2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification, offered a more convincing premium SUV experience. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 showcased a design that connected it to the G70 compact luxury sedan, with styling elements like split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line. The GV70's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in five trims with two powertrains, and the Electrified GV70 offered a single trim level with a comprehensive feature set.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass's drivetrain was its least appealing aspect, with a slow automatic stop/start system and disappointing acceleration. However, the Jeep Selec-Terrain system and Active Drive AWD system provided some off-road capability, with the Trailhawk trim offering enhanced features for more challenging terrains.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a more powerful performance with its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, produced 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The GV70 provided a refined driving experience, blending comfort and handling, though the electric version had a shorter range of 383 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among Jeep's similarly sized SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim enhanced its premium feel with features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders, and a centre console with a retractable lid. While front-seat occupants found it easy to adjust to a comfortable position, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring included from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. However, the Compass experienced some false positives with its forward-collision warning system, and its adaptive cruise control struggled with smooth acceleration. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.