2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, presented a fresh design approach, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the design flair of the G80 sedan into its SUV form, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look since its 2017 redesign, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The exterior updates included new wheel designs, with the test vehicle featuring 19-inch multi-spoke wheels. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening, enhancing its premium feel. The Trailhawk Elite, the most expensive version, offered a range of trims and prices, with the Compass Trailhawk Elite priced at $47,385, including destination charges.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential. Fuel consumption estimates for the 2.5T were 11.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 highway, and 10.5 combined, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city, 10.4 highway, and 11.8 combined.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, lacked the power of a turbocharger, resulting in a less thrilling performance. The Compass's drivetrain was characterized by a busy and unrewarding powertrain, with a slow automatic stop/start system. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Compass Trailhawk Elite featured a more capable Active Drive Low AWD system. Fuel consumption for the Compass Trailhawk Elite was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km combined, but testing showed an average of 9.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a centre console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. The rotary gear selector and circular multimedia controller added to the luxury feel. The second row was spacious for two adults, with power rear seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard included a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen and improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud profiles, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided five years of complimentary services, including remote start and emergency assistance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition allowed for cabin temperature adjustments, though navigation requests required extra effort.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also available, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance starting from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Compass offered a parking assistance system and a 360-degree camera. However, the NHTSA rollover resistance rating remained at three stars, and headlight performance needed improvement.