2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since 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 appearance. 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 model lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020 and reaching $35,085, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV profile. Our Prestige trim tester featured 22-inch alloy wheels and a matte Brunswick Green paint job, adding to its elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin air vents, along with metal and matte wood trim, created a luxurious atmosphere. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, contributed to the spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2022 Jeep Compass 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, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for high-altitude adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with all-wheel drive, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. 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 well, but the driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. Our tester featured the larger engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation contributed to a quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, 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 added to the premium feel. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 prioritized luxury with features like heated and ventilated front and rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, though navigation requests required some effort.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a "clicky" feel for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, though not wireless. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself with the driver outside the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist was set to be added later in the model year. While adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems mostly worked well, there were some false positives from the forward-collision warning system. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including a blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.