Just read an article about upcoming off-road sub-compact SUV's that will attempt to challenge the all new 2015 Jeep Renegade and thought it was worth sharing. The new Honda HR-V will be the biggest contender and I'm sure there will be many more who want a piece of this exploding new class of vehicles.
Honda makes great off-road vehicles, but they all have handlebars. I'm sure Honda has enough of a following that some people would choose the Honda. But, if it is priced competitively and the quality is there...there is no reason why Jeep should not be able to convert some of those people. Plus, Jeep obviously also has its own following. If there is a war, it will come down to price, features, and perceived quality.
I agree with sharkey. I think price and features are a big deciding factor for the type of people this vehicle is marketed for. I don't think they are totally into vehicles and just want something they can drive and maybe use 4wd once a year. On a side note I think there will be a lot of these are car rental places near Death Valley and places alike.
Oh man, I'll bet you're right about that! It'll be Farabees or Pink Jeep or the like who'll put them out there and bill them as being as tough as a Wrangler. Still, I think they'll do well in places like that.