2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 showcased a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable design elements that connected it visually to the G70. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The physical rollers on the center console and steering wheel were a nod to practicality, providing a better experience than touch capacitive controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling of its predecessors. The Compass shared its design language with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, offering a more mature appearance. The 2023 model introduced new wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude trims, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim, featured Granite Crystal paint and optional multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, giving it a resemblance to a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of sophistication, thanks to digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics. However, the high price of the test vehicle raised questions about its value compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two gas-powered engines and an electrified version. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's performance was well-rounded, blending comfort and sharp handling. The electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth and confident acceleration, with a Boost Mode for an extra power surge. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a significant powertrain upgrade with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive system. The Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk trim featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. During testing, the new turbo engine transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable, though it prioritized fuel economy over maximum power. The Compass achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. While the new powertrain improved the driving experience, the Compass still exhibited some body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with decently large cupholders and a center console tray with a retractable lid. The front seats offered easy adjustability for a comfortable seating position, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench could recline for added comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior with seating for adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four people. Standard features included an air filtration system and a humidity-sensing dual-zone automatic climate control system. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while higher trims offered leather seats and additional comfort features. The Limited trim, with its leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium materials, created a convincing luxury SUV feel. The rear seat provided enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The adjustable load floor allowed for flexible storage options.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis included helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, though the proximity of the rotary dial to the vehicle's shifter could lead to confusion. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed Bluetooth pairing for two devices and received over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, the Compass offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in with natural voice recognition. The Limited trim included these features, and the Alexa technology proved responsive and accurate. The Alpine audio system delivered good sound quality, though it was slightly bass-heavy. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model offered additional features in the Advance Package, such as a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a standard drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a traffic sign recognition system, and front and rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system for limited-access highways. During testing, Highway Assist provided subtle and accurate operation, though it faced challenges in certain conditions. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter's requirements for a Top Safety Pick rating not yet met.