2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Jeep Compass

In 2022, Hyundai introduced the Santa Fe XRT, part of a lineup featuring five gasoline trim levels. The XRT added some rugged visuals with side steps and specific design elements, but the elements didn’t impress much. The suspension lift and tires with an aggressive tread pattern would have been more convincing for an off-road-focused variant. The side steps were helpful for roof rack access but impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle, making them a questionable addition.

The XRT reached a middle ground in pricing, higher than the SE and SEL trims but lower than the turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy. It packed in all the standard equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package, and you could opt for either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), starting at $34,095, including a $1,295 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, dressed in a Portofino Gray paint with a black cloth interior, lacked any vibrant visual contrasts, presenting more like an old black-and-white image under overcast skies. The MSRP came to $35,940 with AWD and floor mats. However, the interior’s thoughtful patterns and brightwork created a pleasant environment, even though it couldn’t compete with the upscale feel of the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

Jump to 2023, and Jeep showcased the Compass with a refined, upscale design. Abandoning the more traditional utilitarian Jeep look, the Compass now appeared more mature and sophisticated, akin to the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer family. The Compass Sport and Latitude trims got a new 17-inch wheel design, and the Compass Trailhawk's wheels were now painted gloss black. The Compass Red editions were available in black, silver, or red paint.

Jeep’s 2023 Compass came in five core trims with additional special editions. These included the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, upgraded Latitude Lux, upscale Limited, and the off-road-oriented Trailhawk. Prices ranged from just under $32,000 to over $40,000, exclusive of options.

Our Limited test vehicle, priced at $45,800 and inclusive of destination charges, featured Granite Crystal paint and optional multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin was complemented by caramel accents, creating a genuinely upscale ambiance with sophisticated digital displays and metallic trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to impress, especially given the SUV's nearly two-ton curb weight. While it proved adequate for highway speeds and sounded refined when accelerating, its power output didn’t make it a contender in speed.

For those craving more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The XRT came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and various driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, along with an AWD system that could lock power distribution for maximum traction at lower speeds.

While the default Smart mode favored fuel efficiency, the engine showed weaknesses on inclines and curves. The XRT's EPA fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, but our testing saw a lower 22.3 mpg. Hyundai’s suspension provided a smooth ride, isolating occupants from speed bumps and potholes, and the cabin remained quiet at highway speeds thanks to acoustic glass.

In 2023, Jeep revamped the Compass's powertrain, which had been lacking since its inception. The new standard was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Its peak torque stretched from 1,750 rpm to 4,250 rpm, with horsepower maxing at 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, finally gave the Compass the oomph it needed.

Jeep’s Compass was tested in Malibu, revealing a significant improvement. The turbocharged engine transformed the drive from drudgery to delight, especially in the Limited trim with its sturdy 19-inch all-season tires. However, the Compass's narrow, tall, and stubby build induced lateral and vertical body motions on rougher terrains. The Trailhawk trim added off-road prowess with its aggressive tires and lifted suspension, but could struggle on loose dirt or rocky surfaces in certain conditions.

Jeep claimed a combined EPA fuel economy of 27 mpg for the turbocharged engine, but our tests averaged 23.8 mpg. While not stellar, this was an improvement over previous models. The ride quality and handling were refined, but issues with the AWD system’s engagement and the standard all-season tires' grip were noted.

Inside the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, Hyundai included a dual-zone automatic climate control system starting with the XRT trim. The interior upholstering comprised stain-resistant fabric, while the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provided comfort but lacked a height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The rear earned high marks for spaciousness and comfort, an ideal fit for a family of four, with ample room for child seats and rear air conditioning vents.

The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expanded to 72.1 cubic feet when folded down. The inclusion of the Smart Tailgate made loading easier, though it wasn’t without quirks.

In comparison, the 2023 Jeep Compass offered a roomy interior considering its narrow build, making it maneuverable yet comfortable for four adults. The interior featured an air filtration system and optional dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard in lower trims with leather available in higher trims. A premium option brought heated and ventilated seats, and the Limited spec provided a plush, near-luxury experience.

Cargo space in the Compass was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats down. A notable feature was the adjustable load floor for added flexibility.

Hyundai’s 2022 Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and included Bluetooth and satellite radio. The ease of use, simple controls, and logical menu structures made the Santa Fe's system user-friendly. Additionally, Hyundai’s digital key technology allowed Android users to use their smartphone as a key.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. It supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to Wi-Fi via SiriusXM Guardian connected services. Depending on the trim, features could include a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, embedded navigation, and voice-activated digital assistants.

Our Limited test Compass featured a responsive Alexa Built-in system alongside parking assist systems and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

Hyundai’s 2022 Santa Fe XRT was loaded with safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Bluelink connected services for emergency assistance. It earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced new safety features like drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist. While IIHS and NHTSA ratings were incomplete, the previous year’s model received commendable ratings.