2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass Red editions offered additional color options, including black and silver. The lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with several upgrades, had an MSRP of $45,800. It boasted a Granite Crystal paint job, 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone black and gray interior with caramel accents, exuding a sense of luxury. However, the high price tag made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the top-tier Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Matterhorn White Matte paint and dark chrome trim. The exterior, while stylish, was somewhat understated due to the black-painted 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The GV80's cabin was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Prestige Signature trim's exterior didn't stand out as much as the regular Prestige model. The GV80's price ranged from $57,700 to $81,750, with our test vehicle priced at $84,600, including destination charges.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its long-standing powertrain issues with 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 Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive system, offered improved performance. The Compass featured Selec-Terrain with three driving modes, while the Trailhawk version added a Rock mode and a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system. Despite the enhancements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving, though our tests averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass excelled in off-road conditions, especially in Rock mode, but its tall and narrow design led to significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The AWD system was slow to engage, causing front wheelspin during hard acceleration.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle featured the latter, providing satisfying performance but lower fuel efficiency, with an observed 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, offering five driving modes. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes contributed to its athletic performance, while the P265/40R22 all-season tires provided commendable grip. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, offering a luxurious yet communicative driving experience, though the steering was unremarkable.

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 available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Limited trim featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a comfortable seating position, though the hard plastic edge of the center console was uncomfortable. The rear seat provided adequate space, and the Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, featured a luxurious interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. However, it only accommodated four people, limiting its passenger capacity. The GV80 offered various seating materials, including premium leather, and standard features like heated front seats and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. Despite these features, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and the rear seats didn't recline far enough for extended legroom. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. Our Limited test vehicle included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The parking assist system and surround-view camera were useful features, though the Jeep's small size made the former less necessary.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required using a control dial on the center console. The system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging. The infotainment display was visually pleasing, and the voice-recognition system was user-friendly. The GV80 featured a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display providing blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Our Limited test vehicle experienced some issues with Highway Assist, but overall, it offered refined operation. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter worked well in light traffic but was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.