2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces, though the padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade, with its signature Jeep design elements, was available in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trims, plus various special editions. The test car, a High Altitude trim, was loaded with extras, bringing the MSRP to $36,515. This version featured trendy dark gray 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, and a black leather interior with contrast stitching and metallic accents, giving it a surprisingly grown-up look. However, the interior still displayed its inexpensive origins with dominant hard plastic materials.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate, often responding with noise rather than action during acceleration or climbing. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing showed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive due to lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, or an optional turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The test vehicle had the turbo engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with AWD provided by the Active Drive system. The turbo engine felt energetic, but turbo lag and a transmission calibrated for fuel economy led to uneven power delivery. The Renegade averaged 23.6 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg, and had a small 12.7-gallon fuel tank. The Trailhawk trim offered better off-roading capability with the Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with seats that were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for optimal comfort. Rear-seat passengers, however, enjoyed high seat cushions, excellent thigh support, and a good view, enhanced by the panoramic glass sunroof. The Rogue offered 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy design made the interior feel larger, with a far-away windshield and vertical side glass. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but front passengers lacked seat height adjustment. Rear-seat space was cramped, and there were no rear air conditioning vents. The Renegade had limited interior storage and 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response and subpar voice recognition.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu buttons and a new Kenwood premium audio system. The Renegade also had a comprehensive driver information center and a parking assist system for both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS due to poor ratings in certain areas.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered an Advanced Tech Group with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, 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 NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. IIHS ratings were commendable, but the Renegade did not maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.