Features & Specs

Base MSRP

$19,540

$21,945

Sunroof

Available

Higher Trim Availability

Horsepower and torque

160 hp / 184 lb-ft

138 hp / 148 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Six-speed manual

six-speed shiftable automatic

Cargo Space

18.5 cu.ft

18.7 cu.ft

2018 Jeep Renegade vs 2018 Chevrolet Trax near Baker City, OR

A compact-crossover SUV is meant to proclaim fun is on the way.  The Jeep Renegade and Chevy Trax are both capable, fuel efficient vehicles for anyone with a drive for a getaway.  They’re sporty and maneuverable around the city and handle superbly on the twisting country roads, providing with all the room you might need to pack the weekend warrior supplies to have a good time, but which one is best for your walk of life?  Here we compare these two compact-crossover SUVs to determine your particular spirit for adventure.

2018 Jeep Renegade Power & Handling

The 2018 Jeep Renegade comes powered with a standard 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine supplying 160 horsepower.  The six-speed manual transmission supplies 184 lb-ft of torque.  This engine comes with a EPA rating of 24/31mpg within both its 2WD and 4WD configurations.  Within the higher Limited and Trailhawk trims, a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine provides an enhanced 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque via the equipped nine-speed automatic transmission.  This engine has a tow rating of 2,000 pounds.  Both have enhanced handling and traction systems to supply Jeep’s famous all-terrain handling, with added specialization within the Trail Rated Trailhawk trim.  A 4×4 Low mode comes equipped in all 4WD models to aid with low speed torque performance.  Four standard SelecTerrain drive modes also come equipped to help with Auto, Snow, Mud, and Sand, with an added Rock mode within the Trailhawk to capably tackle any road (or absence of one) you want to navigate.

2018 Chevrolet Trax Power & Handling

The Trax only has one lesser engine option, which happens to be virtually the same build as the Renegade; the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.  The vehicle provides both FWD and AWD configurations.  The FWD has slightly better fuel efficiency with 25/33mpg, but performs less well with AWD, dipping to 24/30mpg.  It’s a capable commuter and can double as a weekend getaway car, but you’ll never get as deep into the woods as the Jeep would allow.

2018 Jeep Renegade Features & Design

The smallest SUV of the Jeep lineup still holds that iconic Jeep silhouette with its boxy Wrangler-esk body build and immediately recognizable seven slot grille and round headlights.  The compact size isn’t something that’s made evident from the inside, however.  The spacious interior is well upholstered and designed with ample legroom for both front and back, giving a comfortable space for even an all adult passenger crew.  Seats can come in either water resistant textured cloth or leather-trim with available front row heating.  In the back, the trunk provides 18.5 cu.ft of storage before the rear seats fold down to provide over 50 cu.ft should you need the extra room.  The trunk also provides a handy height-varying floor that can stay raised for a handy, discrete below-panel storage bin or lower for a larger trunk space.  The Renegade comes standard with a touchscreen of either 5″, 7″, or 8.4″ widths that controls the audio inputs (both USB and AUX), radio, Bluetooth, and provides a viewport for the backup camera.  An available sunroof is provided either with removable hardtop panels or dual-paned power retractable glass.

2018 Chevrolet Trax Features & Design

The Trax provides a modern space that is both tasteful and technologic, highlighted by its unique dashboard layout and large windshield.  The analog/digital gauge cluster and updated 7″ infotainment touchscreen provide a wave like design extending along the length of the front dash, proving to be visually interesting.  It provides much of the same basic features as the Renegade, including Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs, rearview camera, and spacious cargo area.  The trunk provides a similar 18.7 cu.ft of storage, while lowering the rear seats only gives 48 cu.ft to pack up your equipment into.  You might miss the sunroof on this base build, however.  That only becomes available within the mid trim, and standard within the high Premium configuration.

Conclusions

With their similar fuel efficiency and storage space, it’s a contest of power and performance, and Jeep is going to win that battle every time.  One of the main draws of an SUV is the available 4×4 capabilities, and you’ll find no better specialization in that regard than Jeep vehicles.  Their decades of off-road engineering is amply apparent even within the smallest Renegade, more exemplified by the fact that the Renegade has heightened performance and even towing abilities despite the two having similar V6 engines.  The Jeep can simply handle more than the Chevy Trax, and you certainly don’t want to be limited in that regard along your journey.  Want a more in depth coverage of the Jeep’s trims and packages?  See our 2018 Jeep Renegade review, as well as other capable Jeep car reviews, linked below!