The 2018 Jeep Renegade mounts a spirited defense of its brand bona fides, but delivers a less convincing impression of a great economy car.
Pros Looks like a real Jeep User-friendly interior Real off-road capability Clever design Easter eggs Tuck-away glass-panel roof
Cons Not a five-seater Too-snug rear seat Gas mileage is meh Upgraded 4-cylinder is noisy
The 2018 Jeep Renegade ranked #8 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Jeep Renegade has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 35 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Exceptional off-road capabilities Upmarket interior Smooth and nimble handling
Cons Rivals have more standard features Subpar gas mileage
The Jeep Renegade receives a handful of infotainment updates for 2018. A rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system are all now standard. New, upgraded 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens now include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. All touchscreens are loaded with the newest version of Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system.
PROS Trailhawk model's best-in-class off-road capability Agile handling when going around turns Plenty of easy-to-use technology features Lots of character with a classic Jeep look
CONS Rear-seat legroom is tight for adults Boxy shape makes for lots of wind noise on the highway Fuel economy is middling for the segment Nine-speed transmission is clunky and easily confused
There's only one version of the 2018 Lexus ES 300h, but a couple of option packages are worth considering. The Premium package is inexpensive yet adds appealing luxury touches such as a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings and wood trim (a definite upgrade over the standard piano black pieces).
PROS Efficient hybrid powertrain returns high fuel economy Luxurious interior with impressive fit and finish Plenty of rear legroom, even for tall passengers Lots of standard driver aids, and plenty of optional ones
CONS Lots of noise while the electric motor recharges the battery Enform app suite is a poor substitute for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Grabby brakes make it difficult to slow down smoothly Infotainment system's controller is frustrating to use
If you’re after a smooth, quiet, roomy, comforting luxury sedan that’s still good value, the 2018 Lexus ES may be one of the better choices.
Pros Silent interior 40-mpg hybrid model Larger inside than you’d think Smooth ride Engine pep
Cons Brake feel could be better Remote Touch interface clumsy, distracting Grille doesn’t gel with rest of car No Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Pros Interior design Bright instruments No touch-sensitive panels App-compatible multimedia system
Cons Overpowering spindle grille Remote Touch interface Leather upholstery not standard Unremarkable hybrid gas mileage estimates
