2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Hyundai Tucson

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged aesthetic traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated exterior with new 17-inch wheels for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. Inside, the Compass Limited trim offered a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics, giving it a premium feel. However, the high price point of the test vehicle, at $54,775, made it less appealing compared to other options in the small SUV segment.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, introduced in its fourth generation in 2022, maintained its striking design with taut angles and unique features like headlights integrated into the grille. This contemporary styling was consistent across the lineup, with each trim offering distinct features. The Tucson's interior was modern and refined, with technology integrated in an approachable manner. Despite some drawbacks, such as the lack of a volume dial, the Tucson's cabin was well-designed, with controls conveniently located. The Ultimate trim was particularly well-equipped, offering a range of advanced features and driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its long-standing powertrain issues with 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 Active Drive AWD system, provided a more spirited driving experience. The Compass Trailhawk offered additional off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Despite improvements, the Compass's engine was not as powerful as it could be, prioritizing fuel economy over performance. The official fuel economy rating was 8.8 L/100 km, though real-world driving averaged 9.9 L/100 km. While the new powertrain improved the driving experience, the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Preferred came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled to provide sufficient power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were commendable, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid variants provided more power, but the non-hybrid model's performance was less impressive. The Tucson's driving dynamics were well-rounded, though not as athletic as some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with seating for adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four passengers. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though some areas were limited in size.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson excelled in interior space, offering up to 2,119 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with the seats in use. The Tucson accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The hands-free power liftgate, available on higher trims, added convenience for loading cargo. The Tucson's interior featured deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing practicality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on higher trims. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in digital assistant. The parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience, though the Compass's small size made the former less necessary.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson's infotainment system included a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection, the system's layout was intuitive. The Tucson's remote start system was user-friendly, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and drive off without pressing the start button. The touchscreen and haptic buttons were glove-friendly, a practical feature in cold weather.

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, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Compass's lane-keeping system was sometimes intrusive, and adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 model, and the NHTSA had not published results.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in most crash tests and a "Superior" rating for crash-prevention technology. The NHTSA had not fully evaluated the 2024 model.