Jeep Compass vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

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Audi SQ8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2025 Audi SQ8

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

Overall drive experience
Badly executed driver assist systems
Poor value for money

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

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2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2025 Audi SQ8

Verdict

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a curious beast. On the one hand, it looks pretty cool, and it has a well-executed new interior, featuring one of the best multimedia set-ups in the business. It’s spacious and has a long list of standard comfort and safety gear.

Sadly, that’s where the positives end.

It is way too expensive for what you get, especially when you consider the quality of some of its rivals from mainstream and premium brands.

The driver assist features are badly in need of recalibration and the overall drive experience is a letdown.

If you really want a diesel-powered small SUV, perhaps look at one of the much better diesel models at the smaller end of the medium-SUV segment.

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Jeep Compass vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?