2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered four trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $24,350 to $34,150, plus destination charges. The CR-V LX featured standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while higher trims boasted body-color trim, 18-inch wheels, and rear privacy glass. The CR-V's interior exuded quality, with a 2-tone tan-over-black treatment and well-arranged controls. Despite some hard plastic, the materials didn't feel cheap, enhancing the overall sense of value.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade was known for its signature Jeep design elements, including round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. Trim levels included Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. Prices started at $25,210, with the High Altitude trim reaching $36,515. The High Altitude featured extra-cost paint, 19-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof. Despite its upscale touches, the Renegade's interior was dominated by hard plastic, making it feel less luxurious than it appeared.

The 2019 Honda CR-V LX came with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Higher trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was more responsive and fuel-efficient but had issues in cold weather and with battery reliability. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, providing a composed ride and confident handling. The CR-V averaged 27.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 29 mpg estimate.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided better torque but suffered from turbo lag and required premium fuel. The Renegade averaged 23.6 mpg, below the EPA's 26 mpg estimate. The Renegade's driving dynamics were less refined, with a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a loud cabin, making highway driving a chore.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered ample interior space, with a comfortable 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats on all but the LX trim. The rear seats provided plenty of space for taller adults and three kids. The CR-V excelled in cargo space, offering 39.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy design made the interior feel larger, especially with the panoramic glass roof. However, the rear seat space was cramped, and the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Renegade had limited interior storage and cargo space, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. Navigation was optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring trim. The infotainment system had a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob and menu shortcut buttons, making it somewhat distracting to use.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with volume and tuning knobs and logically arranged menu buttons. The Renegade also offered a comprehensive driver information center and a new Kenwood premium audio system.

The 2019 Honda CR-V included Honda Sensing on all trims except the LX, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. The EX trim and higher added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating for headlight performance.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's Advanced Tech Group included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Safety and Security Group added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Renegade earned a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and commendable scores from the IIHS but did not retain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.