2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. After examining its features, materials, and driving experience, it was surprising that this five-passenger midsize SUV didn't cost more. The Santa Fe offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a new gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and textures, elevating its market position. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof, though the exterior design remained somewhat polarizing.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look since its 2017 redesign, resembling a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle 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, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive version, offered a sophisticated cabin with soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening. Despite its compact size, the Compass aimed to deliver a premium SUV experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrids featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, producing a total system output of 226 hp. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency, averaging 22.4 mpg in testing.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. The Compass featured a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models and a six-speed automatic for FWD models. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Compass AWD had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. The Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe catered to those who didn't need a third-row seat but wanted the added passenger room of a midsize SUV. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric, and leather options. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe offered comfortable seating with power adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among Jeep's similarly sized SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The cabin included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard, and a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The new center console offered increased storage, though the bin beneath the armrest remained small.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen offered wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition technology, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. The Harman Kardon surround-sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology was available. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless device charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features. The forward-collision warning system included pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring sensors to warn occupants of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The rear-occupant alert system detected movement within the SUV for up to 24 hours. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video view within the digital instrument cluster. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-following technologies. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also improved its safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass offered a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and Jeep needed to improve headlight performance based on the 2021 Compass' IIHS scores.