THE Fiat 500X Sport it's the Jeep Renegade Orange Edition they are based, like the other members of the respective ranges, on the same platform, use the same mechanics and are even produced in the same factory.
At first glance, no one would say, as its exterior and interior design couldn't be more distinct. But with so much bringing these two models together, is there more to separating them than their design?
To find out, we joined the two models. Both are equipped with the new 150 hp 1.3 Firefly Turbo engine, six-speed automatic (dual clutch) transmission and two-wheel drive — the only combination available with this engine.
So different, yet so alike. Which one to choose?
Firefly energetic and…
The 1.3 Firefly Turbo 150 hp is the most powerful petrol engine in its 500X and Renegade ranges. It is our second encounter with this still young engine, after João Delfim Tomé has tested it on another Renegade and I make his words my words.
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You 150 hp and 270 Nm they provide both the Renegade and the 500X the injection of power/performance we've been missing in the (interesting) three-cylinder 1000 cm3 Firefly — at 1400 kg, they're far from the lightest in the segment, so thanks for the additional firepower.
However, the more vigorous action of this engine is somewhat mitigated by the action of the box, which could be faster compared to equivalent transmissions — something that feels more in manual mode.
In automatic mode, it is smooth in action, in keeping with the wishes of the majority of customers in this segment.
Neither of the two features driving modes — which is kind of grateful — but taking into account the more… sporty nature of this version of the 500X, we were hoping for a sharper tuning.
The 500X Sport DCT box handle differs a little in shape from the Renegade (in the following image), but the box action is identical.
Only when we are a little more forceful with the accelerator, that is, when we press more firmly on the pedal on the right, is the box able to extract all the juice from this new FCA Group engine. For the rest, a phenomenon shared with other models I've tested equipped with a dual-clutch transmission.
… gluttonous
We have strength and performance q.b. the 1.3 Firefly Turbo in both models — the 500X Sport is marginally faster — but so is your appetite.
Making the difference between the 500X Sport and the other 500X's are wheels of an exclusive design — here with the attractive and optional 19" wheels — and the moldings and protections painted in the color of the body.
It doesn't matter if you're at the controls of the 500X or the Renegade, if you want to truly explore this mechanic, consumption will always be north of 9.0 l/100 km in mixed use (urban+suburban). At highway speeds, we've already managed to lower this mark. But only at moderate stabilized speeds do we get the on-board computer to register a still greedy 7.0 l/100 km.
How do they compare behind the wheel?
Ok… I didn't find differences between the 500X Sport and Renegade in terms of engine and box, but behind the wheel, despite the proximity of the “brothers”, there are differences to register.
Arguably Jeep front. The Orange Edition edition differs in decoration, as the sticker strip on the bonnet…
Surprisingly, it is the 500X Sport that handles more abrupt irregularities better (expansion joints, manhole covers, more wrinkled floor, etc.). Surprising because you'd expect the 500X Sport's additional dynamic poise — 10% firmer tare, 13mm less ground clearance, and recalibrated steering compared to another 500X — would position it as the most delicate at this point.
The "guilt" may lie in the larger wheels of the Renegade. Although both come with 19″ wheels (optional on the 500X Sport, standard on the Renegade Orange Edition), the wheel diameter (tire+rim) is larger on the Renegade: 235/45 ZR19 against 225/40 ZR 19 on the 500X Sport.
Expectations were also “turned inside out” when we realized that the more refined 500X Sport is the one with the lightest steering. The difference is not overnight, but it is clearly noticeable.
The changes made to the chassis of the 500X Sport do not make it the ultimate B-SUV for driving enthusiasts, but it does not disappoint in this field, being a positive evolution in relation to the other 500X.
It's true that the combination of large wheels, low-profile tires and firmer taring make you more restless and nervous when stepping — it's still comfortable, equaling the Renegade — but it compensates with greater sharpness in a chain of curves .
Despite the Renegade's softer set-up, the front axle responds promptly, and the bodywork, though more pronounced, is relatively contained. The greater weight of the steering wheel and the greater resistance it offers, ended up helping the Jeep Renegade to drive more committed.
The 500X Sport gets an excellent sports steering wheel, with good grip and covered in leather and Alcantara
Different but the same?
What follows is that, despite the clear differences between the two, there seem to be more points joining them than separating them—I was expecting, for example, further differentiation between the two in the dynamic chapter. Still, there are differences in how we perceive them, even when we drive them.
When driving a Jeep Renegade we have the perception of driving an SUV… SUV — it always seems more… substantial — while in the Fiat 500X Sport we have the perception of driving a more conventional, less adventurous and more urban car — not even the greater height is just as noticeable at the wheel.
A more functional design with practical reflections — ergonomically turned out to be superior to the 500X.
These differences in perception stem from the design choices in the two models. The more cubical shapes in the Renegade — à la Wrangler… —, the more vertical pillars, and even their greater height (outside and inside), “transports” us more clearly to the SUV universe, even though this Orange version Edition, with its mega-wheels, likes asphalt more than dirt.
The rest of the interior maintains that perception. The 500X Sport's more stylized shapes contrast with the more functional look of the Renegade's interior. Part of the greater substance perceived is translated into practice: neither is a reference in editing, but it was the Renegade that best resisted the abuses of Lisbon's parallels, with fewer “complaints” from the interior plastics.
The different choices in interior design also end up giving the Renegade some usability advantage. For example, the infotainment screen is in a better position than the 500X. Although both share the competent UConnect, the interface is also more intuitive on the American model due to the graphical choices — you can see, more clearly, where we can or cannot load.
The 500X Sport responds with a dashboard that, in this particular version, is more pleasing to the eye, thanks to the applications in Alcantara and leather (optional), and the very good sports steering wheel, more satisfying to grip.
500X more affordable base but better equipped Renegade
Basically, the Jeep Renegade Orange Edition is 1750 euros more expensive than the Fiat 500X Sport, but it compensates with a greater endowment in equipment. For example, electrically folding mirrors and rain/light sensors are standard on the Renegade and optional on the 500X Sport.
However, “our” 500X Sport balances the scales thanks to 2700 euros in options that it carried — on the Renegade only the painting was optional —, even though its purchase price is now above the Renegade by approximately 500 euros.
The 500X Sport turns out to be the most interesting of the 500X so far — it's available with all engines in the range, Diesel included — either for its appearance or for its more refined dynamics. The “orange” Orange Edition of Renegade bets, on the other hand, only on aesthetic differentiation — it is also available in version 1.0.
The result of this comparison turns out to be a technical draw, and the great differentiator is what was mentioned at the beginning. How do you prefer your SUV: closer to cars or pure SUVs?
Whichever you choose, these are two models whose qualities go far beyond style.