2018 Jeep Renegade

Pros: Good passenger space (save for rear legroom) and cargo room in a tidy package; solid body structure contributes to good ride quality for the class; distinctive styling; broad range of available technology features and unique equipment

Cons: Road, wind, and engine noise intrude a bit in highway driving; thick roof pillars compromise visibility; automatic transmission is often slow to downshift for more power

CG Says: The 2018 Jeep Renegade now has a standard rearview camera on all models. All trims, except the base Sport, have a 7-inch display screen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Introduced for 2015, Renegade is a subcompact-sized crossover SUV that revived a model name from Jeep’s past. The Renegade is based on the same basic platform as the Fiat 500X from Jeep’s parent company, but it has more-rugged, “Jeep-esque” styling, higher ground clearance, and the availability of an off-road-capable 4-wheel-drive system. Like its Fiat 500X cousin, the Renegade is built in Italy. The base engine is a 160-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Also available is a 180-hp 2.4-liter four that is paired with a 9-speed automatic. Both engines are offered with front- or 4-wheel drive. Among the available features are heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and unique “My Sky” dual removable sunroofs (the forward one being available with a power-sliding feature). Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-obstacle detection, rear cross-path detection, rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The Renegade stands out in the fast-growing category of pint-sized SUVs by offering rugged-but-cute Jeep styling and legitimate off-road capabilities (when properly equipped).