2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass reflected a more refined and upscale design ethos compared to its rugged predecessors. It featured a sophisticated exterior with new 17-inch wheels for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass Red editions were available in black or silver paint. 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 options, 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, giving it a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a more rugged and versatile appearance, especially with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The X-Line package added features like a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, and roof rails, while the X-Pro package included 18-inch matte-black wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package. Our test vehicle, an SX Prestige with the X-Line package, had an MSRP of $54,270. It featured premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a black interior with thoughtful details like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel that changed with the time of day.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally received a satisfying powertrain 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 Jeep Active Drive AWD, transformed the Compass from gutless to gutsy. The Trailhawk trim offered additional off-road capabilities with a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system, a 20:1 crawl ratio, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. However, the Compass still had some drawbacks, such as significant body motions on uneven pavement and a slow-to-engage AWD system. The EPA fuel economy rating was 27 mpg in combined driving, but our test averaged 23.8 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's AWD system included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode. The X-Pro package increased the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with responsive steering and brakes. However, it wasn't very fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test averaged 19 mpg. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, making it comfortable on winding roads.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows of seats, despite its narrow width. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area offered 27.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, interior storage space was limited, and the center console's hard plastic edge was uncomfortable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior comfort, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line. It featured premium Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was easy to use. The SUV offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and door panel bins. The cargo area provided 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and the X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, an embedded navigation system, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was fast and accurate, and the parking assist system could autonomously steer the Compass into parking spaces. However, the surround-view camera was more useful than the parking assist system.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Kia Connect subscription offered various features, including remote engine starting and climate pre-conditioning. The test vehicle had satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, a Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. The Telluride also offered a camera-based rearview mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a standard drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard ADAS features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Higher trims offered additional features like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The Telluride also had Highway Driving Assist 2.0, which added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.