What other vehicles did you (actually) consider?

I loved this Nissan but after the reviews i decided to get the jeep instead

Good question....long answer....
My first choice was actually the Honda Element AWD some years back, but it was discontinued several years ago. My wife and I liked the "utility" nature in that it was designed to get dirty and hosed out, etc.
It was small enough to be semi nimble, get decent mileage, and be used for camping, photo shoots, and general good times. At the time the CRV was my next choice but really didn't like it so we waited.
My wife started liking the looks of the SOUL, but it didn't have enough "ruggedness" for my taste and I wanted something with AWD/4WD due to recent 2wd "mishaps" requiring tow straps. We were aware of the Renegade, but it kept being delayed and seemed like a distant dream.
We eventually changed our train of thought and bought a new Grand Cherokee 4x4 last year to replace our larger vehicle (Chevy Astro). We needed decent tow capacity (6000+) and we looked at other mid-sized SUVs (Ford, Toyota, etc) and the Jeep was the only thing that came close with the tow capacity, features, quality 4x4 system, etc.
Once we bought the GC we really were thinking of getting a small car or something very fuel efficient, but we both LOVED the GC so much we still kept our eye on the Renegade. We also were considering the SOUL and the Ford Escape, all in 2wd since we already had the 4x4 GC. My wife eventually decided and really pushed us getting the Renegade, and in 4x4, stating that she could see us swapping vehicles at times with me using the Renegade for photo jobs and she using the GC for her business. Once we made this decision, all other models were dropped from the list and we went full speed ahead for the Renegade. We both liked the looks, the features, and of course the Jeep 4x4 abilities.
Being a computer nerd for over 30yrs, I was well aware of the potential issues of buying the first model of a new generation anything. Add to this the Italian origin and potential issues with parts, I had/have my concerns, but so far so good. Being a huge Ferrari fan, being Italian isn't really a quality issue in my view, but more of an availability issue. I worry that one day I'll wait 3 months for a $500 starter coming from Italy.

Ok I'll bite.

Always liked Jeep but somehow never got around to getting one (at the time, eons ago, I couldn't afford it). Eventually went with a cheap Mazda (ugh), then Hyundai. But that Jeep ghost is still knocking on my door. (Especially the Wrangler ghost). I always wanted a Wrangler but with more features and a bit more modern looking and a bit better on gas. This is why I really liked the early Jeep Liberty Renegades. But like I said, one thing after another and it never happened. (spouse, 2 nieces, sis-in-law, etc increased cargo space). lol Currently I like the Grand Cherokee since in my opinion it has the best looking SUV. (The Toyota Highlander was the best looking, but that was before they messed up the styling in the current models).

The Grand Cherokee to me is a step up to the Santa Fe (which I own) but it also is a major step up in price (as well as the Highlander). Way beyond my budget to be honest. The smaller Cherokee is similar to the Santa Fe, but I just do not like the front. All three are way to big now (some family moved out, so its only 4 of us). Honda and especially the CRV/HR-V, I can't stomach at all. The Crosstek is nice but not as tall as I would have liked. Everything else on the road similar to the Renegade seems over-rated and or not capable (to my needs).

Now to be honest, Hyundai has been bombarding me with incentives left and right. So it may be a fight between the new Santa Fe Sport or the Renegade 2016/17 model. (I do love the fact that the new Sonatas have Android Auto, but that vehicle is too low in height for me anyway). But even with incentives, rebates etc the Renegade is still cheaper, is a Jeep, can do soft trail (if I get the Trailhawk) and is a bit better in mileage.

Plus I'm also tired of being a typical 9 to 5 zombie, having to conform to the ritual of home-work only life and getting a big car for everyone and their mother. Its time to live a bit and get something that is still big enough for the reduce in size family but raises the bar in my enjoyment of driving and traveling and FINALLY quenches my thirst for a Jeep.

Will my opinion change by the time I decide to get on? Maybe, but right now it is 99.5 % Jeep Renegade as my replacement.

TS

I actually started looking last year before I'd heard about the Renegade. The only reason I started looking was because gas was over $4/gallon here. My commute to work is 40 miles a day and considering the gas mileage my Wrangler JK gets (or doesn't get in this case, LOL), I was wanting more fuel economy. Looked at the Subaru Crossteks, but it was just so hard to give up Damien (my JK's name). Then gas started going down and there was news that we were moving offices so my commute would only be about 10 miles roundtrip by the end of this year. So I backed off looking.

Then the Renegades came out. I loved the fact it was Jeep, got better gas mileage, could still do off road if I wanted to, etc. Started researching them and when the local dealer got one, I went for a test drive and liked it. I decided that since it would be a new car, it'd be my last for at least 5-7 years and I was going to get what I wanted on it. My only dislike (and it's kind of a temporary one) is that it's so low. After driving a 2" lifted JK with off road tires, it's kind of hard going to something short, LOL! As soon as some good lift kits come out and I have the money, my TH will be getting one and bigger tires.

If this was tl;dr, long story short, briefly just the Subaru Crosstek