When choosing between a 2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Jeep Renegade, you may find yourself feeling conflicted. These two models are pretty similar SUV options with similar prices. Plus, both brands are great. These two models do carry a very different look though, as the Trax is rounder, and the Renegade is boxier as Jeeps generally tend to be. However, these competing models do share some of the same perks, which makes it difficult to choose between them.
If you want a smaller crossover vehicle, both seem like viable options. So, which one is the better pick of the two? We’ve compiled some facts and figures to help you make the final decision. While the best way to choose a new vehicle is to get out there and test drive your options for yourself, here is some basic information to get you started.
The 2020 Chevy Trax
Possibly the greatest perk of the 2020 Chevy Trax is its accessibility. It’s easy to get into and out of, making it a great choice for taller people who still want the convenience and affordability of a smaller car. While your daily commute might not require a full-size SUV, the higher seating of an SUV does have benefits when it comes to comfort and visibility. With the Chevy Trax, you get all the best features of an SUV in a vehicle with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car.
While the Chevy Trax may not excel when it comes to the sort of off-road performance you can get out of a full-size SUV, that does not mean it is incapable of handling back roads and bad weather. With available all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance, you will have no problem ploughing through the sorts of conditions that will make a sedan turn around and go home. All in all, this little Chevy has some remarkable features and it has earned a reputation among buyers as an underrated member of the Chevy family.
Trax Trims
Let’s start at the bottom. You can buy a LS trim starting at just $21,300 in front-wheel drive, and upgrading to all-wheel drive will add less than a thousand dollars to that price tag. There are plenty of color options to choose from, including some stand out options such as Summit White, Pacific Blue, and Red Hot. While the Chevy Trax may be small, it still has plenty of style. Further, it comes with several different package options that allow additional customization, including the Tint and Cruise Package, the Protection Package, and the Lifestyle Package. All in all, it’s a good deal for a great price, with several add-on options.
The upgraded LT trim in front-wheel drive starts at $23,200, and the all-wheel drive version is again just a couple hundred dollars more. The LT trim comes in all the same colors as the base LS, but also adds the eye-catching premium Cajun Red option. However, its interior is much more diverse and gives you several color and trim options, including stylish leather seats. It also includes even more available packages, including the Sun and Sound Package, the Redline Edition Package, the Driver Confidence Package. These allow for plenty of customization and include valuable options ranging from a sunroof to advanced safety features.
Finally, the Premier trim starts at $27,600 for the front-wheel drive. When you upgrade to this top trim, you can take advantage of numerous premium features to enhance your driving experience. From a Bose seven-speaker audio system to standard fog lights, the Premier has everything you could ask for. The Premier trim even comes with forward collision alert and lane departure warning for no extra charge, helping to keep you safer on the road.
The 2020 Jeep Renegade
Now let’s take a look at the reviews of the 2020 Jeep Renegade. While this vehicle competes in the same segment as the Chevy Trax, it attempts to maintain more of Jeep’s off-road nature and is more of a compromise between features and capabilities. Add in its somewhat polarizing styling and its slightly higher price, and it is really no surprise that the Jeep Renegade has not managed to capture the same interest that the Chevy Trax has attained.
While Jeep generally has great reviews and a reputation for brand loyalty, the Renegade is somewhat lacking compared to the brand’s other models. While on the surface it appears to be a fine vehicle, it is torn between being a comfortable commuter and a genuine off-road vehicle and does not really accomplish either satisfactorily. While the Renegade Trailhawk is indeed the best off-roader in its class, anyone who is serious about off-roading will opt for a more capable vehicle such as the Jeep Wrangler. And those who are not interested in challenging the wilderness have better options available for the city streets – such as the Chevy Trax.
Renegade Trims
Now let’s take a look at the different Renegade trims and their prices. This is going to take a bit considering just how many Renegade trims there are. Compared to the Trax’s three trims, there are a whopping seven available trims in the Jeep Renegade. These start with the Sport trim at $22,620 and range all the way up to the High Altitude trim at $29,240. In between those two extremes you will find the Latitude, Upland, Altitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. With all of these trims, there is a Jeep Renegade for everyone. But it also makes choosing the right model more difficult and there is actually a lot of overlap in features between the trims.
In fact, most of these trims just vary in minor elements. As is common with Jeep models, there are editions that come with special wheels, badges, and other distinguishing features but there are few major differences. Overall, you’re mostly paying for different aesthetics. The higher trims like the Limited and High Altitude will offer nice features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. But the only trim that really stands out is the Trailhawk with its enhanced off-road features.
While it isn’t trim-specific, there is one important feature to pay attention to when shopping for a Renegade. The base engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder that puts out 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. However, there is also a 1.3L four-cylinder turbo that produces 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded engine significantly improves the Renegade’s power and fuel economy. But, the improved engine is actually available on even the base trim of the Renegade.
Which One’s Best?
Between the two, the 2020 Chevy Trax takes the cake. While the Jeep Renegade comes in many trim options and offers superior off-road capabilities in its Trailhawk trim, it simply does not fit the needs of most drivers. With its lower price tag and superior styling, the Chevy Trax is a great fit for anyone who needs SUV features in a more compact package. And with its simpler trim structure, it is much easier to decide which version of the Trax is best for you. All in all, you really can’t go wrong with a 2020 Chevy Trax.
