connecting the new receiver to the factory wiring. If you're not experienced with this kind of thing and you're starting to get worried, don't. We'll give you a very nice discount on the wiring harness you need to connect the new receiver, plus all the info you need to do the job. You'll also get free tech support for the life of your gear, so if you run into trouble, you can give us a call.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Torx T-25 driver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Jeep Renegade

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Jeep's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Replacing the base speakers will really improve your Renegade's sound (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

Depending on the stock stero package, the Renegade will have speakers in the dash and doors. There's also an optional subwoofer. Replacing the speakers is pretty basic, but the subwoofer can be a challenge to deal with. We'll explain below.

The tweeters in the dash are reasonably easy to reach and replace (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the dash speakers

The stock 3-1/2" dash tweeters are wired in parallel with the front speakers, and they're not hard to get to. Use your panel tool to pry up the corner dash grille to release five retaining clips, then remove the grille. Remove the two Torx T-25 screws securing the speaker to the dash, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Torx T-25 driver

The door speakers are secured by Torx T-25 bits (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Remove the front door speakers

The 6"x9" front door speakers are, as noted above, wired in parallel with the dash tweeters. Thus, we'd recommend a set of component speakers that will handle both locations. You can replace these speakers with 5-1/4" or 6-1/2" aftermarket speakers, and the mounting brackets you'll need to secure them are included (along with the correct speaker wiring harnesses) with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.

For 2021-up models, there's no wiring harness adapter available, so you'll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors.

You'll need to remove the door panels to replace these speakers, but that's not hard to do and it's well within the capabilities of even a first-time DIY-er. Start by prying out the screw cover behind the door release handle, then removing one exposed 3/16" screw. Pull up the rubber mat inside the door pull cup, then remove one exposed hex screw.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

Remove one Phillips screw along bottom edge of door panel, then pry off two screw covers along the rear edge of the door panel and remove one Phillips screw from each location. Moving back up the door, pry up the power switch panel to release the retaining clips, then remove one exposed hex screw.

Now you're ready to remove the panels and the speakers. Pry out the sides and bottom of each door panel to release eight retaining clips, then disconnect the harness and door lock/release cables and remove the door panel. Remove four Torx T-25 screws securing the speaker to the door, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver, 3/16" driver, Torx T-25 driver, needle-nose pliers

The Beats speaker system brings big sound and style to the Renegade (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear door speakers

In terms of the job that needs to be done and the aftermarket speakers that can be installed, replacing the standard 2-way rear door speakers is pretty much the same as the front doors.

That also applies to the woofers that are part of the premium stereo system, although you will need to remove the tabs from the speaker mounting surface to allow for a flush fit. We'll discuss the tweeters below, but we'll go ahead and mention that component speakers are a great replacement idea here, too.

Pry out the sail panel to release three retaining clips and remove the panel. Pry out the screw cover behind the door release handle, then remove the 3/16" screw you'll see there. Pull up the rubber mat inside the door pull cup, then remove the exposed 3/16" hex screw.

Remove one Phillips screw along the bottom edge of the door panel. Pry up the power switch panel to release the retaining clips, then remove two exposed 3/16" screws. Next, you'll pry out the sides and bottom of the door panel to release eight retaining clips, Disconnect the harness and door lock/release cables and remove the door panel.

Finally, you'll remove the four Torx T-25 screws securing the speaker to the door, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Whenever you're replacing door speakers, it's important to test the speakers before you put the door back together. This isn't a hard installation, but you don't want to do it twice. Also, be sure to check the door locks and windows to make sure everything's working properly.

For 2021-up models, there's no wiring harness adapter available for the premium woofers, so you'll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors.

The Beats system's rear tweeters are attached to the door panels (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear door tweeters (Premium systems only)

To remove the premium (aka Beats or Kenwood) tweeters, you'll start by prying out the tweeter/grille assembly (start at the front end). Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the assembly, then pry the tweeter off of the grille to release the retaining clips.

There's no mounting bracket that works in this location, so you'll need to secure the tweeters with our universal mounting brackets. There's no wiring harness adapter, either, so you'll need Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the tweeters to the factory wiring.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver, 3/16" driver, Torx T-25 driver, needle-nose pliers

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Jeep Renegade

When it comes to this subwoofer, getting there is not half the fun (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Renegade

The stock sub is kind of a pain to get to, but it can be done. If your Renegade doesn't have a stock sub, you're arguably better off when it comes to adding bass.

The premium system includes a 6-3/4" dual voice coil subwoofer that's mounted in the rear of the truck, on the passenger's side. Removing and replacing that sub is possible, but it's not easy. The individual steps involved aren't that hard, but there are an awful lot of them – 19, by our count. Any car audio task that involves more steps than a rehab program is not something we're going to recommend to the average DIY-er.

You can do this if you really, really want to, but the job will require time, patience, and organization. The Crutchfield MasterSheet included with your purchase will be a huge help, and again, you have free access to our tech team for the life of your gear. Just because we don't recommend this project doesn't mean we're not going to stand behind you if you decide to go for it. If you get into a jam, just give us a call.

Aftermarket replacement subs are available, and the mounting bracket you'll need is included with your speaker purchase.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, 3/16" hex driver, Torx T-25 & T-40 drivers

There's plenty of room for a sub box in the Renegade's cargo area (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Adding a new subwoofer

If your Renegade doesn't have a sub or you want to add even more bass to one that does, there's obviously plenty of room in the cargo area. If you want to install a subwoofer box, you'll have a 37" W x 18" H x 21"/27" D space to work with.

If you'd like more boom, but don't want to give up a ton of cargo room, you can go with a smaller box or choose a powered subwoofer. You'll get the low-end thump you're looking for without giving up the practicality that makes the Renegade such a handy vehicle to own.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Shop for subwoofer options

A WeatherTech cargo liner will protect against dirt and damage (Stock photo, appearance may differ)

Other options for your Renegade

Here are some suggestions on how to make your Jeep even better.

Add an amplifier

In a boxy utility-style vehicle like the Renegade, you need clean power (and lots of it) going to your speakers and sub. A new amplifier will give you the "headroom" you need to get the sound you want at highway speeds. Even if you decide to keep the Beats speakers, you'll hear a real improvement. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

Protect the carpeting

If you're using your Renegade as intended, it's probably going to get dirty every now and then. Keeping it in great shape really helps retain resale value, so protect your carpets (and your investment) with a set of custom-fit WeatherTech floor liners.

Remote start and security systems

Adding remote start capability to your vehicle lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. The iDatastart system is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to install a remote start system, so we highly recommend it. The module requires a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) to connect with your vehicle's computer, security, and ignition systems, so we ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.

You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.

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