2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in its X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green. The interior updates were subtle, with new color options and a redesigned steering wheel, but the standout feature was the digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added a rugged appeal with raised suspensions and unique wheel designs, enhancing the Telluride's off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale aesthetic, moving away from its rugged roots. The Compass featured new wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The interior was designed to offer a more luxurious feel, with options for leather upholstery and a range of comfort features. The Compass Limited, with its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, offering a sophisticated look both inside and out.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for off-road adventures. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models boasted improved ground clearance and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X-Line averaging 24.1 mpg and the X-Pro 20.4 mpg, according to EPA ratings.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 capable. The Trailhawk model featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road performance. Despite improvements, the Compass's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 23.8 mpg. The Compass offered a more engaging driving experience than previous models, though it still faced challenges with body motions and AWD engagement.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered spacious seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats in the SX Prestige trim. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, providing comfort for long journeys. The Telluride's interior was designed for convenience, with features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, and a smart power tailgate. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, with standard cloth upholstery and available leather seats in higher trims. The Limited trim offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. An adjustable load floor and foldable front passenger seat added versatility.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition and over-the-air updates, with additional features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology. The Telluride also offered a Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices and offered over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, the Compass could include a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited trim featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. New for 2023 were junction turning and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist features. The Telluride also included Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. Additional features like a Rear Occupant Alert system and a Blind-Spot View Monitor enhanced safety.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass faced challenges with Highway Assist in certain conditions, but overall, it provided a refined driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.