2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was easily recognizable with its signature Jeep design elements, including round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It offered a range of trim levels from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. The High Altitude trim, priced at $36,515, featured extras like dark gray 19-inch wheels and a dual-pane panoramic roof, giving it a more mature appearance. Despite these upscale touches, the interior was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its luxury aspirations.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it lagged behind in engineering compared to newer models. The F Sport Black Line edition added sporty elements like a mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, complemented by a striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the design felt dated, with plastic switchgear and a lack of traditional luxury materials, though it retained some appealing features like an analog dashboard clock.

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. The latter, tested with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided energetic performance but suffered from turbo lag and a hesitant transmission. The AWD system helped manage torque steer, but fuel economy was disappointing at 23.6 mpg. The Renegade's ride was flinty, with sloppy steering, making highway driving less enjoyable, though it excelled in off-road settings, especially in the Trailhawk trim.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, it was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid system prioritized efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but numb steering and a less refined platform detracted from the driving experience. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further dulling acceleration.

Inside the 2020 Jeep Renegade, the boxy design created a spacious feel, enhanced by a panoramic glass roof. The driver's seat offered good adjustability, but rear-seat space was cramped, lacking air conditioning vents. Cargo capacity was limited, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. The Black Line seats provided excellent support, and the Premium Package added features like heated and ventilated seats. Visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars, though exterior mirrors helped. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, less than the gasoline model.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu buttons and a new Kenwood audio system. A comprehensive driver information center and parking assist system added to its tech appeal.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated, with poor graphics and text-heavy menus. The base audio system was underwhelming, though higher trims offered a Mark Levinson upgrade.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. IIHS scores were commendable, though it lost its Top Safety Pick status.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, making it a strong contender in safety.