While in many aspects the latest Jeep Renegade offers a similar product as when it was first introduced locally back in 2015, the latest model has seen comprehensive updates applied. Upfront is a newly designed bumper while higher up feature full LED headlights, Jeep has also introduced gloss black trim around the Trailhawk model.
Related: Why the Jeep Renegade could be a used-car bargain
Going up against the Jeep is the Subaru XV, the latest iteration of which arrived in South Africa in 2017. Like the Jeep the Subaru is classified as a cross-over vehicle, however, it contains a lot of capable technology in its compact form. Last but certainly not least is the Mazda CX-30 which slots between the CX-3 and CX-5 models and only became available in 2021.
Powertrain
One of the first areas we will be focussing on is the powertrain. All three compact-SUVs is offered to the market at similar price points, however, is that reflected under the bonnets? Let us find out.
| Jeep Renegade 2.4 4x4 Trailhawk | Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES | Mazda CX-30 2.0 Individual | |
| Engine | 2.4-litre, in-line 4-cylinder, petrol | 2.0-litre, boxer 4-cylinder, petrol | 2.0-litre, in-line 4-cylinder, petrol |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 5-step CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Power | 137 kW | 115 kW | 121 kW |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 196 Nm | 213 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 9.8s | 10.4s | Not provided |
| Top speed | 180 km/h | 194 km/h | Not provided |
| Fuel consumption | 7.5 L / 100 km | 7.3 L / 100 km | 6.6 L / 100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 175 g / km | 168 g / km | 160 g / km |
*This table was compiled using information gathered from www.duoporta.co.za
Specification
All three models and in their specific trim levels used in this comparison retails for more than R500 000, but what exactly do you get for your money? The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk offers customers five seats and a spacious interior with full leather upholstery. At the rear customers have access to 351-litres of luggage space which can be expanded to 1 297-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
The Subaru offer 310-litres which can be increased to 1 220-litres, however, the Mazda comes in at 295-litres. Both the XV and the CX-30 offer full leather upholstery with a strong horizontal layout in the Mazda. The Renegade and the XV feature modern interior layouts but with more angular and rounded elements than on the Mazda.
In front of the Mazda is a multifunction steering wheel that controls the MZD Connect infotainment system housed in an 8.8-Inch display atop the dashboard. Like the systems in the Subaru and Jeep, the MZD Connect unit is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Jeep offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system installed with Uconnect while the Subaru offer an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit installed with the Starlink infotainment system.
Conveniences that feature on all three competitors are hill-start assist, automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, electric windows all-round, keyless entry and start as well as automatic rain sensors and lights and a rear-facing reverse camera. While the Jeep comes fitted with a lane keep assist system the Subaru benefits from adaptive cruise control and the Mazda from a head-up display. The Jeep and the Subaru continue with their standard specification which includes AUX input, voice control and high-beam assist.
Safety
Safety should be an integral part of the criteria with which people purchase vehicles. All three vehicles on our list offer a variety of standard safety features lets see how they compare. The Jeep, Subaru and Mazda come fitted with ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist, an Electro-Mechanical Parking Brake and Stability Control, however, only the Jeep offers Traction Control and Hill Descent Control.
The occupant safety of the XV and CX-30 is bolstered with a driver's knee airbag in addition to the occupants front and side airbags and the curtain airbags for the rear occupants. The Jeep matches the two Japanese offerings with all but the driver knee unit, however, offer a tyre pressure monitoring system which the other two does not have.
While the Jeep and the Subaru offer a blind-spot monitor all three comes fitted with ISOFIX mounting points on the outer rear seats. The Subaru is the only one out of the three with LED daytime running lights whereas the other two retain traditional units. Although all three models come with a rear-view camera, the Subaru and Jeep have rear park distance control sensors while the Jeep has front units too.
Conclusion
The three models compare quite well in terms of specification, however, the Mazda is the most frugal between the three while the Jeep is the most powerful. The Mazda only have two-wheel drive while the Subaru and Jeep have all-wheel-drive appealing more to those wanting to swop normal roads for the rough stuff. While the Mazda is the most modern offering out of the three, the XV and Trailhawk do not lack behind far in terms of design and standard features.
It is in the pricing where the biggest differences appear. At the time of writing this article the Jeep Renegade 2.4 4x4 Trailhawk retails for R518 883, the Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES for R509 000 and the Mazda CX-30 2.0 Individual for R540 000. While for those prices the Mazda offers an impressive 3-year / unlimited-kilometre service plan, the Subaru includes a 3-year / 75 000km maintenance plan and a 5-year / 100 000km warranty which trumps the competition.
The Subaru seems to offer the best value for money as it incorporates the refinement from the Mazda CX-30 as well as the utilitarian nature of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, all while remaining the most affordable. This is why the Subaru XV is our winner in this comparison.
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