If you like off-roaders of contained size, you will have two of your favorite vehicles in the new Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Renegade. But which one to keep? They both have arguments to convince you, but there can only be one left ...
The Suzuki Jimny and the Jeep Renegade two vehicles doomed to face each other. Yes, they have certain differences that will make you tip the balance to one side or the other, but that does not prevent it from being the same typical customer who has them on a pedestal. Today we are going to talk about both and choose one of them, without detracting from the 'non-winner' - I am reluctant to call him a loser.
Two recently renovated vehicles
Despite being almost half a century old, Suzuki's charismatic off-roader continues to give a lot to talk about. This time with a renewed aesthetic that has no comparison in the market. You may like it more or less, but no one can doubt at any time the originality of the Japanese proposal. Its face features a wide grille with large vertical inlets and integrated round optics. As so much time has passed since its last update, its design surprises more than that of the Renegade. Jeep Renegade led headlights share same design since from 2015 to 2021. Its squared shapes are very reminiscent of the outgoing model, although in its favor it must be said that the 4.25 meters in length allow more interior space than the 3.65 of the Jimny. It is also -1.80 by 1.65- and lower -1.69 by 1.73- than its Japanese rival. These dimensions make the Jeep a more stylish model, closer to the SUV universe than the Jimny, totally off-road. Deciding on one or the other in this sense is a matter of needs.
As for the interior, the Suzuki Jimny takes a clear step forward compared to its predecessor without losing its essence. In this way, we find a cabin where practicality rules, without giving up the usual technological gadgets of the time in which we live, with the seven-inch touch screen as the epicenter. Here we can give a good account of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as its Bluetooth connectivity. In this sense, the Renegade is a little higher, since its screen can be 8.4 inches, in addition to presenting a better quality aspect. It is a vehicle more oriented to its daily use in the city and that is also noticeable in the interior. As for the trunk, the Jimny offers 377 liters of capacity and the Renegade 351.
The Suzuki Jimny only has one engine
If we talk about the mechanical section, the Jeep Renegade wins by a landslide. And watch out, not because the Suzuki Jimny offers something bad, but because the propellant of this one is his only option. It is a 1.5 of 102 CV with 130 Nm of maximum torque. The American bet offers a new family of gasoline engines with three and four cylinders of between 120 and 180 hp, while in diesel we have three turbocharged options of 120, 140 and 170 hp. Some of the variants offer the option of equipping all-wheel drive instead of front, as well as automatic transmission. In the case of the Jimny, with a five-speed manual gearbox, we will always have a four-wheel drive system with different operating modes.
Suzuki Jimny VS Jeep Renegade, which one are we left with?
I would personally choose the Jeep Renegade first. And not because there is nothing wrong with the Suzuki Jimny, but because his approach would better fit my life, and surely that of many of you. It is an SUV, yes, but it offers a more than acceptable day-to-day in the city with the plus of having off-road capabilities that can get you out of more than one trouble. It also offers a mechanical range of height in which it will be difficult for you not to find your ideal propeller. In other words, it is a much more versatile vehicle.
If, on the contrary, you are one of those who is clear that you want an off-road without concessions, the Suzuki Jimny should be your choice. It is not as comfortable in the city, nor does it offer the options that the Renegade does, but in return it ensures an off-road behavior with which it will be difficult for you not to enjoy driving. As you can see, today's 'non-winner' is also a very valid car in certain circumstances.