Jeep Renegade vs Chevy Trax Comparison

Which subcompact crossover SUV is better - the new Jeep Renegade for sale or Chevy Trax? To find out we decided to compare the pros and cons of each and what we found may surprise you. Keep reading to learn some little-known facts about both vehicles that will help you when it's time to buy.

There's no denying that the new Renegade has the look of a Jeep. it hearkens back to the look of the classic Jeep that many have come to love. While the new Renegade features some chic contemporary upgrades to the front fascia, the boxy shape of the vehicle retains that old Jeep aesthetic. And for that reason Jeep fans will likely find themselves appreciating this throwback style with an updated twist.

What about the Trax? It's a small vehicle, and it certainly looks that way from the outside. The Trax does not have a lot of space to work with, but it seems to make the most out of it. A drawback shared by both vehicles is the limited leg space in the rear but that is a common problem with vehicles in this class.

Another characteristic that people seem to like about the new Renegade is its off-road capabilities. Renegade's Trailhawk transmission is powered by a standard 2.4-L engine that delivers 180-horsepower and has four-wheel capabilities. The Select Train Traction Management System easily allows drivers to switch between road condition settings (auto, snow, mud, and sand), and there is a rock setting that comes in handy while off-roading on rockier surfaces.

The same can't be said about the Chevy Trax. It's simply not meant for heavy off-roading. For starters, it's base trim level is not all wheel drive (it's available as an option, though). Secondly, the standard 1.4-L 4-cylinder engine is only capable of generating 138-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. For this vehicle, that simply is not enough to give it any real spunk.

What's more, the vehicle's performance is disappointing not just off-road but in the city and on paved surfaces as well. It's slow to accelerate so getting get up to a high speed is challenge, even on the highway. The 6-speed automatic transmission also seems to slow down the Trax's driving performance since it has issues with both downshifting and upshifting.

Both vehicles have a good amount of cargo space for it's segment. The Trax manages to get 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats secured into place. When the rear seats are folded down, this number expands to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Renegade gets 18.5 and 50.8 cubic feet, respectively.

One thing that's not obvious, given the size of the Renegade, is the fact that it's easy to get in and out. For those struggling with mobility issues or who have trouble ducking in and out of low-sitting sedans will appreciate the fact that the Jeep Renegade sits at a not-too-high and not-too-low distance from the ground. In addition, the rear doors are shaped in such a way that they leave enough room for getting your head in without hitting it on the upper part of door frame. The doors swing wide for easy access, reaching out at about a 90-degree angle.

Chevy engineers went out of their way to ensure passengers won't get bored on long hauls - the new Chevy Trax comes with a good number of infotainment features. Included on the Trax's base LS trim is the OnStar communications system, which comes complete with a WiFi hot spot feature and 4G LTE connectivity. Buyers also get the Chevy MyLink infotainment system, which is displayed on the touchscreen monitor. Bluetooth comes standard, as does smartphone app connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

But the Renegade has a lot to offer in that department, too. It's Uconnect system is user-friendly; graphics on the touch screen are clear and easy to read; browsing through menu options is simple, even for non-tech savvy drivers. And last but not least, all of the physical knobs and buttons that can be found up front on the center console are well within the driver's reach, clearly labeled, and take little effort to get used to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well.

When it comes to safety features both subcompact SUVs don't disappoint.  While some safety features are missing from the standard Trax line-up on the lower-level trims, the total list of available safety features is reasonable for the price. On the line-topping Premier trim, you can get forward collision alert, which lets drivers know when they need to apply the brakes in order to avoid getting into a crash. The side blind zone alert is also helpful since it lets drivers know when changing lanes could result in impact.

The Jeep Renegade hosts multiple standard safety features that were previously optional or only available on higher trim levels. For this model year, both Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Sense Departure Warning Plus come standard across the line-up. This comes in addition to other optional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, and the ParkSense Rear Parking Assist System.

So which one the better - Jeep Renegade or Chevy Trax?

We think that the Renegade is a better deal for the money. It can certainly be used as a capable off-road vehicle while it's Trax counterpart cannot. It packs in plenty of seat comfort and has technology that caters to all levels of tech users. Jeep's focus on safety is obvious, and the brakes show refinement that is difficult to find in its segment. And you get a Jeep, a brand that's worth bragging about.

>> To Experience the New Jeep Renegade for Yourself Call us Today at (855) 264-9170 to Schedule a Test-Drive or to Speak with One of Our Experienced Vehicle Specialists <<