2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

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 trim levels, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, and special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. The High Altitude trim, which we tested, featured upscale touches such as dark gray 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane panoramic roof, and a black leather interior. Despite these enhancements, the Renegade's interior still showed signs of its budget-friendly origins, with hard plastics and a somewhat uninspired design.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse presented a more traditional SUV appearance with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille. While its exterior was somewhat generic, the Traverse distinguished its trim levels through styling details like blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The Traverse shared its platform with other GM crossovers but maintained a more utilitarian feel. Inside, the Traverse offered a spacious cabin with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof and materials that, while decent, didn't quite justify its higher price tag.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 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. Our test vehicle featured the turbocharged engine, which provided energetic performance thanks to its peak torque at 1,750 rpm. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission often prioritized fuel economy over responsiveness, leading to noticeable turbo lag and occasional torque steer. The Renegade's off-road capabilities shone in the Trailhawk trim, but its on-road dynamics were less impressive, with a flinty ride and noisy cabin.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided ample power for highway driving. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension, but its handling on twisty roads was less agile than some competitors. The AWD system required manual activation and offered torque vectoring capabilities, though these weren't particularly noticeable during driving. The Traverse also featured off-road and tow/haul modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Inside the 2020 Jeep Renegade, the boxy design translated to a spacious feel, enhanced by the panoramic glass roof. The driver's seat offered good adjustability, but rear-seat space was cramped, and storage options were limited. Cargo capacity was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom across all rows. Our RS model included heated front seats, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While interior storage was limited, the Traverse's cargo capacity was a strong point.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a new Kenwood audio system. The Renegade also offered a comprehensive driver information center and parking assist.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose audio system available on higher trims. The Traverse's infotainment system was easy to use, with analog controls for audio and climate. It also offered a rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered an Advanced Tech Group with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. The Safety and Security Group added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Renegade received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and commendable scores from the IIHS, though it lacked a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earned top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it offered fewer standard driver-assist features than competitors, with many safety technologies available only as options. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and other features were not standard across all trims.