Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$29,999 - $67,868

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

By Tim Nicholson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

7.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Lovely design inside and out
Terrifically planted and safe
Evocative, flexible performance

Dislikes

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

Full suite of safety costs extra
Some quality lapses inside
Ride still unsettled even on optional adaptive dampers

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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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Summary

ONE of the great motoring successes of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz GLA, catapulting the brand to unparalleled prominence in the premium small SUV field and kicking off the posh little coupe-hatch crossover craze.

Cynics might say that it is essentially a jumped-up A-Class hatchback, much like the Subaru XV is basically an Impreza in stilettos. But while the small German crossover is built on the same MFA2 platform as its smaller transverse-engined Benz brethren, no body panels are shared, granting it a distinct look and personality. Unlike the little Suby…

The H247-series GLA launched in Australia in 2020 is second-generation, featuring a longer wheelbase and appreciably more space, but a shorter overall length than the popular original from 2013. It's also substantially taller.

Here we take a long, hard look at the bestselling GLA 250 4Matic.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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

With Mercedes-Benz’s vast number of SUVs, there is room for an urban luxury crossover niche, and the GLA delivers in spades.

Indeed, in 250 4Matic guise, it is that rare thing – a high-riding hatch with dynamics to shame most dedicated pocket-rockets. It really is a hoot if you find the right road, regardless of weather conditions. The Benz has towering talent.

However, even without desirable options like adaptive dampers and a full suite of driver-assist safety technology, the GLA is expensive, does not quite carry off the price tag from an interior quality point of view, and struggles to maintain the degree of comfort and refinement expected from a Mercedes – with or without the $3K necessary to score adaptive dampers.

Still, especially because of the way the GLA looks, goes, stops and steers, if you can afford it, you’ll be rewarded. There’s never been a more rounded GLA.

Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
What's the difference?