Media post: Rating Jeep’s Crossovers: Which are the best?
There’s an influx of utility vehicles available in the market today. But let’s not forget that it was Jeep, who invented the whole concept with the Willys Jeep. Crossovers are all the hype today. They’re the best sellers due to their size, price, and power.
Constantly moving with the times, Jeep also has a range of crossovers. They all have their respective quirks and features. But only one of them can be the best Jeep CUV. So, the following is a rating of Jeep’s crossovers in the order of increasing usability.
Number 3. Jeep Compass (6/10)
We begin with the Compass; Jeep’s answer to the compact crossover class. It is currently in its second generation and has been moderately welcomed. The Compass received a refresh last year in terms of its looks and a plethora of safety features.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy
The Compass is sold in the US with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. This gives out 180 horses and 175 torques. You get to choose between the standard FWD or the optional AWD drivetrains. There are two transmissions available; six-speed and nine-speed automatics.
Regardless, the Compass isn’t well-suited to quick accelerations. It will do 60 mph from a standstill in 9 seconds. The fuel economy is rated at 25/22/30 mpg, give or take. This is pretty standard for its range as you’ll find similar figures from its competitors. Its maximum towing capacity is up to 2000 pounds.
Interior, Cargo and Tech
The Compass looks and feels just as great on the inside as it does on the outside. The interior is styled well and it’s certainly spacious for the occupants. The cabin is well-built and it’s quite practically designed. The cargo space is a bit underwhelming however.
Tech-wise, this Jeep comes with an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and six speakers. There’s satnav, a voice recognition system, and connections to Android and Apple systems. Overall, it’s pretty well-rounded and modern in this area.
Safety and Price
This is where the Compass has improved massively over the past year. It received several upgrades in the form of a variety of safety systems. You now get lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and a basic form of autonomous driving.
The Compass is the most affordable Jeep out there. It’s basic MSRP is $24.5k and this can go all the way up to $37k for the priciest trim. The Compass replaced the Patriot, a car you can now get for half of its original price. Be sure to check out the average insurance for a Jeep Patriot though.
Number 2. Jeep Renegade (7/10)
Next up is the Renegade of the Jeep line up. If the Compass is too large and boring for you, then the Jeep Renegade should be more useful. This little scamper falls in the subcompact crossover category and it’s quite the tool for an adventurer. It is in its first generation and it underwent a facelift two years ago.
Engine and Performance
The Jeep Renegade has specs similar to an AWD Compass. This combined with a nine-speed auto, a lighter body, and an optional 4WD system does give it points. Despite this, the car’s acceleration is a bit better than the Compass. The handling is good but you’d fare better with the turbocharged 1.3-liter variant.
The Trailhawk version of the car has been exceptional for trailblazing and offroading. Overall, the Jeep Renegade does consume a lot of fuel; especially for a vehicle its size. It’s fuel consumption stands at 21/29/24 mpg according to the EPA. The towing capacity is the same as the Compass at 2000 pounds.
Interior and Tech
The interior is full of components with funkily varying shapes and sizes. It looks great however the storage space is limited; but that’s expected from a CUV this size. The cabin is relaxing to sit in though. The vehicle comes with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen that can be upgraded to add 1.4 more inches.
Safety and Price
The Renegade comes with a host of safety features. These include but aren’t limited to automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The Jeep also features assisting systems for lane departure and keeping.
The basic Renegade models are priced similar to the Compass. The MSRP starts at $24,985 and goes up to almost $32k.
Number 1. Jeep Cherokee (8/10)
The best one on this list is the Jeep Cherokee, a nameplate that has existed for 5 generations. The current Cherokee model was introduced as a crossover a couple of years ago. It received a facelift about two years ago. The Cherokee is also a compact crossover, slightly larger than the Compass.
Engine and Performance
You get a choice of three engines for the Cherokee. The first one’s a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, then there’s a smaller turbo four-cylinder, and finally; a 3.2-liter V6. The turbo’s the most powerful at 270hp and 295lb-ft. However, the V6 will give you a quicker acceleration; the quickest on this list in fact.
The Cherokee will cost you in terms of fuel, as its combined fuel average is at 21mpg. It is one of the best haulers in the class and so you can tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Cherokee drives well and it’s especially great for offroading excursions.
Interior and Tech
This Jeep comes with a great looking interior which one would expect to be more spacious. Like the Renegade, its touchscreen is offered at 7 inches, upgradable to 8.4 inches. You also get optional Wi-Fi connectivity. The cargo area for the Cherokee could be larger as well.
Safety and Price
The Cherokee features most of the aforementioned safety technologies. Its MSRP stands at $28,135, and climbing the trim levels can add up to $10k to the price.
Conclusion
So, these were the Jeep crossovers rated from the least to the most functional. All three are special in their own right, as they have their respective quirks. The Cherokee takes the win however due to its towing figures, larger size, and quickness. It is the crossover to get if you’re a Jeep enthusiast.
