2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics, which was evident in its extensive use of LED pixels across all lighting elements. The exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate details, such as aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic accents, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" environment with sustainable materials and a focus on comfort, featuring a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat and a spacious, flat-floor cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling traditionally associated with Jeep. The Compass featured a sophisticated exterior with new wheel designs and a resemblance to its larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee siblings. Inside, the Compass provided a comfortable and accommodating space for adults in both rows, with options for premium leather upholstery and advanced climate control systems. The Limited trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with its high-quality materials and digital displays, although some hard plastic elements detracted from the overall experience. Despite its narrow build, the Compass managed to deliver a sense of spaciousness and practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, with two trims and three powertrains. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering the longest range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep's Active Drive AWD system, transformed the Compass's performance from lackluster to lively. The Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud, with the Trailhawk trim featuring additional off-road capabilities. While the turbo engine improved the Compass's overall driving experience, it prioritized fuel economy over raw power. The Compass's handling was competent, though its tall and narrow build contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-road prowess was evident, though it could benefit from more aggressive tires for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, surpassing even the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The cabin featured a flat floor, a moveable centre console, and comfortable leatherette seats, creating a versatile and relaxing environment. The Ioniq 5's design allowed for easy entry and exit, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably in both rows, despite its narrow build. The interior featured an air filtration system, dual-zone climate control, and available leather upholstery. The Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with premium materials and advanced seating options. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. The interior storage was adequate, though the centre console bin was small. The Compass's practicality was enhanced by features like a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The infotainment system included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system supported over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in digital assistant. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass offered adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition as upgrades. The lane-keeping assist was sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass's safety ratings were incomplete, with the IIHS withholding a Top Safety Pick rating until further testing.