2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was easily recognizable with its signature Jeep round headlights, 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It had a purposeful yet expressive design that appealed to many. The primary trim levels included Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with the latter being the best for off-roading. Special editions ranged from the affordable Jeepster to the pricey High Altitude. The base Renegade Sport trim started at $25,210, while the High Altitude trim, loaded with extras, reached an MSRP of $36,515. This version featured extra-cost paint, trendy dark gray 19-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, giving it a surprisingly grown-up look. However, despite the luxurious details, the interior's hard plastic and all-black color scheme made it look inexpensive and unimaginative.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. It didn't try to look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim-level hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200 and the A-Spec Package bringing the MSRP to $44,100. Our test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost Platinum White paint and the SH-AWD system, totaled $47,625. The A-Spec interior featured front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, dark brushed aluminum trim, and red ambient lighting, delivering a sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, except at night.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. We tested the turbo, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Active Drive AWD system. The turbo engine provided peak torque at just 1,750 rpm, making the Renegade feel energetic, but turbo lag and a transmission calibrated for fuel economy led to a frustrating driving experience. 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, with its more capable Active Drive Low AWD system, was the best version for off-roading.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the optional SH-AWD system enhanced handling, making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim's 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires improved handling, though adaptive dampers would have been a welcome addition. The RDX's broad torque curve, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes made it rewarding to drive, especially in Sport+ mode.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy exterior design resulted in a spacious-feeling interior, with a far-away windshield, thick pillars, and vertical side glass. The panoramic glass roof added to the sense of openness. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped, and there were few practical interior storage spots. Cargo volume measured 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion and excessive seatback recline angle. Storage space was limited, with a large but hard-to-access tray under the center console. Cargo volume measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, though Acura also quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet based on a different measurement methodology.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the familiar Chrysler Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Despite showing its age, Uconnect remained user-friendly with volume and tuning knobs and logically arranged menu buttons. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The new Kenwood premium audio system offered good sound quality. The Renegade also had a comprehensive driver information center and a parking assist system for parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than similar systems from Lexus, but it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection, and home voice assistant technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered an Advanced Tech Group with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, 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 the NHTSA and commendable scores from the IIHS, though it did not retain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.