2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and hinted at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser flirted with luxury, offering black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The infotainment system was housed in a 9-inch touchscreen, surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, emphasizing functionality over form.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade was a compact SUV that embraced its Jeep heritage with signature design elements like round headlights and a 7-slot grille. The Renegade High Altitude trim, which we tested, elevated its appearance with dark gray wheels and a panoramic glass roof. The interior, while feeling spacious due to its boxy design, was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its upscale aspirations. The Renegade's cabin was a mix of youthful exuberance and practicality, with a focus on technology and connectivity. Despite its compact size, the Renegade managed to offer a sense of openness, thanks to its vertical side glass and panoramic roof.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its robust performance, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, made the Land Cruiser a formidable off-road vehicle. Its suspension system, featuring a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, ensured a smooth ride over various terrains. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by its Multi-Terrain Select control knob, Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade, on the other hand, offered a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Our test vehicle featured the latter, delivering 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. While the turbocharged engine provided a lively performance, it was hampered by turbo lag and a nine-speed automatic transmission focused on fuel economy. The Renegade's driving dynamics were a mixed bag, with a flinty ride and sloppy steering on highways. However, in urban settings, it was more agreeable. The Renegade Trailhawk trim was the best choice for off-roading, offering enhanced capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban and off-road adventures. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it ready for rugged terrains. The interior was spacious, with a three-row configuration in the standard model, offering ample seating and cargo flexibility. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a charming feature, perfect for picnics. It also boasted a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade, with its boxy design, offered a surprisingly spacious feel inside. The panoramic glass roof added to the sense of openness. However, rear-seat space was cramped, and practical storage spots were limited. Cargo volume was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded. Despite its compact size, the Renegade managed to offer a sense of adventure and practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The technology was functional, though the screen size felt small compared to newer competitors.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with logically arranged menu buttons. The Renegade also provided a comprehensive driver information center and a parking assist system, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, ensuring a high level of safety. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. The IIHS gave it commendable scores, though it didn't retain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.