2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance, moving away from the rugged design ethos traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, offering 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. The Limited trim test vehicle, priced at $54,775, 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 high price was seen as overstepping.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, offered in five trims in Canada, including the rugged X-Line and X-Pro, came standard with all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added ground clearance and unique styling elements, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities and towing capacity. Prices ranged from $53,433 for the base EX to $66,133 for the X-Pro trim. The test vehicle, an X-Line trim, featured extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, which complemented the blacked-out styling. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive proportions, and the interior, with premium Nappa leather seats and a dual sunroof, offered a luxurious feel. The cabin's colour options, including Mahogany brown and Sage Green, complemented the open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic, the SX Limited trim nearly met luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its 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, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 9.9 L/100 km. While the new engine improved the driving experience, the Compass remained tall and narrow, affecting its handling on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-road performance was commendable, though it struggled in some conditions without more aggressive tires.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for highway acceleration and passing. The X-Pro trim increased towing capacity to 2,495 kg. The Telluride's driving modes included Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with a locking centre differential for low-speed power distribution. Ground clearance ranged from 20.3 cm to 21.3 cm, depending on the trim. The Telluride's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed 12.4 L/100 km. Despite its fuel consumption, the Telluride offered a refined driving experience with responsive steering and brakes. Its ride was firm at low speeds but compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride was more capable than expected, though not on par with a Jeep.

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 front seats, and heated steering wheels. The Limited trim test vehicle featured a well-appointed interior with leather upholstery and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Rear seat space was adequate, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seats folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available, and the front passenger seat could fold for carrying long items.

The 2024 Kia Telluride provided a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The test vehicle featured a dual sunroof, adding light to the cabin. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though it could be turned off if needed. Cargo space was ample, with 594 litres behind the third row and 2,463 litres with all seats folded. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offered useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system were available. The Limited test vehicle included these features, with the Alexa Built-in digital assistant proving responsive. The Alpine audio system was bass-heavy by default. A parking assist system and surround-view camera were also available.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included, with various plans available after expiration. Standard features included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. 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 intrusive, and adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. Crash-test ratings were incomplete, with the Compass ineligible for a Top Safety Pick rating until further testing.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered an impressive array of standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, junction cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Advanced Highway Driving Assist added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.