Kia Seltos vs Jeep Compass: Which SUV To Buy?

How does the new compact SUV fare against the premium mid-size SUV?

The new Kia Seltos is now the most premium offering in the compact-SUV segment with its introductory prices ranging between Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). Its pricing also brings it into contention with bigger SUVs such as the MG Hector, Tata Harrier and even the Jeep Compass. But at similar prices, does the Seltos offer more value than the Compass?

To find out, let’s start by comparing their specifications and details:

Dimensions

The Compass is a bigger SUV than the Seltos by every measure -  taller, wider and longer. However, the Kia offers a bit more luggage space than the Jeep.

Also read: Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier: Which SUV To Pick?

Engines

Petrol

• The Seltos and Compass are available with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine but the Jeep’s engine is more powerful and torquier.

• Seltos also comes with the option of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Both Kia engines are BS6 compliant.

• Both 1.4-litre turbo-petrol units are available with the choice of a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT.

• The Kia Seltos is available in two broad trims - Tech Line and GT Line. The 1.5-litre engine is offered with Tech Line variants while the GT Line variants are only offered with the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine

• The Seltos’ petrol powertrains have a higher claimed fuel efficiency figure than the Compass’ petrol engine.

Diesel

• The Compass’ diesel engine is bigger than the Seltos’ unit and both are mated to a 6-speed manual. But only the Kia is offered with a diesel-AT option under Rs 20 lakh.

• The Compass diesel is more powerful and torquier than the Seltos diesel.

• The Kia gets a BS6-compliant diesel engine while only the Trailhawk variant of the Compass meets the upcoming emission norms.

• The Seltos claims to be more frugal in both with either gearbox options than the Compass.

• Compass also comes with a 4x4 drivetrain option that isn’t available with the smaller Seltos.

DETAILED PRICES

Petrol

Diesel

Also read: Kia Seltos vs MG Hector: Which SUV To Buy?

Prices of comparable variants

To keep things fair, we will compare variants that are priced within Rs 50,000 of each other.

Kia Seltos GTX+ vs Jeep Compass Sport Plus   

Common features: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, rear parking sensors, disc brakes on all four wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs, touchscreen infotainment system, alloy wheels, roof rails, electronic stability control, traction control system.

What Seltos GTX+ offers over Compass Sport Plus: Leatherette upholstery, rear door curtain shades, rearview camera, rear driving monitor, side and curtain airbags, rain-sensing wipers, smart air purifier, high-speed wireless phone charger, tyre pressure monitor, front parking sensors, blind view monitor, 7-inch multi-colour MID, 360-degree parking camera,     8-way powered driver seat, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof,    8-inch head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, ‘UVO Connect’ connected car technology, auto IRVM, auto cruise control, smart key with push-button engine start, ambient mood lighting,     LED lighting all around.

What Compass Sport Plus offers over Seltos GTX+: Dual zone climate control.

Verdict: It’s an easy win for the top-spec Seltos over the lower variant of the Compass. It has more to offer in terms of safety, comfort, features and technology while being similarly priced.

Read More on : Kia Seltos on road price