2024 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's other models, yet it remained an attractive SUV. It continued with the same look and feel as the 2022 model, available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The Calligraphy AWD trim, tested in a Stormy Sea color with a black-on-black interior, had a base price of $42,600, with additional costs bringing the total MSRP to $45,845. The Santa Fe's styling was marked by its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, while the interior, though high-quality, was dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable, and the vehicle offered heated and cooled front seats, with heated seats in the second row.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, initially presented a mix-up with its test vehicle, leading to a less-than-ideal first impression. The Compass Sport trim, dressed in a basic fleet vehicle style, lacked distinctive Jeep features, appearing generic without the Trailhawk's unique elements. The interior of the Compass, however, was praised for its design and quality, especially in the 2023 Limited trim. The base Compass offered supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and a well-designed dash. The infotainment system featured a large 10-inch screen, and the interior had a cohesive and modern feel, though the exterior design was less unique.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with its eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector offered four modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart, enhancing its versatility. The turbocharged model excelled in acceleration and passing power, with smooth handling and minimal body lean. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 2,000 pounds for the non-turbo version and 3,500 pounds for the turbo model.

The 2024 Jeep Compass replaced its previous 2.4-liter engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance and reduced engine noise. It featured three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk trim added off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and increased ground clearance. However, the Compass's steering and handling were less impressive, with a comfortable ride but lacking precision. Its fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness with its two-row configuration, offering 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured comfortable seating, with power adjustments and heated front seats in higher trims. Convenience features included dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the driver's seat position could be uncomfortable for some, and the wide center console limited leg space.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large color display. The interior offered ample legroom and headroom, with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat also folded for carrying longer items. The Compass's interior design was practical, though some controls lacked temperature readouts.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its in-vehicle technology, offering a 4.2-inch color LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. Infotainment options included an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the base trim, while other trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports. The system was user-friendly, though the home screen lacked direct app switching. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was available on higher trims, with options for a panoramic moonroof and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. The Compass also offered a semi-automated driving system on select trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top ratings in crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and parking sensors available on higher trims.