2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2019 Kia Sorento was an attractive SUV, featuring updated styling with revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, new headlights and taillights, and redesigned aluminum wheel choices. The SX Limited trim, which was the top-tier option, showcased premium features like Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. However, despite its high-end touches, the Sorento's interior had some inexpensive plastic surfaces that were hard to overlook, especially given its nearly $50,000 price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV that drew inspiration from the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special editions available. The Compass Limited AWD test vehicle was loaded with options, including a power panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and premium sound system, bringing the total price to $39,755. Despite its premium features, the Compass had some low-rent plastic pieces and flimsy parts that detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6. The V6 engine provided smooth power and quick acceleration, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The optional AWD system included Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) for improved handling. During testing, the Sorento SX Limited returned 20.7 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Sorento's handling was athletic, with impressive road grip and a solid, silent ride.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. However, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. The steering was heavy and vague, and the brake pedal was sensitive. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third-row seat was best suited for emergency use due to its difficult access and lack of cushion support. As a 5-passenger SUV, the Sorento offered 38 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The SX Limited trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Rear-seat comfort was less impressive due to tight legroom and a flat bottom cushion. The Sorento also had rear air-conditioning vents, rear side-window sun shades, and multiple power sources.

The 2020 Jeep Compass test vehicle included the new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver's settings. The Compass's back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing took up some cargo space. The cabin had limited storage room and awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2019 Kia Sorento came with three infotainment systems depending on the trim level. The base UVO play system included a 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim added UVO eServices with a 5-year service plan, Bluetooth music streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player. The top-tier UVO eServices with Navigation system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM traffic data, HD Radio, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The SX and SX Limited trims also included a wireless charging tray and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system was ready for SiriusXM Guardian connected services, which included emergency calling, a vehicle finder, and remote engine starting. The test vehicle also had a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and featured appealing graphics, though some functions were embedded in menus. The voice recognition system worked well for most commands, and primary stereo and climate controls were separated from the display.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was equipped with a range of safety features. All trims except the base L included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A driver-attention-monitoring system was also standard for the EX, SX, and SX Limited trims. The Sorento received top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Jeep Compass extended its driving assistance and collision avoidance technology to the base Sport trim level. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting and insistent corrective actions. The Compass received Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.