Jeep Compass vs. Jeep Renegade specs

1. Introduction

The 2020 Jeep Renegade has a retail price starting at $22,620. The model that was focused upon was the Sport, 4x4, 2.4L Tiger Shark Multiair. The reason for focusing on this particular model was that a comparison can be drawn closer to the Jeep Compass Latitude 4x4. Since the price of the lowest Compass was only $200 more than the Renegade, the comparison was able to be drawn more to the comparison of the two vehicles alone rather than the focus of price. Taxes and fees were not included in any comparisons, and the mpg, fuel, and range data were collected starting from [Link] and may vary somewhat from other automotive sites. Mileage and pricing data were collected using the zip code of 76067 for Johnson County, Texas. The fuel type data was confirmed using the same web page descriptions of both vehicles. All other specs exclude and remain synonymous with those that fall under the category of engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Any comparing of data to form a conclusion afterward was done by reason. Any information that was said to be false or misleading and was later corrected is not included. The method of comparison was a side-by-side paper comparison of printed spec data of each vehicle. This was the most accurate method as using two computers to view spec data was confusing and unnecessary. Asking the dealer of any vehicle at this point in time for a complete list of specs would be a waste. After the comparison of each data was complete, taking into account some consideration, a decision between a favorable tie, left winner, and right winner was necessary to draw an objective conclusion without the presence of any bias.

SUVs are the most sought-after vehicles due to their versatility and general appeal. If you were in the market for a small-sized SUV at a reasonable price, you may decide to consider the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Renegade. Both vehicles are manufactured by Jeep Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA). In doing so, you would want to compare both vehicles to see which of the two would be the best fit for you. In comparing the specs of both vehicles, there's more to what is seen at the surface. From mpg to engine and even to the fuel type, both vehicles have interesting differences where one would say the general appeal of the vehicle at first glance might be quite less than the appeal of the vehicle once all specs are compared. One key note is how both Mazda and Jeep are often compared in their brand. In this comparison, we will see how close that comparison really is. This is due to the Mazda Tribute being a very similar vehicle to the Jeep Liberty, which is one vehicle step up from the Jeep Renegade. Price points for the two vehicles are a rather large gap, which would almost lead one to believe the Jeep Compass is better than the Renegade. In fact, comparing the lowest trim of the Compass to the base model Renegade, the Compass is merely $200 more yet still has a good deal more to offer. This is not the focus of this particular point in time, but there will be some contrasts of price to the specs offered. The method to which all the specs were collected was straightforward and very basic. Not to mention that after printing off the spec data for the Renegade, a comparison of the two vehicles was made side by side on paper to lend a visual aid in comparing the specs. At the end of the comparison, there was a definite conclusion to each comparison which may seem opinionated, yet almost all the data presents itself.

2. Engine Specifications

Engine specifications are one of the most important things that must be considered by all riders. The difference in engine specifications can certainly affect driving and price. Where greater engine power will make driving easier. Below is the information about the engine specifications of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade. Since the release of the first Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass, both have undergone the latest updates to enhance their quality. Jeeps with the latest updates have a 2000 cc engine, which is similar to the previous version. Then what distinguishes the two jeeps in this sector. Speaking of the latest version of the Jeep Compass in Indonesia, the Trail Hawk, which was released around mid-2018, the Jeep Compass has a more powerful engine than the Jeep Renegade. This powerful machine has effectiveness in driving with an increase in MultiAir Engine TigerShart 4 cylinder which can produce power up to 180 HP at 6400 RPM and max torque 237 NM at 3900 RPM, it's more powerful when compared to Jeep Renegade. With the power of the Jeep Compass engine that previously only 165 HP at 6400 RPM and max torque 205 NM at 4600 RPM. This certainly affects the effectiveness of engine power to drive on the terrain. When using a powerful machine, certainly requires a cooling system in the engine.

2.1. Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass offers two potential engines and implies improved mileage along with the additional upgrade to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the faster 9-speed automatic relies on the upgrade to the larger 2.4L engine. This compromises the sporty, off-roading nature of the Compass along with the reliability of the transmission. The base engine is a 180 horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder engine offering 175-pound feet of torque. This can be spiced up with an upgrade to the same engine, increasing horsepower to 250 and torque to 240 pound feet. Unfortunately, there is no option for a manual transmission with the larger engine. This replaces the 6-speed manual and CVT transmission available with the base engine. The CVT transmission offers no shift points, leaving the driver in a sluggish, out-of-place feel. Furthermore, a continuous variable automatic transmission is more likely to wear and fail compared to a conventional automatic transmission. This will likely increase the cost of ownership for a Compass with a CVT transmission compared to the automatic transmission in the larger engine. With a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons, the 2.4L engine offers a low to average fuel economy averaging around 22-25 miles per gallon. This is lower than expected for a vehicle of this size and power, although it does come with an increased towing capacity of 2000 pounds.

