2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was a compact SUV that captured attention with its classic Jeep design elements, including the iconic round headlights, 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, came with a price tag of $36,515, featuring extras like dark gray 19-inch wheels and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof. Despite its upscale appearance with full LED lighting and metallic cabin accents, the Renegade's interior was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its otherwise luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite its short grille and swept-back headlights. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. The Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof added a touch of elegance, and its resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee helped it stand out in a crowded SUV market. The Cherokee's design was practical and straightforward, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury.

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 the Active Drive AWD system. While the turbo engine provided energetic performance with peak torque at 1,750 rpm, it suffered from turbo lag and a transmission focused on fuel economy rather than responsiveness. The Renegade's driving dynamics were marred by a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a noisy cabin, making highway driving less enjoyable. However, the Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road capabilities, living up to Jeep's rugged reputation.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and better fuel efficiency compared to CVTs. The Cherokee's off-road prowess was highlighted by the Trailhawk model, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, making it surprisingly capable on challenging trails. While acceleration was not its strong suit, the Cherokee delivered a balanced performance for everyday driving.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's interior felt spacious due to its boxy design and panoramic glass roof, but it was not as roomy as it appeared. The front seats offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but rear-seat space was cramped, and there were limited storage options. Cargo capacity was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offering 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded. While it lagged behind competitors in cargo capacity, the Cherokee provided 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior design was simple and functional, with trim levels influencing the level of luxury. The Trailhawk featured suede seat inserts, while the Latitude Lux offered Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale feel.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its technology offerings, including the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Despite its age, Uconnect remained user-friendly, featuring 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 for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasted one of the best infotainment systems in the industry, with Uconnect available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen options. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only wired, and included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding to the Cherokee's appeal. The intuitive interface and consistent design across Stellantis brands made the Cherokee's technology offerings a standout feature.

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 rated it well in most tests but did not award it a Top Safety Pick for 2020.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, enhancing the Cherokee's safety credentials.