2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, 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 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue and interior colours such as Terracotta added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro offered exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride featured a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, giving it a modern touch. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro, plus a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark" engine, it lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for front-wheel-drive models, which had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard drivetrain engagement. The Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km. With 20.6 cm of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, excelled off-road, offering a towing capacity of 2,495 kg. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth ride, with some wind noise at high speeds. The steering firmed up too much in Sport mode, but overall, the Telluride was delightful to drive.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim enhanced its premium feel with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, integrated air vents, and improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a "smart" power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with some requests.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust the climate control system. Over-the-air updates kept the system up to date, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride featured Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert starting from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was to be added later, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. A parking assistance system and 360-degree camera were available. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added a Lane Change Assist function. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+, its highest rating.