2.2. Jeep Renegade

1.4L is standard on the Sport and Latitude models, while being optional on the Limited. 2.4L is standard on the Limited and Trailhawk models, while being optional on the Sport and Latitude. The Renegade produces 160 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque on a 1.4L engine. The Renegade with a 2.4L Tigershark engine produces 180 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is lower than the Compass with the same engine configuration. This isn't a surprise as the Renegade has a smaller size and hence a lower power output. Both engines are fitted with a 9-speed automatic gearbox, but with the 1.4L engine, it is the DDCT, and the 2.4L version is the Tigershark engine with the Multi-air. It is important to note here that the DDCT transmission used on the 1.4L Renegade and Compass has a history of reliability concerns and recalls. It is good to drive, delivering sharp changes, but has proven to be rather problematic. The conventional automatic transmission paired with the 2.4L Tigershark engine is a better choice in terms of reliability and smoother operation.

3. Performance and Handling

Even though the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Renegade are two different vehicles, they are built around the same idea: a capable off-road vehicle that is comfortable for daily commuting. Both models offer two powertrain options and three drivetrain choices, possibly indicating more enthusiast-oriented add-ons in the near future. The specs are very similar with only minor differences. Both vehicles have the same 2.4 L inline-4, which is the base engine, and an optional 1.3 L turbocharged inline-4. Each engine can be had with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. However, the Renegade offers a unique 4x4 option, which is essentially an all-wheel drive system with different drive modes and a 21:1 crawl ratio for off-roading. Whether this option is exclusive to the Renegade or will trickle down to the Compass in the future is unknown, but given their off-road motive, it would make sense to offer it in both models. Both models also have a 9-speed automatic transmission or an optional 6-speed manual for the base Sport trim. Unfortunately, the manual transmission can only be had in the front-wheel drive models, so those who want a trail-rated Compass will be out of luck. Those said customers will also be out of luck for the 4x4 Compass with the 1.4L Multiair turbocharged engine - an engine choice which is no longer in production as of writing this.

3.1. Jeep Compass

The Compass has a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, which is hooked up to a 6-speed automatic (when equipped with 4WD) that sends power to the front wheels. Buyers can also get a 6-speed manual with the 4WD, though it's limited to the Sport and supposedly will go away with the 2018 models. The Compass is also equipped with a disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit to become all-wheel drive when pavement turns to dirt. This system gives the Compass slightly better fuel mileage than the Renegade, which is essentially identical to the Liberty and Patriot of old. The Compass' 4WD is also available with a more traditional setup that doesn't have a rear drive unit and combines with a 9-speed automatic to be more like the Cherokee. But this is a whole different setup and far more capable with low range and off-road oriented drive modes. The Compass has a seriously impressive 8.2 inches of ground clearance, adding to its impressive off-road performance. The Compass weighs in at around a few hundred pounds more than the Renegade, but its driving dynamics on pavement seem more composed and less quirky. Since the Compass has the same platform as the highly acclaimed Fiat 500X, it absorbs bumps with less harshness than the Renegade. On-road steering feel and accuracy are also better than the Renegade. Overall, the Compass excels in off-road confidence and on-road ride quality with its variety of available powertrains and transmissions, and Jeep enthusiasts may appreciate it more than the Renegade.

3.2. Jeep Renegade

The Renegade offers 3 engines and three 4x4 systems in contrast to the single engine and 1 4x4 system available in the Compass. The Renegade is equipped with the base model (Sport) which includes a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine. This engine produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. As a slightly more expensive option, there is the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine offered in the Sport 4x4, Latitude 4x4, Limited 4x4, and Trailhawk. This engine generates 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines are paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Although the Compass and the Renegade share an engine, the Renegade is also offering a slightly faster variant of the 2.4L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the Active Drive system in the Limited trim level. Rounding out the powertrain options for the Renegade is the new 2.4L MultiAir engine included with the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk and Limited models, which produces 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine will come standard with the 9-speed automatic transmission and the Active Drive system. Remembering the Compass only offers a single engine, the additional powertrain options offered by the Renegade clearly take the win in this category. The Renegade also offers a more personalized experience in terms of handling. Depending on the trim level, you have the option of either the Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4x4 systems. These two systems offer power and control at the push of the button. The Active Drive system signals the seamless transition in and out of 4x4 mode, and the new automatic settings will transition to 4x4 in response to any temperature or windshield wiper activation. This mode also utilizes a rear axle disconnect feature which results in improved fuel efficiency when 4x4 mode is not needed. The Active Drive Low system is a best-in-class 4x4 system, which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio for rugged off-road conditions. This system will also include the Active Drive technology plus a low range and 20:1 crawl ratio for outstanding off-road performance, and a Rock mode which gives the Selec-Terrain a fifth option for the most adventurous driving conditions. The Renegade Trailhawk includes the entire Active Drive Low system plus the Selec-Terrain with exclusive Rock mode, and the Trailhawk has been Trail Rated and is designed to take on the world's most demanding trails. The Compass engine matches the output of a very comparable Renegade engine, but the Renegade is the clear win due to the powertrain options and the adaptable driving experience.

