2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Kia Telluride

Though the 2022 Jeep Compass underwent exterior styling updates and introduced new wheel designs, it still maintained an overall look reminiscent of its 2017 redesign. This gave it a resemblance to a compact version of the Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle featured attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that blended with the paint, giving it an upscale small Jeep appeal.

However, the interior of the 2022 Compass, especially in High Altitude trim, aimed to establish its premium SUV credentials. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and additional sound deadening. These enhancements considerably improved the sophistication level of the Compass High Altitude.

Pricing for the 2022 Compass started at $26,020 for the base Sport trim and went up to $35,085 for the highest High Altitude model, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1 option packages, had every possible upgrade, leading to an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

In Texas, we examined the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. All Tellurides were refreshed with new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint options included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while new interior colors featured Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The X-Line trim substituted the Nightfall Edition in the lineup. This trim had a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further elevated this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Both trims, combined with updated bumper designs, embodied a mildly aggressive off-roader aesthetic.

Interior updates for the 2023 Telluride were subtle but meaningful, primarily showcasing the available digital instrumentation panel and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a single curved 24-inch piece of glass. Additional changes included new colors, minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and a more functional center console. Both the X-Line and X-Pro displayed their trim names embossed on the front seatbacks.

Pricing for the 2023 Telluride started at $35,690 for the LX with front-wheel drive (FWD) and stretched to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD. Our test vehicles were the SX Prestige models: one with X-Line trim painted in Wolf Gray ($54,120 including destination) and another with X-Pro trim in the new Midnight Lake Blue ($55,120).

The 2022 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Although it aimed to impress, the engine lacked the punch to compete with most other SUVs in its class. A turbocharged engine would have been beneficial, particularly for those venturing to higher altitudes for weekend adventures.

The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine (six-speed for FWD models) prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, exhibiting reluctance to downshift and a preference for upshifting quickly. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, often leading to abrupt drivetrain engagement. Our test Compass averaged 23.8 mpg during the testing loop, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg in combined driving.

Despite 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading, major suspension improvements were needed. The Compass exhibited excessive lateral motion on uneven pavement, while sharper bumps reverberated through its architecture. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, with the Active Drive AWD system efficiently distributing power when needed. That said, the driving dynamics and overall performance felt underwhelming.

For the 2023 Kia Telluride, the familiar 3.8-liter V6 engine remained, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. An AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting was also available.

The V6 engine powered the Telluride with ease, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line model and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro during a test that included off-roading and heavy traffic. Kia increased the ground clearance by 0.4 inches to 8.4 inches for the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro, enhancing their approach and departure angles for off-road excursions. The new Downhill Brake Control system performed well, despite one brief moment of increased speed on a downhill section.

Off-road performance highlighted the Telluride X-Pro's capabilities, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, ground clearance, and stability in demanding conditions. Though not competitive with Jeep or Land Rover on rugged trails, the Telluride undoubtedly met the expectations of most owners.

On highways and regular roads, the Telluride offered a smooth, quiet ride with minimal wind noise, although the 245/60 all-terrain tires made it feel somewhat squishier in turns. Overall, the 2023 Telluride provided a delightful driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, placing it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. It comfortably seated four adults with their luggage but had limited additional space. The High Altitude trim included luxurious features like eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard with Uconnect 5 infotainment screen. Cargo capacity measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and expanded to 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, surpassing what the more expensive Cherokee offered.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. The SX Prestige models we tested featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. A heated steering wheel and a new power lumbar stabilization system in the front seats ensured comfort for long drives.

The Telluride's second row provided ample comfort, with optional rear-seat entertainment, manual side-window sunshades, adjustable inboard armrests, conveniently located USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seats were accessible, more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs, and offered decent comfort for adults, although not matching the Volkswagen Atlas.

Storage abounded in the Telluride’s front and second rows, and the smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing made loading cargo easier. Cargo capacity was generous with 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, touted to be five times faster than its predecessor. The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 10.1-inch display with extensive customization options. Key features included dual Bluetooth device pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an Amazon Alexa skill, satellite radio, voice text-to-reply capability, and WiFi hotspot. A nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was an available upgrade, though the voice recognition system sometimes struggled with specific queries.

For 2023, Kia standardized the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all Tellurides, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a WiFi hotspot. Voice recognition performed well, but climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while OTA updates kept systems current. Six USB charging ports were standard, and upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology.

Other notable features of the Telluride included a head-up display (HUD), Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a unique Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The 2023 Telluride also offered a Full Display Mirror that provided a video view of what was behind the SUV, a valuable addition when the cargo area was filled.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came standard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Later in the model year, it would add Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for highway driving. Despite Jeep's efforts, flaws like false positives from the forward-collision warning system and premature braking were noted. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable for the updated 2022 Compass at the review time, but previous low scores indicated room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with an extensive list of advanced safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a new junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and a Safe Exit Assist system.

An adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability was standard, and now included a new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for semi-autonomous driving, while Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added Lane Change Assist. Higher trims, starting with the SX, included additional collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The Telluride also offered automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention warning, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. While crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of the review, the Telluride's comprehensive feature set highlighted Kia's commitment to safety.