2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of exterior design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance.

Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic design ethos, featuring a black dashboard with polished metallic accents and straightforward instrumentation. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system. The upscale feel was consistent across all trims, and the transmission shifter's solid operation added a sense of quality to the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior updates, retained a familiar look reminiscent of a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The test vehicle's 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, painted in a dark sparkly finish, contributed to its upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite trim stood out with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin's soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening elevated its premium feel.

The Compass Trailhawk Elite, the most expensive version, offered a range of trims starting from the base Sport to the Trailhawk Elite. Prices ranged from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges. The Trailhawk Elite, with standard 4WD and the Sun and Sound option package, had an MSRP of $47,385, including estimated destination charges to Southern Ontario.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all trims except the entry-level LX FWD.

The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The SUV's Sport mode added a frenetic personality, eager to accelerate at the slightest provocation. The suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. The Sportage SX was fun to drive, though not as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark," this engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for FWD models, which had a six-speed automatic.

The Compass's transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement when accelerating from a stop. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, while the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Compass Trailhawk, with its off-road capabilities, was ideal for light off-roading and snowstorms.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in the compact crossover SUV category, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port.

Interior storage was ample, but cargo space was limited. With the second-row seats folded, the Sportage offered 1,703 litres of cargo space, falling short of segment leaders. The 868 litres behind the back seat was sufficient for four full-sized suitcases. The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller 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, heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned dashboard with Uconnect 5 infotainment added to the sophistication.

The Compass's new centre console provided increased storage, though the bin beneath the armrest remained small. The cargo area, accessible via a hands-free power liftgate, offered 770 litres of space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the back seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus.

However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the system was simple and easy to use.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available on higher trims. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current.

The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't as user-friendly as the best in the industry.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, in its EX and SX trims, included safety features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, was expected later in the model year. The Compass also offered parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system.

While the Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems generally worked well, the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. At the time of review, crash test results for the updated Compass were unavailable, but the NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating.