2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was a compact SUV that retained the classic Jeep design elements, such as the round headlights, 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches, all contributing to its expressive and purposeful appearance. It offered various trim levels, including Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with the latter being the most suitable for off-roading. The Renegade High Altitude, which was tested, came with additional features like extra-cost paint, 19-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, giving it a more mature and luxurious look. However, despite these enhancements, the interior was dominated by hard plastic, which detracted from its overall upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, free from the constraints of a long design legacy. It successfully blended innovative design with the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The GV80's elegant two-box design featured a long hood and short front overhang, with large wheel arches accommodating various wheel sizes. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The GV80's cabin was both spacious and sophisticated, offering a truly premium experience.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The latter, tested in the High Altitude trim, provided a more energetic feel, although it suffered from turbo lag and a transmission calibrated for fuel economy rather than performance. The Renegade's driving dynamics were marred by a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a noisy cabin, making highway driving less enjoyable. Despite these drawbacks, the Renegade Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading capabilities, staying true to the Jeep brand's adventurous spirit.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV80's ride was smooth and refined, with the 3.5T model featuring an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview for enhanced comfort. The V6 engine provided a more powerful and quieter driving experience, thanks to active noise cancellation technology. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's interior felt larger than its dimensions suggested, thanks to its boxy design and panoramic glass roof. The driver's seat was comfortable with an eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped, and the Renegade offered limited interior storage and cargo capacity, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row in the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ model, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats were power-folding and split 50/50, adding versatility to the luxury SUV.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Despite its age, the system was user-friendly, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Renegade also offered a Kenwood premium audio system and a comprehensive driver information center. A parking assist system was available for both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users and three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some features lacked refinement, and the Renegade received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. The IIHS scores were commendable, but the Renegade did not retain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags and a suite of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. Although not yet rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.