2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more subdued and conservative exterior appeal, especially notable in its Stormy Sea color option paired with a black-on-black interior. It kept the same exterior profile as its 2022 predecessor, except for its distinctive grilles and thin LED headlights, which were typical of Hyundai's design language. The SUV's interior was luxurious, especially in the high-end Calligraphy trim, which featured Nappa leather seats and a preference for a beige interior to enhance visual contrast and a pleasing aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass exhibited a more refined appearance that echos the more upscale Jeep models like the Grand Cherokee. This evolution in style was evident from its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, which lent it a semblance to its larger brand siblings. The interior, primarily in the Limited trim, boasted a sophisticated ambiance with digital displays and chic two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, presenting a considerable step-up in perceived quality, mimicking a small luxury SUV.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was powered by a base 2.5-liter engine available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The turbocharged version in the Calligraphy trim delivered a robust 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup allowed for brisk acceleration and impressive on-road performance, devoid of significant turbo lag or harsh engine noise.

Conversely, the Jeep Compass featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine across all models, generating 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was linked to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system. Despite being less powerful than the Santa Fe's turbo variant, the Compass offered a transformed driving experience from prior models, with the new engine providing sufficient gusto for highway merges and better overall drivability compared to its predecessors. However, it still showed limitations with body motions on uneven terrains and a slight delay in AWD system engagement.

Cabin and cargo space in the Hyundai Santa Fe were thoughtfully designed without the compromise of a third row, allowing generous room configurations. It boasted 41.7 inches of rear legroom and up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the seat area configured. The interior was punctuated with amenities like an eight-way power driver's seat in higher trims and an extended panoramic sunroof that enhanced the cabin’s airiness.

The Jeep Compass, though narrower, was efficiently packaged to accommodate adults comfortably in both rows. It provided ample features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a dual-pane sunroof. Cargo space was somewhat less competitive but adequate, with up to 59.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. It featured a manually-adjustable front passenger seat that could fold to facilitate long items.

In technology, the Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with a mix of infotainment and advanced driver support systems. Its standard offerings included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with several connectivity options in the higher trims, complemented by a Harman Kardon audio system.

The Jeep Compass was equipped with a universal 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring the latest Uconnect 5 system, which supported a variety of modern functionalities including wireless connectivity options and an optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system. Though not as customizable as Santa Fe's system, it was user-friendly and highly functional.

Safety provisions in the Hyundai Santa Fe were comprehensive, with a full suite of ADAS features and top ratings from safety organizations, including a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a 'Top Safety Pick+' from the IIHS.

The Jeep Compass also boasted a solid array of safety features, including new additions like drowsy driver detection. While it did not have updated crash-test ratings from NHTSA at the time of the review, it was equipped to offer a reassuring driving and safety experience.