2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was a compact SUV that captured attention with its classic Jeep design elements, including the iconic round headlights, 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It offered a range of trim levels, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with special editions like the Jeepster and High Altitude. The High Altitude trim, which was tested, featured premium touches such as dark gray 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, and a black leather interior. Despite these upscale features, the Renegade's interior was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza presented a more refined and sophisticated appearance, often compared to a Lexus. Its sleek design, reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, set it apart from other Toyota models. Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colors and a host of standard features, including LED lighting, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control. The Limited trim, tested here, boasted a digital rearview mirror, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and the optional Star Gaze panoramic roof, enhancing its premium appeal.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade was equipped with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine delivering 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The test vehicle featured the latter, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the turbocharged engine provided a lively driving experience, it suffered from turbo lag and a transmission focused on fuel economy, leading to inconsistent power delivery. The Renegade's ride was firm, with noticeable torque steer and a noisy cabin, and it achieved an average fuel economy of 23.6 mpg, below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, came standard with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The eCVT transmission offered smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway and 39 mpg combined. Its handling was predictable and composed, providing a comfortable driving experience typical of Toyota vehicles.

Inside the 2020 Jeep Renegade, the boxy design translated to a spacious feel, with a distant windshield and vertical side glass. The panoramic glass roof added to the sense of openness. However, rear seat space was limited, and practical storage solutions were lacking. Cargo capacity was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a more upscale interior with premium materials and a unique design. The center console featured capacitive buttons and a large infotainment screen, while the padded upholstery added a touch of luxury. The Venza provided ample space for front passengers and comfortable seating for two adults in the rear. Although its cargo space was less than the RAV4, the Venza's 55.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering simplicity and ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kenwood premium audio system provided good sound quality, and a comprehensive driver information center allowed for customization. Parking assist was available for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. While the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was not the most user-friendly. The Venza included a Wi-Fi hotspot, a JBL premium audio system on higher trims, and Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Dynamic navigation was available with the larger screen.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some features lacked refinement. The Renegade received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. The IIHS gave it commendable scores but did not award it a Top Safety Pick for 2020.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza's safety systems were effective and non-intrusive, providing a reassuring driving experience.