For the latest Jeep Renegade pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/jeep/renegade/

The Renegade is Jeep’s smallest model, competing with the likes of the Honda HRV, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek.

Crossovers were traditionally built on car chassis, where SUVs built on those of trucks, but these days, even the tough SUVs are unibody construction, so for our purposes here, I’m going to espouse that an SUV has a little more ability on dirt than others. The Renegade has that. Or can, depending on how you order it.

It’s no Wrangler, but it’s tough and boxy design reminds us of that icon. Its 2wheeldrive platform is based on a Fiat. But if you opt for a 4wheeldrive model, especially in Trailhawk form, the Renegade has respectable offroad cred.

Its minime size, dexterous manners and cool design, add to its appeal. The Renegade fits in small spaces and makes for a great city car. The drive is comfortable, if a bit unrefined and the 1.3liter turbocharged 4cylinder engine packs a deft punch. The base model sports a 2.4liter 4cylinder engine (180 hp) and even that is one of the most powerful of the base models in this segment.

The 9speed automatic transmission isn’t doing it any favors, however, especially this turbo charged engine. Confused gear selection and turbo lag equal uneven power delivery in quick acceleration situations.

If you grab a 4wheeldrive Renegade, this small Jeep can actually conquer some sand, mud and small rocks with driveradjustable modes that optimize it for such obstacles, including one for snow. But if the Rubicon Trail is in your plans, stick to the Wrangler Rubicon.

If your commute is more marathon than sprint, you might want to opt for something a bit more substantial and comfortable. That means a Compass if you’re a Jeep devotee. But for the Renegade, the seats can be had with power adjustment and aren’t the worst we’ve sat in. In that category, that prize is a tie between the Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport.

The Jeep Renegade is a 2row/5passenger SUV, and even from the outside you can assume the rear seat isn’t super large and can be tight for normal sized adults. But its boxy nature also means delightful headroom.

The Renegade’s cargo space (18.5 cubic feet; Behind first row: 50.8 cubic feet) falls in mid pack among the competition. One cool party trick, the frontpassenger seat folds down to accommodate long items.

It’s not fancy in here, but pretty well laid out. The seating position can be set up high, which affords excellent visibility. Overall, there’s solid utility in here, with Jeep’s Uconnect system elevating things. Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will cost extra until you get to the Latitude trim level.

To not having those standard I say look out for a newbie like the Chevy Trailblazer, which is a bit bigger and offers tons of standard features you can’t get here for less than $20,000.

Round headlights? Check. Sevenslotted vertical grille? Check. Rugged looks? Check. Short overhangs for rock climbing? Check. The 2020 Jeep Renegade looks like its namesake, but with plenty of modern urban touches.

Jeep’s Renegade comes in four main trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The least expensive Renegade Sport includes the basics like power windows, air conditioning, 16inch steel wheels and cruise control. The basic infotainment system is as tiny as the Renegade itself, a 5inch touch screen. Adding the Uconnect 7.0 Group package or stepping up to the Latitude trim may not be the worst idea you’ve had.

It also includes features like dualzone climate control, illuminated vanity mirror, 2ndrow USB port and premiumwrapped steering wheel.

The most offroadworthy and toughestlooking Renegade is the Trailhawk. And it really bests everything else out there in this category with 4wheeldrive and lowrange crawl setting. The Trailhawk (1.3L turbocharged 4cyl engine) also includes terrainselect with Rock mode and hilldescent control, skidplates and tow hooks.

Top of the line Renegade Limited models like this one include leather interior, poweradjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel and front seats, and remote engine start.

For 2020, all trims can be optioned with active safety and driverassistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lanedeparture warning, and adaptive cruise control. These are important, but they’re not standard, and unfortunately for Jeep most of the competition offers them as such.

The Renegade’s approximately $23,800 starting price is higher than competitors in the segment. And on the high end of the purchasing spectrum, a Renegade Trailhawk or 4wheeldrive Limited model is around $30,000, but option it out like this tester and that’s closer to $36,000.

SUV? Crossover? Both? I’ll let you decide, but whatever you’re in the market for, depending on how you option it, the Renegade could have you covered for just about anything.