2019 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 2019 Jeep Renegade gets a midcycle refresh with revised styling and a new engine. A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder rated at 180 horsepower carries over from previous years, while the 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter is replaced by a 177-hp turbo 1.3-liter 4-cylinder. The outgoing 1.4-liter was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, but the new 1.3-liter is paired with a 9-speed automatic—as is the 2.4-liter. Both engines are offered with front- or 4-wheel drive. 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. 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 forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear-obstacle detection, rear cross-path detection, and rearview camera with dynamic grid lines. 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).