2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Jeep Compass showcased a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling traditionally associated with Jeep. It adopted a more upscale appearance, akin to its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Red editions offered additional color options, including black and silver. With five core trim levels and several special editions, the Compass catered to a range of preferences, though its pricing was on the higher side for a small SUV. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, exuded a sophisticated look, complemented by a well-appointed interior with digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price tag made it less competitive compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning its design more closely with Kia's other SUVs like the Telluride. The Sorento's new front end, with a bluff grille and vertically-stacked LED headlights, gave it a more imposing presence. The interior saw significant upgrades, including a new dashboard and combined gauge and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the X-Line package was now exclusive to higher models, and the new X-Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities. The cabin materials were improved, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury. The Sorento's interior felt more upscale than some competitors, offering a solidly assembled and comfortable environment.

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 standard AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to adequately spirited. The Trailhawk version offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Despite improvements, the engine's power was somewhat limited due to fuel economy priorities, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The Compass handled well on pavement, with the Limited trim providing good grip, but its tall and narrow design led to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. Off-road, the Trailhawk excelled in challenging conditions, though it occasionally struggled with standard tires.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering more lively performance. The Sorento's AWD system, available as an option, provided increased ground clearance and improved usability. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, demonstrating impressive capability in challenging environments. The Sorento's ride was comfortable and quiet, though the X-Line's large wheels could transmit vibrations on rough surfaces. Fuel economy for the gas-powered Sorento was average, with turbo models achieving 23 mpg combined.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for a small SUV, accommodating adults comfortably in both rows. Its narrow design enhanced maneuverability, while standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Compass provided competitive cargo space, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the center console's hard plastic edge could be uncomfortable for drivers.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tight but offered more space than some competitors. The Sorento's interior featured noise-insulating glass and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The third row was suitable for occasional use, making it ideal for families with children. The Sorento's new dashboard was ergonomic, with intuitive controls and ample storage space. Cargo capacity was compromised with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 72.1 cubic feet of space, comparable to larger SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM services and over-the-air updates. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The system's Alexa Built-in technology was responsive, and the parking assist system was useful, though the Compass's small size made it less necessary.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on all trims. The system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento's SX-Prestige models included a Bose 12-speaker sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle. The infotainment system's voice commands were less reliable, but the overall setup was intuitive and stylish.

The 2023 Jeep Compass included a range of standard safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system, though its performance was inconsistent in certain conditions. The Compass had not yet received complete crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models had earned a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite offered an extensive array of standard and optional safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced options like Highway Driving Assist 2 and surround-view cameras were available on higher trims. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning capabilities, though sensor performance could be affected by weather conditions. The Sorento had not yet been fully evaluated by NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models had received favorable ratings.