Jeep Compass vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

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Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

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Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Dislikes

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

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

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 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

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

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Jeep Compass vs Hyundai Santa Fe What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?