Jeep Compass vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a somewhat generic exterior design, especially in its base Sport trim. The model we tested was a white Compass with black plastic door handles and small wheels, resembling a typical fleet vehicle. Its design was unremarkable, with features like the seven-slot grille being the only distinct Jeep identifiers. The body shape and taillights were similar to many small crossovers from the past two decades. However, the interior of the Compass, especially in the Limited trim, was a different story. It featured a black and grey colour scheme with caramel leatherette accents, large screens, and superior fit and finish, making it a pleasant space. The base trim also offered supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts, along with a 10-inch infotainment screen and stylish silver plastic accents.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, on the other hand, showcased a distinctive design that was both praised and criticized. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, was designed to house seven passengers comfortably. The Ioniq 9's dimensions were impressive, with a length of 5,060 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, providing excellent interior volume. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference. The Ioniq 9 was available in various paint colours, with trim-specific options, and offered wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, it boasted a spacious and airy interior with flat floors, a sliding centre console, and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims.

The 2024 Jeep Compass was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered smooth city driving and highway merging. It featured three driving modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk trim added a low-range transfer case, extra driving modes, and off-road capabilities. However, steering and handling were weak points, with too much play off-centre and low grip. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.4 on the highway.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a single rear-mounted 160-kW motor, producing 215 horsepower, while other trims featured dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs. The Preferred AWD generated 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ produced 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range. It offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its soft suspension and noise-cancelling features. Towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms for RWD and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. It featured clear analog gauges, a large colour display, and physical climate controls. Visibility was good, and the interior offered ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats had vents, USB ports, and a fold-down centre armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat also folded for carrying longer items.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain's chairs in the Ultimate Calligraphy Package. It offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row. The rear doors provided easy access, and dual-zone climate control was standard. Heated front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available in higher trims. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres when folded. The small front trunk was best for storing the charging cable.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and quick interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional factory navigation and a wireless charging pad. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, and the Limited trim offered additional features like Alexa Built-In and a power liftgate.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to higher-level Hyundai models. It included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The charging pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices, but six USB-C ports provided ample charging power. A 14-speaker Bose audio system was standard in higher trims, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. 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 an optional 360-degree camera.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Higher trims featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.