2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design overhaul to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The new front-end design adopted a more conventional look, replacing the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear also saw changes, with the license plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more modern appearance. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin layout, which felt like a downsized Grand Cherokee with a sensible control layout and plenty of storage compartments.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade maintained its signature Jeep design elements, such as round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Renegade's design exuded a youthful exuberance, especially in the High Altitude trim, which featured trendy dark gray 19-inch wheels and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof. Despite its luxurious touches, the Renegade's interior showed its inexpensive origins with hard plastic materials and an all-black color scheme that looked somewhat cheap.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine joined the lineup alongside the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.2-liter V6 engine with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission was standard across the lineup, with various 4-wheel-drive systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk trim, which featured an off-road suspension and additional ground clearance. On-road performance was solid, with the turbocharged engine providing good acceleration but being somewhat noisy. The Cherokee also offered decent towing capabilities, with a maximum of 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, which we tested, provided energetic performance but suffered from turbo lag and a transmission calibrated for fuel economy rather than performance. The Renegade's driving dynamics were less impressive, with a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a loud cabin making highway driving a chore. The Renegade Trailhawk trim offered the best off-roading capabilities, with the Active Drive Low AWD system providing simulated low range for more traditional Jeep 4-wheel drive performance.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a highly functional control layout with plenty of storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The hands-free power liftgate was a useful addition, although the sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet available and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's interior felt larger than many of its competitors, thanks to its boxy design and panoramic glass roof. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to get comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped, and there were few practical interior storage spots. Cargo volume was also limited, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface and customizable screens.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the familiar Chrysler Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Despite showing its age, the Uconnect system remained easy to use, with logically arranged menu buttons and features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Renegade also offered a comprehensive driver information center and a new Kenwood premium audio system.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a full array of front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and more. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered an Advanced Tech Group, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, 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, though it did not retain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.