2024 Jeep Compass vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, presented a somewhat underwhelming exterior design. The model we evaluated was a Compass Sport, which lacked distinctive features, making it blend in with other small crossovers. Its seven-slot grille was the only element that identified it as a Jeep. The interior, however, was a different story. The Compass boasted a well-designed cabin with supportive cloth seats and a large 10-inch infotainment screen. The interior quality was commendable, especially for models from 2022 onwards, which saw significant improvements in fit and finish. Despite these enhancements, the exterior design remained generic, lacking the unique identity expected from a Jeep.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered a bold and polarizing design. Its grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, divided opinions. The vehicle's personality varied significantly with color and trim, with darker shades providing a more harmonious look. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a luxurious two-tone palette in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided a comfortable experience, although the cushions were somewhat firm. The Telluride's interior quality was excellent, with various trim surfaces available, including engineered wood and carbon.

The 2024 Jeep Compass was powered by 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 all-wheel drive, the Compass offered a smooth driving experience. It featured three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. However, the steering and handling were weak points, with too much play off-center and low grip. The Compass Trailhawk variant offered additional off-road capabilities but came at a higher cost. Fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid model added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride Hybrid provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a seamless transition between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence on winding roads.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. It featured clear analog gauges, a large color display, and physical climate controls. Visibility was good, and the interior offered ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats had 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, allowing for longer items to be carried.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, although the rear seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to a business-class airline seat. The Telluride's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 89.3 cubic feet available when the second-row seatbacks were folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software. The system was slick, crisp, and generally quick, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, and a semi-automated driving system was available. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, panoramic moonroof, and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The infotainment system was easy to use, although it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride SX trim and above came with a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, delivering powerful bass and clear tones.

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 IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were available on higher trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking proximity sensors. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly helpful on longer trips.