If you are looking for a brand new adventure vehicle, then there are two that you should strongly consider the 2020 Jeep Renegade vs the 2020 Hyundai Kona. Both of these models are considered to be subcompact SUVs, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they are weak. What the Jeep Renegade and Hyundai Kona bring to the table is the ability to be daily drivers in the city and head off on a road trip on a whim. They both carry five passengers comfortably and have plenty of cargo space. Let’s dive deeper into these two competitive vehicles.
Cargo Space and Configurability
The 2020 Jeep Renegade is surprisingly spacious on the inside. With all five seats upright, it offers 18.5 cubic feet of space for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and anything else you want to stuff in there. You can also fold the back row and the from passenger seat down to gain access to a whopping 50.8 cubic feet of cargo area. That’s massive for such a petite vehicle. As for the 2020 Hyundai Kona, it offers slightly more room behind the back row. With five passengers in the Kona, it has 19.2 cubic feet of room. However, the maximum cargo area is smaller than the Renegade at only 45.4 cubic feet.
Power and Performance
As a subcompact crossover, the 2020 Jeep Renegade offers two engine choices that come on different trim levels. Under the hood of the Sport and Latitude models is a robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes out 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, this motor has an exceptional fuel economy set at 28 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway). All-wheel-drive is optional with this engine.
If you need a little more power for off-roading adventures, you might want to look at the Limited and Trailhawk models. These both come standard with the turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. With the same transmission, the Trailhawk has 4WD for better handling in the wild outdoors. The more powerful engine and different drivetrain mean that this vehicle can tow up to 2,000 pounds, but the handoff is that it only gets 24 mpg combined (22 city/27 highway). However, that seems like a fair exchange if you are the adventurous type.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona also comes with two engine choices that vary depending on the trim. The first three trim levels come standard with the 2.0L Inline-4 engine that generates 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD (AWD is optional), these models get about 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). For the AWD version, they have a slightly lower fuel economy set at 28 mpg combined (26 city/30 highway). The higher trim levels are powered by a turbocharged 1.6L Inline-6 engine that produces 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated with an upgraded 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission and FWD. It has an average fuel economy set at 30 mpg combined (28 city/32 highway). If you opt for the AWD version, that will lower the fuel efficiency to 27 mpg combined (26 city/29 highway).
Standard Features
When it comes to basic features, what comes standard can be the deciding factor for some people. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in the base models of both the 2020 Jeep Renegade and the 2020 Hyundai Kona.
The Renegade Sport trim level is the base and includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and adjustable driver’s seat. Displayed on a 5-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system operates with Bluetooth for hands-free calling. You can charge your phone using the provided USB port and listen to your favorite songs through the 6-speaker stereo. A rearview camera has also been installed to help with parallel street parking and backing out of tight spaces. You can even relax on longer drives by setting the cruise control option to your desired speed.
The Hyundai Kona SE comes standard with a rearview camera and dual USB ports. The infotainment interface is displayed on a larger 7-inch touchscreen and also operates with Bluetooth connectivity. You can make or receive calls hands-free everywhere you go. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to listen to your favorite playlist through the 6-speaker stereo system. Standard safety features include lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and emergency braking.
Trim Levels and Packages
If you are looking for something more than the standard subcompact SUV, then you should explore the features on higher trim levels.
The 2020 Renegade has three additional trims besides the base Sport. The next trim is known as the Latitude. It comes with an upgraded infotainment interface that is displayed on a larger 7-inch touchscreen. Dual-zone climate control is included for comfort, and satellite radio gives you more entertainment options. LED lighting throughout the cabin creates ambiance, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of elegance. You can even add the Cold Weather Package for heated seats. Similarly, the 2020 Hyundai Kona offers the SEL and SEL Plus trims that also come with heated seats and satellite radio. The SEL Plus also adds a sunroof, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and an upgraded 8-speaker stereo system.
Moving up to move luxurious trims, the Renegade Limited offers a cabin decked out in leather upholstery and loaded with advanced safety features. This model can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and an automated parking system. It also comes with a handy 115-volt household-style power outlet. The Kona’s luxury trim is also called the Limited. It boasts similar features, including leather upholstery, climate control functions, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The final trim on the Renegade is known as the Trailhawk model, and it is optimized for off-roading adventures. Featuring a raised suspension, hill-descent control, and low-range setting for the 4WD drivetrain, this model is equipped similarly to the Limited version. It may even have a navigation system that is displayed on a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. The top-tier Kona model is the Ultimate. While it does have similar infotainment and safety features, it does not come with all of the enhanced off-road functions that the Jeep Renegade has.
Paint Colors
Everyone knows that the exterior paint color is an important part of choosing the right vehicle.
The 2020 Jeep Renegade is available in eleven colors, including Black, Alpine White, Sting-Gray, Granite Crystal Metallic, Jetset Blue, Slate Blue Pearl, Glacier Metallic, Colorado Red, Omaha Orange, and Bikini. Bikini is a beautiful shade of turquoise that is perfect for people who live near the beach.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona is also available in eight exterior paint options. While they might seem similar, they do vary slightly. Paint options for the Kona include Ultra Black, Thunder Gray, Sonic Silver, Chalk White, Pulse Red, Surf Blue, Sunset Orange, and Lime Twist. Lime Twist is a soft, muted yellowish-green shade.
