When you’re choosing between the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Jeep Renegade, there’s a lot to consider. The fact that both of these subcompact crossovers offer roomy comfort and sporty power can make your choice all the more difficult. Luckily, our comparison guide has the details you need to drive home in the right crossover.
Lowest MSRP: 2020 Ford EcoSport
The EcoSport gives you a great deal on a small crossover, with a starting MSRP of just $19,995. The 2020 Jeep Renegade will set you back a bit more. Jeep’s subcompact crossover starts at $22,375. You can save thousands simply by choosing the Ford EcoSport.
Most Accommodating Daily Drive: 2020 Ford EcoSport
If you’ve got a long commute, you need a comfortable, high-tech daily driver. The Ford EcoSport delivers the goods in this department. You’ll love how roomy this five-passenger crossover is. The seats are both soft and supportive, which is great news for anyone who commutes to work.
Standard tech features also make it easy to spend lots of time in the EcoSport. The Sync 3 infotainment interface, with its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, gives you lots of listening options. The EcoSport also features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, giving you a strong internet connection throughout your travels.
The Jeep Renegade also delivers comfy seating. Like the EcoSport, it offers high-end options – like leather upholstery – to add a little luxury to your commute. If you’re shopping for a family hauler, however, you might find that the Renegade’s rear seats are a little tight on legroom. Also, some infotainment features – like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the touchscreen interface – aren’t standard equipment. If you want modern connectivity, you’re going to have to pay extra for these features.
Save More on Fuel: 2020 Ford EcoSport
When you’re shopping for a thrifty performance, the EcoSport has the edge. With front-wheel drive, the EcoSport earns 28 mpg combined (27 city/29 highway mpg). The all-wheel-drive EcoSport is slightly less efficient, with EPA ratings dropping to 25 mpg combined (23/29 mpg).
In its most efficient form, the 2020 Jeep Renegade earns 27 mpg combined (24/32 mpg). To achieve these figures, however, you need to pay extra for the optional 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine.
Sportiest Off-Roading Capabilities: 2020 Jeep Renegade
Looking to hit the trail? The Renegade offers a special off-road-ready trim model, the Renegade Trailhawk. It just might be the only subcompact crossover that comes standard with all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and a special four-wheel-drive system with low-range settings. The Trailhawk is definitely ready for action, whether you’re in the mood to climb steep, rocky trails or maintain precision on a sandy path.
The 2020 Ford EcoSport offers optional all-wheel drive on every single trim model. However, this performance gear was designed more to help you maintain traction on wintery or wet roads. It’ll help you travel down light trails, but it won’t take you as far into the wilderness as the Renegade Trailhawk.
Although the Jeep Renegade supplies off-road adventure, we think the 2020 Ford EcoSport has more of what most drivers crave. Not only is the EcoSport the most affordable of the pair, but it also offers impressive fuel economy and roomy, generous comfort.