2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. The Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before luxury. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was easily recognizable with its signature Jeep round headlights, 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It was available in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trims, with special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. Pricing started at $25,210 for the base Sport trim, while the High Altitude trim, loaded with extras, reached $36,515. The High Altitude featured dark gray 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, and a black leather interior with contrast stitching and metallic accents. Despite these luxurious touches, the interior was dominated by hard plastic, giving it an inexpensive and unimaginative feel.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride and a lower center of gravity but lacked adequate torque for quick acceleration. The Forester came standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over performance. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The Forester also featured the X-Mode terrain-management system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine, tested in the High Altitude trim, provided energetic performance but suffered from turbo lag and a nine-speed automatic transmission focused on fuel economy. The Renegade's AWD system, Active Drive, disconnected the rear wheels to save fuel and activated when needed. The Trailhawk trim featured the more capable Active Drive Low AWD system for off-roading. Fuel economy for the turbocharged engine was disappointing, averaging 23.6 mpg, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base trim providing 76.1 cubic feet and other trims 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin was designed with function in mind, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position with ample legroom and headroom.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy design made the interior feel larger, especially with the panoramic glass roof. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for a comfortable driving position, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped, and there were few practical interior storage spots. Cargo volume was limited, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, intuitive, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Lead Vehicle Alert feature was particularly useful, notifying drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Renegade also offered a comprehensive driver information center and a parking assist system. The Kenwood premium audio system provided good sound quality for the segment.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other standard safety features included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Forester's excellent visibility further enhanced its safety.

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