Is The Jeep Renegade Or Jeep Cherokee Better?
Today we’re looking at Jeep VS. Jeep. To be more specific, we are comparing the 2020 Jeep Renegade to the 2020 Jeep Cherokee to see which one is better. They will be judged on price, power, tech, and more.
The 2020 Jeep Renegade VS. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee
If you’re ready to go on a Jeep adventure, you can ride off the lot for a bit cheaper in a Renegade than a Cherokee. Depending on the trim option you choose, a Renegade will set you back around $22k to $28k while the Cherokee will cost between $25k to $34k.
Because the Jeep Cherokee has more of a luxury reputation, this price difference makes sense. However, what exactly do you get with the Cherokee from spending a bit more?
Well, spending more on the Cherokee can give you a little more space. The Cherokee is known for having more legroom and headspace. This also makes sense because the Cherokee is a midsized SUV, and the Renegade is a compact SUV.
Fuel efficiency-wise, the Renegade barely takes the cake by getting 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Jeep Cherokee rings in at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These numbers, of course, depend on which engines you choose.
Jeep Power
The Trailhawk Jeep Renegade has a 2.4L Tigershark engine that pushes out 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque. This Jeep can also tow up to 2,000 lb.
The Jeep Cherokee High Altitude has a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft torque. Plus, this Jeep can tow up to 4,500 lb.
This difference and power and towing capability can be a huge factor in determining which Jeep best suits your needs, but remember these abilities come with the highest and most expensive trim options.
Jeep Off-Roading Abilities
The Jeep Renegade sits high and mighty with a ground clearance of 8.7,” which is the same height as the Jeep Cherokee.
Renegades are equipped with an approach angle of 30.5 degrees, break-over angle of 27.5 degrees, and 34.3-degree departure angle.
The Jeep Cherokee has a 29-degree approach angle, a 22.9 break-over angle, and 33.2-degree departure angle.
So, even though the Cherokee has more power, which can be helpful in off-roading situations, it’s ability to climb over obstacles doesn’t match up with the Renegades.
Off-Roading Tech
The Jeep Renegade has a selec-Terrain Traction Management System to assist in controlling the drivetrain and optimizes the engine to changing terrains such as snow, ice, heavy rain, or sand. With the twist of a knob, you can instantly select the 4×4 mode you need.
The Renegade also has a controlled hill descent feature that automatically applies the brakes when going down steep inclines. Plus, by being smaller with a better turning radius, the Renegade is easier to maneuver around tight spots.
The jeep Cherokee has the same selec-Terrain Traction Management System only with more modes. For example, the Active Lock feature provides more traction when needed.
The Renegade and Cherokee are similar in tech with a touch screen navigation that can connect to your phone and smartwatch. Only the Compass also can send out an SOS call to an operator to dispatch help in the event of an accident.
So, Which Jeep Wins?
This decision is based on your needs. The Renegade is a sporty, fun, and capable option that doesn’t fall far behind the Cherokee in capabilities. If you don’t need to tow items or a spacious family vehicle, it will be just fine.
However, for larger people who want more power and to haul say their campers or boats, then the Cherokee is definitely needed.