We put the specs of the Kia Seltos vs Jeep Compass to see how the newest SUV in the segment compares to one of the older ones on paper.
Kia Motors unveiled the Seltos SUV some time ago here in India which also marked it’s global debut. The Seltos will be Kia Motor’s first product in India and it has been much anticipated for. The Kia Seltos sits in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment that includes the likes of the Hyundai Creta, the MG Hector, the Tata Harrier and also the Jeep Compass.
The Jeep Compass has been on Indian roads for many years now and is one the most loved SUVs in the segment. Although the most expensive in the segment, it has still managed to make a great case for itself. Also, its the only proper off-roader in the segment. Back when it was launched, the Compass was the most premium and feature loaded amongst its rivals and now Kia is doing the same thing with the Seltos.
Here we take a closer look at how the Seltos fares against the Compass on paper, two SUVs that have been absolute game changers for the segment.
Kia Seltos vs Jeep Compass – Engine Specifications (Petrol)
| Model | Kia Seltos | Jeep Compass |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol/1.4L Turbo Petrol Engine | 1.4L, Turbo 4-cylinder Petrol Engine |
| Power | 115 Bhp/140 Bhp | 160Bhp |
| Torque | 144 Nm/242 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual, CVT/7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual/7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
The Kia Seltos has two petrol engine options – a naturally aspirated 1.5L, petrol engine and a 1.4L, turbocharged petrol engine. The Compass on the other hand only has a 1.4L, turbocharged petrol engine.
Comparing the numbers of the turbocharged petrol engines of both the cars, the Jeep Compass clearly has the edge here, be power or torque. And that would actually make some real world difference. The Seltos has the advantage of a less powerful naturally aspirated engine which will just widen its spectrum and make it more accessible to buyers looking for a premium SUV. Both cars have 6-speed manuals. But the Seltos gets a CVT and a 7-speed DCT for its automatic options while the Compass only gets a 7-speed DCT.
Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta – Engine Specifications (Diesel)
| Model | Kia Seltos | Jeep Compass |
| Engine | 1.5L, CRDi Diesel Engine | 2.0L, Turbocharged, 4-cylinder Diesel Engine |
| Power | 115 Bhp | 171 bhp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed Torque Converter | 6-speed manual |
About the diesel engines, the Kia Seltos gets a 1.5L, diesel engine while the Jeep Compass gets a 2.0L, diesel engine. The larger diesel engine in the Compass produces way more power and torque than the one in the Seltos. The Jeep clearly has the edge here. The diesel engine in the Seltos comes paired to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter whereas the Compass only gets a 6-speed manual. Jeep will however launch a diesel automatic variant of the Compass very soon.
Kia Seltos vs Jeep Compass – Dimensions
| Dimensions | Kia Seltos | Jeep Compass |
| Length | 4,315 mm | 4,395 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,818 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,636 mm |
Well, the Kia Seltos and the Jeep Compass are very closely matched in terms of dimensions, with the Compass just edging ahead a little in every front. Its longer, wider and taller than the Seltos. Its wheelbase is also more than the Seltos. Naturally, the Compass will also be a little more spacious on the interiors as well. In flesh however, both cars look just about the same size.
Also Read : Kia Seltos vs MG Hector – Specifications Comparison
Exterior Design
The Jeep Compass has always been a favorite for the Indian market. There’s nothing quite flashy about the Compass. It’s just a traditional SUV design which is simple, yet elegant and it works just fine for most customers. The upright stance with simple lines keeps the Creta a good looking SUV till this date. The face with the LED headlamps still look young and the kink at the C-pillar is particularly very attractive. This is a design that has aged very well and will continue to do in the years to come.
On the other hand, the Seltos is all about that drama. The sharp lines beautifully brings out the muscles in the Seltos. The car is very proportionate, has the perfect stance and the LED head lamps and tail lamps will take your heart away. The details on the Seltos are really impressive like knurled finish on the tiger nose grille. The Seltos is easily the better looking SUV. It’s looks smart, contemporary and you definitely will turn your head when it goes down the road. Nevertheless, looks are a subjective matter and both cars look good in their own individual way.
Also Read : Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier Comparison – Engine, Dimension and Prices
Interiors and Features
Back when it was launched, the Jeep Compass was the most feature loaded car at its price point. The dashboard is well laid out with dual-tone black and beige trims, quality of materials is absolutely top-notch for its segment and it really feels like a premium cabin. Its also quite feature loaded with a large touch screen infotainment system and even a panoramic sunroof. The ergonomics are also very well laid out.
However, it is the Kia with a better interior design scheme and better ergonomics. It is loaded with every feature you can image of and then some more. Quality of materials and fit and finish are absolutely great as well. It even gets connected car technologies and also a heads-up display. The design of the dashboard also looks very premium. The Kia being the newer car edges ahead here as its much more features and technology.
Prices
This is where it all comes down to. The Kia is expected to be priced between Rs. 11-16 lakhs, ex-showroom. And the Jeep Compass starts from Rs. 15.65 lakhs, ex-showroom for the base model and goes all the way to Rs. 23.10 lakhs for the top-end variant, excluding the Trailhawk varaints. That means the base variant of the Compass is priced at what is expected to be one of the top-end variants of the Seltos.
Is the Compass still worth it then? Well, not so much for its premiumness or its features anymore – the Seltos is the new benchmark at that – but it still remains the only proper off-roader, has much better performance than any of the rivals and lastly, there’s the brand value of Jeep. For these purposes, the Compass will likely remain as popular as it has been.
