2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was a compact SUV that captured attention with its classic Jeep design elements, including round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It offered a range of trims from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. The High Altitude trim, which we tested, featured premium touches such as dark gray 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane panoramic roof, and a black leather interior. Despite these upscale features, the Renegade's interior was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its otherwise sophisticated appearance.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable with its iconic boxy styling, circular headlights, and seven-slat grille. The Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was particularly popular, offering a rugged, industrial look with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro aesthetic with circular vents and gauges, prioritizing utility over modern design trends. The Rubicon trim, which we drove, stood out with its off-road enhancements, including a lifted suspension and mud-terrain tires, making it a formidable choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle featured the turbo engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an Active Drive AWD system. While the turbo engine provided energetic performance, it suffered from turbo lag and a transmission focused on fuel economy, leading to inconsistent power delivery. The Renegade's driving dynamics were marred by a flinty ride and noisy cabin, though the Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited came with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel were also available, the latter offering 260 horsepower and a remarkable 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine excelled in both highway and off-road scenarios, though it introduced abrupt engine shutoff. Despite its rough ride and road noise, the Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's interior felt spacious due to its boxy design and panoramic glass roof, though actual space was limited. The driver's seat offered good adjustability, but rear-seat space was cramped, and storage options were sparse. Cargo capacity was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, provided more versatility. Its removable doors, fold-down windshield, and various roof options, including a soft top and hardtop, added to its appeal. Cargo space was 72 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though less than some less-capable SUVs. The Wrangler's interior was designed for utility, with features like a tool kit for roof and door removal.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, though starting to show its age. Additional tech included a Kenwood premium audio system and a comprehensive driver information center.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a basic 5-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims like the Rubicon and Sahara. The 8.4-inch Uconnect system, optional on these trims, added navigation, HD Radio, and a premium Alpine audio system. The Wrangler's tech package also included a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered advanced safety features through the Advanced Tech Group, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. 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, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. These features were valuable given the Wrangler's challenging sightlines.