2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a sense of stability and style. The EV6's voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and sealed air intakes contributed to its aggressive and modern look. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, offering a sophisticated look. The Compass featured new wheel designs for different trims and a range of seven trim levels in Canada. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of luxury, although the high price point raised questions about its value compared to other small SUVs.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The regenerative braking system provided multiple settings for deceleration, and the car's adaptive cruise control and drive modes added to its versatility. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its estimated range in real-world conditions. Charging was efficient, but the charging infrastructure in colder climates posed challenges.

The 2023 Jeep Compass saw a significant improvement in its powertrain with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's broad torque range and eight-speed automatic transmission enhanced its drivability. The Compass offered various driving modes, including Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud, with the Trailhawk trim providing additional off-road capabilities. While the new engine improved the Compass's performance, it still fell short of being truly powerful. The Compass's fuel economy was reasonable, but its handling on rough terrain and the AWD system's engagement left room for improvement.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, providing comfort for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. It featured an air filtration system, dual-zone climate control, and optional leather seats. The Limited trim offered premium features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Compass's cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models included a foot-activated power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 360-degree camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in. The parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience, although the Compass's small size made the parking assist less necessary.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras. However, there were no published safety ratings from government or independent agencies.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and no published results from the NHTSA.