2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match in the small luxury SUV segment. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's ability to blend elegance with a sporty demeanor, drawing inspiration from the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. The Velar's exterior was a masterclass in design, with its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille. The subtle adjustments, like the sloping roof and flush door handles, added to its streamlined yet blocky appearance. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and sleek design, even in the base trim. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and the fit and finish were exemplary, making it a true luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale look, moving away from the rugged design ethos traditionally associated with Jeep. The Compass shared design elements with its larger siblings, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, giving it a more mature appearance. The interior was spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably in both rows, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Limited trim, in particular, offered a convincing luxury feel with its two-tone cabin and sophisticated digital displays. However, the Compass's price point, especially in the higher trims, raised questions about its value proposition compared to other small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rover models. The Velar's lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to its impressive cornering and braking capabilities. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine offered average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system elevated the Velar's performance, delivering up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided the high performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, transformed the Compass's driving experience. The Trailhawk version offered enhanced off-road capabilities with its Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system, lifted suspension, and additional off-road features. However, the Compass's engine, while an improvement, was not as powerful as it could be, prioritizing fuel economy over performance. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in various driving conditions, slightly below its EPA rating of 27 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. The stylish exterior design came at the cost of reduced headroom and limited visibility, with cargo space measuring 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, and the new shifter design interfered with other controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a more accommodating interior, with enough space for adults in both rows. The Compass featured standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control, enhancing comfort. The Limited trim provided a luxurious feel with leather seats and a well-appointed cabin. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While interior storage was limited, the Compass's practicality and comfort made it a strong contender in the small SUV segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly interface. The system featured a simplified layout, voice assistant activation, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also offered a range of useful features, such as a heated windshield, 360-degree cameras, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. However, the driving assist display and adaptive cruise control were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, the Compass offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited trim included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system as standard. It featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the system's performance was inconsistent in certain conditions. The Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS had incomplete test results, but it previously qualified for a Top Safety Pick rating.