Planet Subaru has offered the small Subaru crossover, the Crosstrek, since the 2013 model year.  And now its competitor, the Jeep Renegade, has arrived at Planet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.  Renegade slots right under the Jeep Cherokee in price and size, just as the Subaru Crosstrek takes up a little less space in your garage and budget than does the Subaru Forester. 

In terms of driving dynamics, Renegade handles more like a traditional sport utility vehicle with an erect seating position and firm ride.  Crosstrek feels sportier, more at home on twisting roads with less lean in the corners.  Both are plenty peppy to merge on to the interstate.  

Crosstrek sprang to life from the "compact" Impreza platform, and Renegade from the "sub-compact" Fiat 500x platform, so the Crosstrek offers a little more cargo space and interior room.  Renegade is a late-comer to the mini-ute segment, capitalizing on a major shift in the auto industry toward crossover vehicles that have the economy of a car but the utility of a truck.   

Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All Wheel Drive; Jeep offers Renegade in both front drive and four wheel drive.  Four wheel drive Renegades come standard with Selec-Terrain dial featuring multiple modes.  For serious off-roading, opt for the "Trail-Rated" Renegade Trailhawk edition specifically designed for rock crawling. 

Comparably equipped, the Renegade Latitude and Crosstrek Premium cost almost the exact same.  See Crosstrek pricing and models here.

Both come standard with many features:

• Fog lights
• Privacy glass
• Touch screen infotainment systems
• Alloy wheels
• Power windows, mirrors, locks
• Roof rails
• Seven airbags (two front, two seat, two curtain, and one driver knee)