Hyundai Tucson vs Jeep Compass: The Battle of the Premium SUVs

We compare the specifications of the Jeep Compass with the Hyundai Tucson. So which of the two should you go for?

The Jeep Compass 2017 (left) and the Hyundai Tucson 2016. (Photo: The Quint)

With Jeep unveiling the Compass in India, most of us are expecting it to be priced around Rs 25 lakh.

At this price point, one of the more popular five-seater SUVs is the Hyundai Tucson, which is likely to be a direct competitor to the Jeep Compass. We run a check on the specifications to see which of these two seems like the better SUV.

Size Matters

The Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson are pretty similar in terms of size, with the Tucson appearing slightly larger than the Compass in length and width. The Tucson also has a slightly larger wheelbase compared to the Compass, which means the Compass may not be as spacious as the Tucson.

Most Jeep buyers would expect to do a spot of off-road driving with the Compass and that’s where it delivers, with more ground clearance than the Hyundai Tucson.

A comparison of the specs. (Photo: The Quint)

The Power Game

The Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Compass come with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. If you are looking for a petrol SUV, even though the Jeep Compass comes with a 1.4 litre “multi-air” (turbo-charged) petrol engine, which is smaller than the 2-litre unit in the Tucson, the Compass still puts out more power and torque.

If you are looking for a diesel SUV, both Jeep and Hyundai offer 2-litre engines, but the Tucson has a little more power and torque to offer than the Compass.

In terms of transmission options, both Hyundai and Jeep offer six-speed manuals, while Jeep offers a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic option in the Compass too, which is better than Hyundai’s six-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox in the Tucson.

However, where the Compass has a huge advantage is with its all-wheel drive system. Hyundai currently does not offer all-wheel drive on the Tucson in India, although it plans to bring that in soon. Even then, the Selec-Terrain system that Jeep offers is likely to be a better four-wheel drive option.

The Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Compass come with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. (Photo: The Quint)

The Features Face-Off

The Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson seem pretty evenly matched on the features front, going by the information we have about the Compass so far.

Dual-zone climate control, touch-screen infotainment system, steering audio controls, cruise control, electronic parking brake, hill start assist, projector headlamps and LED tail-lamps are all features that are common to both vehicles.

Unless Jeep reveals a longer feature list, both vehicles are likely to appeal equally.

Everything hangs on how Jeep prices the Compass. If it undercuts or even matches the Hyundai Tucson, which is priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, it will have a winner on its hands.

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