2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched its upscale paint job. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup began with the base Sport trim and ascended through Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude models, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard AWD and various option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2022 Kia Telluride attracted consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions, maintaining its handsome midsize SUV status with only minor grille pattern changes and new badges for 2022. Available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, pricing ranged from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. Our Telluride SX test vehicle, featuring AWD and the SX Prestige Package, totaled $48,325. The interior boasted a logical control layout, though the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from its otherwise upscale appearance. The SX Prestige trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, contrasting with the shiny plastic panels. Despite this, the Telluride's interior remained impressive, especially with its new standard features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark," this engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for high-altitude adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with AWD, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard drivetrain engagement. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, but the Trailhawk trim offered more capability. The Compass felt nimble with its 19-inch wheels but exhibited excessive motion on uneven pavement, revealing its dated suspension.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, provided satisfying performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD with Lock mode ensured power delivery to both axles. With eight inches of ground clearance, the Telluride handled snow and muddy roads well but was best suited for well-traveled paths. On dry pavement, the brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and 20-inch wheels offered good grip. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, with a little more roll in corners, but it excelled on long-distance drives. It matched the EPA's 21 mpg estimate in testing, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller compact 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 dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard with Uconnect 5 infotainment enhanced its premium feel. The center console provided more storage, though the bin remained small. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale interior design and practical features like grab handles, overhead air vents, and USB ports in all three rows. Dual-zone automatic climate control served front-seat occupants, while rear passengers had a single-zone panel. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, creating a luxurious feel. All three rows accommodated adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded. Its flat load floor facilitated easy transport of large items.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates. Additional options included navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The voice recognition system was fast but struggled with specific requests, like finding the nearest hospital. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't the easiest to use.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire. USB ports were available in all rows, with a wireless charging pad standard in all but the LX trim. Kia Connect offered a year of free service, including emergency assistance, remote start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS needed to improve headlight performance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included Kia Drive Wise, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, working subtly but requiring driver attention. The Smart Cruise Control-Curve system used GPS data to slow the Telluride for curves, but it was irritating. Safe Exit Assist warned occupants of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.