The 2019 Jeep Renegade’s new engine should help this likable crossover SUV use less fuel.
Pros Looks like it wants to off-road Logical control layout Good optional infotainment Real off-road ability Removable roof panels
Cons Tight squeeze for four adults Base engine is noisy, underpowered Lack of standard active safety tech Spartan Sport trim level
Jeep's smallest SUV, the Renegade, is no less cute for 2019—but now it has more to offer thanks to a comprehensive update that brings refreshed looks, a new turbocharged engine, and several added features. After seeing a preview of the updated model earlier this year, we now have full info on the 2019 Jeep Renegade lineup, which will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of this year.
Pros Solid off-road capability, toy-truck styling, available manual transmission.
Cons Slower than a three-legged turtle, poor fuel efficiency, lacks storage.
Updated exterior styling.Revised interior functionality.Expanded feature availability.The 2019 Jeep Renegade comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed automatic.
PROS Trailhawk model's best-in-class off-road capability Agile handling when on pavement Plenty of easy-to-use technology features Lots of character with a classic Jeep look
CONS Nine-speed transmission is clunky and easily confused Fuel economy is middling for the segment Boxy shape makes for lots of wind noise on the highway Rear-seat legroom is tight for adults
Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.
