The 2021 Jeep Renegade is the small off-road SUV that doesn’t know how to quit.
Pros Good looks Capable turbo-4 Standard active safety features Good touchscreen
Cons Pricey top trims Cramped rear Poor safety scores Bad base powertrain
For 2021, the Renegade receives a slew of newly standard driver assists and additional trim levels. All models now have blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The lineup also adds an 80th Anniversary Edition and an Islander Edition. The former rolls on Granite Crystal 19-inch wheels, wears trim-specific badging, and has distinct interior appointments.
Pros Adorable-meets-adventurous styling, most models have a relaxing ride, Trailhawk can tackle serious off-road challenges.
Cons Acceleration requires patience, no fuel-efficient options, lower trims cost more than similar rivals.
The 2021 Jeep Renegade's #12 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the Jeep Renegade has a score of 6.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 35 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
PROS Solid off-road capability Composed ride and handling Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Rock-bottom predicted reliability rating Sluggish acceleration Subpar fuel economy ratings
The 2021 Subaru Ascent's #13 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Subaru Ascent has a score of 7.7 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Roomy seating Spacious cargo area Generous standard features list Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Below-average predicted reliability rating
Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver aids now includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.Steering-responsive LED headlights are now standard.A second- and third-row seat-belt reminder is now standard.
PROS Substantial list of standard and optional driving aids High-quality interior materials Generous ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Accelerator pedal is too touchy Invasive engine and tire noise Not much second-row shoulder room, and third row is tight Rolling over bumps at higher speeds sends vibrations through the cabin
The latest Ascent receives a handful of new standard features for 2021. These include LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel as well as automatic high-beams. The Touring model also adds another leather upholstery option: Slate Black with silver stitching. And as if the Ascent's incessant beeping notifications weren't annoying enough, all models now have a seat-belt chime that's meant to remind second- and third-row passengers to buckle up.
Pros Flexible seating configurations, cushy ride quality, every model comes with driver assists.
Cons Apathetic passing power, noisy engine during hard acceleration, third row smaller than some rivals.
