Jeep Compass vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, with a long hood and low ground clearance, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante of the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking, surrounded by a solid grille with lighting effects. The Sport trim, with its dark triangular motif and 22-inch wheels, added to its imposing presence. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, including leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that integrated seamlessly into the interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass, particularly in its Sport trim, was more understated in appearance. The Compass Sport was described as invisible, with a generic body shape and minimal distinguishing features apart from the seven-slot grille. However, the interior of the Compass, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its design and quality. The cabin featured supportive cloth seats with blue stitching, a large 10-inch infotainment screen, and silver plastic accents that added a touch of style. While the exterior lacked uniqueness, the interior offered a cohesive and modern design, a significant improvement over older models.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was not as sporty as its exterior suggested, but it excelled on the highway with a calm and poised ride. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for continuous all-wheel drive, with a standard single rear motor setup offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided a claimed range of 505 kilometres with rear-wheel drive and 494 km with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 420 km. Charging was efficient, with the battery reaching 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre Inline four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing ease of driving in various conditions. The Compass offered three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk trim added off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and all-terrain tires. While the Compass's steering and handling were not as precise as some competitors, it delivered a comfortable ride. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.4 on the highway.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced some challenges in terms of functionality and build quality. Issues included misaligned rear fenders, a motorized charging port that would drop open, and a glovebox that was difficult to access while driving. The floating console lacked practicality, and the centre cubby was small. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, with 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. It featured clear analog gauges, a regular gear selector, and physical climate controls. Visibility was good, and the interior offered ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The Compass provided competitive cargo space, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold, allowing for the transport of longer items.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ impressed with its 33-inch OLED screen, divided into three sections. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system offered hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software. The display was clear and easy to navigate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, and optional features included factory navigation and a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim offered additional features like Alexa Built-In and a foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came equipped with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim, with a 360-degree camera optional on higher trims.