2018 Jeep Renegade Sport

The 2018 Renegade is Jeep's smallest SUV, a boxy subcompact that brings a bit of Trail Rated attitude to the everyday commute. It squares off against the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Chevrolet Trax, but none of them offer its off-road styling. The Renegade rides with a tall, upright feel and handles daily driving with ease, though the nine-speed automatic can be slow to pick a gear. Inside, the cabin feels sturdy and offers decent space for four, but the rear seat is snug for tall adults and the cargo area is modest. The Sport is the base Renegade, and stepping up to it from the smaller engine gets you the 2.4L I4 and a six-speed manual, plus standard hill-start assist and a rearview camera. With the 2.4L I4 making 180 horsepower and front-wheel drive, the Sport feels eager around town, though the manual transmission gives you direct control the automatic versions lack. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels and all-season tires, so expect a firmer, more utilitarian feel than the higher trims get with their alloy wheels and upgraded suspension.