The 2021 Jeep Renegade is the small off-road SUV that doesn’t know how to quit.
Pros Good looks Capable turbo-4 Standard active safety features Good touchscreen
Cons Pricey top trims Cramped rear Poor safety scores Bad base powertrain
For 2021, the Renegade receives a slew of newly standard driver assists and additional trim levels. All models now have blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The lineup also adds an 80th Anniversary Edition and an Islander Edition. The former rolls on Granite Crystal 19-inch wheels, wears trim-specific badging, and has distinct interior appointments.
Pros Adorable-meets-adventurous styling, most models have a relaxing ride, Trailhawk can tackle serious off-road challenges.
Cons Acceleration requires patience, no fuel-efficient options, lower trims cost more than similar rivals.
The 2021 Jeep Renegade's #12 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the Jeep Renegade has a score of 6.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 35 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
PROS Solid off-road capability Composed ride and handling Easy-to-use infotainment system
CONS Rock-bottom predicted reliability rating Sluggish acceleration Subpar fuel economy ratings
A blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard.Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t.
PROS Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds Supremely comfortable ride and seats Lots of standard high-tech safety features
CONS Remote Touchpad interface is frustrating to use Limited cargo volume Not much fun to drive
The 2021 Lexus NX's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Lexus NX has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 31 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.The 2021 Lexus NX 300 ranks in the lower half of the luxury compact SUV class.
Pros Roomy seating Smooth, quiet ride Many standard safety features Great predicted reliability rating
Cons Frustrating infotainment controls Relatively small cargo area
Even though the subcompact NX is on the far side of the age curve, Lexus hasn't made any major changes to it for 2021. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, as are power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function. Inside, Lexus has tweaked the NX's steering wheel and tachometer designs. Opting for the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo system now includes a Mark Levinson-branded amplifier. And a new color joins the options sheet: Nori Green Pearl.
Pros Chiseled styling, proper SUV seating height, spacious interior.
Cons Fussy infotainment controller, middle-of-the-pack acceleration, starting to show its age.