3.3. Comparison

What is worth noting is that both vehicles will come with the option of the 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine at a later date. This smaller engine is more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly with outputs of 100kW and 200Nm. This could potentially make for a more modern and engaging driving experience in either vehicle, with an engine whose outputs are more akin to the physical sizes and weights of the two cars.

Despite these similarities, Jeep claims that the Renegade will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds with the 2WD models, and 8.8 seconds with the 4WD models, whilst the Compass takes 10.1 seconds in 2WD form and 10.7 seconds with 4WD. This is likely to be a result of the Compass being slightly heavier and 40mm taller than the Renegade – reasonably small time differences given the identical outputs and mechanical packages. Furthermore, the Compass has a top speed of 122mph compared to the Renegade's 115mph. These subtle figures give the edge to the Renegade in terms of outright acceleration, despite engine and drivetrain similarities.

Both the Compass and the Renegade are built on the same platform, with the same engines and transmissions, four-wheel drive systems, and six-speed manual gearboxes. The engine in question is the 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir2 petrol unit, which has an output of 138kW at 6400rpm and 231Nm of torque at 3900rpm. The intention is to provide identical performance figures, despite a slight weight disadvantage for the Compass.

4. Interior and Exterior Features

The Compass features Jeep's classic boxy look, with a sloped windscreen and a raised beltline. Exterior features range anywhere from cornering lights to a capless fuel filler. The interior of the new Compass uses a lot of quality material, even on the base level trim. There are soft touch points all over the cabin, and the controls and switchgear feel extremely solid. The lack of quality was a common complaint on the last generation Compass and it's nice to see that Jeep has made a huge improvement with the new model. The Compass also offers many premium options such as a power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, and a high quality BeatsAudio sound system. The Renegade has a much more rugged look than the Compass, with a square shape and functional details like roof rails, tow hooks, and available skidplates. The styling is more playful and it's very obvious with features such as "MySky" open air roof system, and "Renegade" emblazoned on the inside of the tailgate below the rear wiper. The interior of the Renegade follows a similar design language to the exterior, with some neat design touches to yield a more playful theme than the Compass. While the design may be more fun, the quality of the materials on the new Renegade is the same high quality or better than the new Compass. Soft touch materials are abundant, and the switchgear and controls feel very robust. Like the Compass, the Renegade offers some neat premium options such as a power liftgate, MySky open air roof system, and a high quality BeatsAudio sound system.

4.1. Jeep Compass

When drivers in the Tallmadge area begin shopping for a sport utility vehicle, many want a reliable drivetrain that can handle adverse driving conditions, but at a smaller size. The two SUVs are well known and popular choices due to their rugged nature and small size. These are the "Trail Rated" Jeep Compass and the Jeep Renegade. Both vehicles have the option to configure a 4x4 drivetrain and share the same World Engine and 6-speed manual transmission in their base models. However, the Compass comes with an optional 2.0-liter I4 engine in two models of the vehicle and two transmission options, while the Renegade only is available with the additional engine and features a drivetrain more suitable for off-roading, including a low range. Typical to Jeeps, both vehicles hold a higher ground clearance compared to other small SUVs. The Compass is slightly heavier but has a 5 mph faster top speed. Both vehicles offer electric power steering and disc brakes. The Compass is known for a more simplistic and less costly vehicle, which is reflected here in the drivetrain as the Renegade offers more options for the adventure-loving driver.

4.2. Jeep Renegade

The Renegade offers a roomy and comfortable cabin with two rows of seats; several think the seats should be more supportive. Renegade works well for four adults or families with children. The Renegade's tall, boxy body affords good headroom and lots of glass area, providing an airy feel. Its short and tall form allows for easy access. While the styling of the Renegade's interior is quirky, it's also functional. The front passenger seat folds forward to form a table or to align with the folded rear seat, providing a flat load surface. The rear seat slides fore and aft to balance legroom and cargo space, and it can be configured in several ways, such as folding the cushions up against the front seatbacks. The cargo floor can be set at different heights, and there are a number of available racks and organizers. Jeep offers a torrent of passive and active safety features in old Renegade but it's lined up in a confusing array of option packages, depending on trim level and/or other options. That should improve with the fairly streamlined 2019 lineup. All models come with a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitors and rear parking sensors are available, as are lane-departure and forward-collision warnings. The optional Safety and Security Group includes those features plus automatic high-beams, and it also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a security alarm, and remote start for models with automatic transmission.