Safety

Although the 500X and Renegade are equally excellent choices for safety, only the 500X offers all-wheel drive as a standard feature. That enhanced safety feature provides maximum traction and stability wherever you drive. And as mentioned above, with both base prices in the same range, paying an extra cost overshadows that benefit. The 500X and Renegade have standard driver and passenger front airbags. However, integrated turn signal mirrors are standard equipment on the 500X.

The 500X has also received a good rating for roof strength, crash avoidance, and mitigation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a non-profit organization.

Interior and Cargo Space

The 500X and Renegade both have a 5-passenger capacity. However, the 500X provides slightly more front leg room and hip room. Comparably, the legroom is .3 inches more than the Renegade, and the hip room has .2 inches more. Additionally, the rear passenger hip room is .3 inches more in the 500X than the Renegade. The maximum width of the cargo area in the 500X is 41.4 inches, whereas the Renegade measures 40.1 inches. Considering all the adventurous opportunities and road trips an SUV allows, every inch becomes a benefit.

Engine Performance, Suspension, and Warranty

The 500X offers rear gas-charged shock absorbers, and the Renegade doesn't. Gas-charged shock absorbers provide better control for handling capability. Additionally, the 500X has a class-exclusive nine-speed transmission, and it's paired with a 1.3-liter multi-air turbocharged engine. The Renegade has an available 1.3-liter four-cylinder direct injection turbo engine. Both engines produce 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque.

The 500X further sets itself apart from the Renegade with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. The Renegade has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The 500X also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with unlimited mileage coverage. Emergency roadside assistance for the Renegade is limited to 60,000 miles.