2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. As Genesis' first SUV, the GV80 was a clean-sheet design that still managed to incorporate signature styling cues from the brand's sedans. The SUV's elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The Quad Lamp LED headlight array and trapezoidal tailpipes echoed the front's design, while the interior boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look, reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee, despite receiving exterior styling updates. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, elevating its premium feel. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive in the lineup, offered a range of features, including all-wheel drive and various option packages, making it a more sophisticated choice within the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models offered a self-leveling rear suspension. The GV80's fuel economy varied, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. This "Tigershark" engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive versions had a six-speed automatic. The Compass' powertrain was criticized for its lack of acceleration and noisy operation. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered different driving modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Compass High Altitude achieved an average of 23.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined estimate of 25 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and luxury features like power window shades and climate control. The third row, available only on specific models, increased passenger capacity to seven.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with the High Altitude trim providing a premium feel. The front seats had eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats were also heated. The Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, integrated air vents, and improved controls. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system allowed for cloud profiles, enabling personalized settings for different drivers. The GV80 also offered a head-up display, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster than its predecessor. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and various collision-avoidance systems. It also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. However, at the time of review, the GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, enhancing its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems. However, the Compass had not yet received updated safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.