2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its predecessors, aligning with the design ethos of the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families. It moved away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic, opting for a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass was considered expensive for a small SUV, with prices ranging from over $35,000 to more than $45,000, excluding additional fees. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with various packages, had an MSRP of $54,775. It featured Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. The interior boasted a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, sophisticated digital displays, and metallic trim, though the price seemed steep for what was offered.

The 2024 Kia EV9 marked a bold step forward in Kia's EV lineup, with a design that was both distinctly Kia and cutting-edge. Its exterior featured blocky lines reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with "Star Map" daytime running lights and a "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with additional light points. The EV9's design was a blend of futuristic elements and traditional Kia styling, making it a unique offering in the SUV market.

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. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and enhanced off-road capabilities. Despite these improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Compass was more enjoyable to drive than previous models, with better grip and a quieter engine, but it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor RWD setup, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model featured a larger battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but increasing range to 489 kilometres. The top Land trim offered AWD with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres. The GT-Line sacrificed some range for performance, offering 435 kilometres. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and minimal body roll. Its regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural driving experience. The EV9 also featured fast charging capability, with the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated steering wheel. The Limited trim provided a luxurious feel, though the centre console's hard plastic edge was uncomfortable. The rear seat offered decent space, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering ample headroom and legroom, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats were comfortable, with contoured bolstering. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, 1,231 litres with the third row folded, and 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's high and flat load floor made loading and unloading easier. Front storage space was adequate, with a floating centre console and a large open compartment on the floor. The GT-Line trims offered additional storage for second-row passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and OTA updates. Depending on the trim, it could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation system, and nine-speaker Alpine audio system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in technology, which was responsive and accurate. The parking assist system could autonomously steer the Compass into parking spaces, though its small size made this feature less necessary. The surround-view camera was useful for parking.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad as standard. The Land Premium and GT-Line packages offered a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with OTA updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades. This future-proofing approach offered flexibility and customization for buyers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023, with automatic high-beam headlights on all but the base trim. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The lane-keeping system was sometimes intrusive, and adaptive cruise control was not always smooth. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. The EV9 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.