Launched in July 2018, the Jeep Compass has been a turnaround product for the American SUV maker in the Indian market. The SUV has been driving sales due to variety of factors including stylish looks, feature-packed interior and efficient powertrains. Currently, the Compass is available in the price range of Rs 15.34 lakh to Rs 21.94 lakh (all, ex-showroom Delhi). At this price point, the model opens to a wide range of competitors priced in the same vicinity, though they may belong to separate segments. Here, we bring you five alternatives to Jeep Compass in that price range.
1. Hyundai Creta SX (O)
The top-spec variant in Hyundai Creta’s line-up, SX(O) is available with Hyundai’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel and 16 Dual VTVT petrol engines paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Belonging to the compact SUV space, Creta is one of the best-selling models in the segment with attributes such as contemporary design, feature packed cabin and frugal engines.
Strengths
– Priced at Rs 13.59 lakh, the top-spec SX (O) Creta diesel is over 1.52 lakh cheaper than Compass Sport diesel. The Creta’s top-end petrol model costs Rs 13.59 lakh, which is around Rs 1.75 more expensive than the Compass Sport petrol.
– Hyundai Creta returns ARAI rated mileage of 22.1kmpl – 20.5kmpl (diesel) and 15.8kmpl (petrol) opposed to Compass’ 17.1kmpl (diesel) and 16.0kmpl (petrol). Mileage of petrol models of both the SUVs is almost similar.
-It gets smart electric sunroof (first-in-segment), 6-way powered driver seats, a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, iBlue audio control app, push button start, automatic ac with rear vents, rear camera & speed sensing auto door lock etc.
Weaknesses
-The boot space on Creta SX(O) is 38-litre less than Compass. The former offers a luggage space of 400-litres.
– It lacks automatic transmission, though it can be had on the SX+ AT trim, but it misses out on some prominent safety bits.
– The SUV misses out on all four-disc brakes.
2. Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai launched its much-awaited premium SUV Tucson last year in India in petrol and diesel variants with a choice between manual and automatic variants in 2WD option. The carmaker introduced the 4WD variant on the top-spec 1.0L GLS automatic variant of the SUV. Priced in the range of Rs 18.29 lakh to Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hyundai Tucson is another alternative to the Jeep Compass.
Strengths
– Hyundai Tucson offers 513-litre of boot space, which is 75-litre more than the Compass.
– The 2.0-litre CRDi oil burner offers 182bhp of power and comes with a manual and auto gearbox. The 2.0L Multijet diesel engine of the Compass delivers 170bhp.
-Hyundai Tucson gets standard dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, reverse parking camera and speed-sensing auto door locks etc.
Weaknesses
– The 2.0-litre Dual VTVT petrol engine (153bhp) is slightly underpowered compared to Compass (160bhp).
– There’s a substantial difference in price compared to Compass.
3. Mahindra XUV500
Ever since it launched back in 2011, the SUV has been one of the best-selling models in the segment. In April 2018, the SUV received a mid-life updated with minor styling changes and feature upgrades. Propelled by the 2.2-litre mHawk engine, XUV500 offers a good mix of features such as electric sunroof with anti-pinch etc at a relatively low price point.
Strengths
– Priced between Rs 12.32 lakh to Rs 18.98 lakh, the XUV500 line-up is cheaper.
– It is available in FWD & AWD drivetrains in manual & AT option.
– Sitting on a 2,700mm long wheelbase, XUV comes in 7-seat layout.
Weaknesses
-The 2.2-litre mHawk engine makes 15bhp less power compared to Compass. The former returns a claimed power of 155bhp and the latter offers 170bhp.
– It misses out on Apple CarPlay connectivity option.
– In terms of styling and interior quality, the XUV500 sits behind the Jeep Compass.
4. Tata Hexa
Tata launched its seven-seater Hexa in January 2017 at a competitive price. Based on Tata’s new IMPACT design language, the model not only looks good but it packs a powerful engine which comes with a choice between manual and automatic option.
Strengths
– Priced between Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Tata Hexa is relatively cheaper than Jeep Compass.
– It is available in six and seven seat layouts. Dimensionally it is larger than Compass.
– Tata Hexa packs in six-airbags, co-driver airbags deactivation & off reminder, electronic stability program with roll over mitigation etc.
Weaknesses
-The boot space capacity is cramped at 128L, though it could be expanded by folding the second and third seats.
– It misses out on smartphone connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
– The Hexa carline lacks petrol engine.
5. Toyota Innova Crysta
Toyota launched second generation Innova Crysta in 2016 with radical aesthetic and mechanical changes. With improved looks and new tech, the model surpassed all its rivals in the segment, albeit it witnessed a substantial price bump which brings it on par with the Compass. The Innova Cysta range is priced between Rs 14.34 lakh and goes up to Rs 21.57 lakh which puts it on the crosshair of Jeep Compass. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Strengths
– There is a substantial price difference (Rs 1 lakh) between entry level Innova & Compass variants.
– It is available in seven and eight seat options with air con vents across rows.
– It packs additional equipment and powerful engines in both petrol and diesel guise.
Weaknesses
– The engines offer low fuel economy. Its petrol model delivers fuel economy of 11.25kmpl and the diesel variants promise 11.36kml (2.8L) – 13.68kmpl (2.4L).
– The diesel engine lacks refinement and is a bit noisy.
– The smaller capacity 2.4-litre oil burner misses out on AT unit.
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