Jeep Compass vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

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Holden Captiva

$4,900 - $18,000

2017 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2017 Holden Captiva

By Tim Nicholson

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

8.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

It's cheap
It's big
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Dislikes

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

It's old
It's a bit noisy
Lacks the finesse of the competition

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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2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2017 Holden Captiva

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 Captiva is very, very long in the tooth and is heading towards retirement some time in the next twelve months. Before then, it's a lot of car for the money, particularly the seven seat LS. It's not fast, flash or futuristic but it will do the job and with all of the early problems sorted, will probably do it for quite some time.

The Captiva's low scores are mostly to do with the car just being old and feeling it, with dodgier plastics, slightly undercooked ride and handling and a lack of engine and safety tech. It doesn't mean it's a terrible car, because it isn't and Holden papers up the cracks with a low starting price and good after-sales.

Jeep Compass vs Holden Captiva What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?