The 2019 Jeep Renegade’s new engine should help this likable crossover SUV use less fuel.
Pros Looks like it wants to off-road Logical control layout Good optional infotainment Real off-road ability Removable roof panels
Cons Tight squeeze for four adults Base engine is noisy, underpowered Lack of standard active safety tech Spartan Sport trim level
Jeep's smallest SUV, the Renegade, is no less cute for 2019—but now it has more to offer thanks to a comprehensive update that brings refreshed looks, a new turbocharged engine, and several added features. After seeing a preview of the updated model earlier this year, we now have full info on the 2019 Jeep Renegade lineup, which will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of this year.
Pros Solid off-road capability, toy-truck styling, available manual transmission.
Cons Slower than a three-legged turtle, poor fuel efficiency, lacks storage.
Updated exterior styling.Revised interior functionality.Expanded feature availability.The 2019 Jeep Renegade comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed automatic.
PROS Trailhawk model's best-in-class off-road capability Agile handling when on pavement Plenty of easy-to-use technology features Lots of character with a classic Jeep look
CONS Nine-speed transmission is clunky and easily confused Fuel economy is middling for the segment Boxy shape makes for lots of wind noise on the highway Rear-seat legroom is tight for adults
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranked #8 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Terrific mpg ratings Lots of cargo space Comfortable, spacious seats Lots of standard driver assistance features
Cons Uninspiring cabin materials Lower safety ratings than some rivals
The Hybrid can now be had in a new LE base trim level, further lowering its point of entry. The SE also gains 0.4 inch of ground clearance.
PROS Great fuel economy for a compact crossover Small price premium over standard RAV4 One of the biggest, more useful cargo areas of any compact crossover Advanced safety and driver aids come standard
CONS Real leather seating is not available Noticeable shudder when gas engine kicks in Less useful interior storage as well Interior more utilitarian in look and feel than those of competitors
Its angled headlamps and sharply creased bodywork give the RAV4 an assertive presence, but don’t be fooled—under the skin, it’s a practical, comfortable, and easygoing ute. A 176-hp 2.5-liter four and a six-speed automatic are standard with either front- or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive hybrid returned 31 mpg in our testing. A 6.1-inch infotainment system is standard on LE, SE, and XLE trims; Limited models get a 7.0-inch unit. An all-new RAV4 hits showrooms before the end of 2018.
Pros Standard active-safety features, supremely practical, impressive towing ability.
Cons Subpar fuel economy, inferior infotainment, all-new model is imminent.
