Jeep Compass Sport diesel vs Hyundai Creta SX Plus diesel

Compact SUVs are in vogue and while we have the Marutis and the Tatas fighting in the budget segment, the premium segment has been dominated by the Hyundai Creta. Good build, refined power and simple design have been the success criteria here and the Jeep Compass plays these cards really well. In spite of being a luxury brand for the Indian car market, Jeep has deployed a very aggressive pricing for the Compass. What it does is that it places the Compass just one step ahead of the Creta. So we figure out if the entry-level Compass is worth the stretch if you are already looking to buy the top-spec Creta.

Size and Space

The Jeep Compass is certainly a segment above the Hyundai Creta in terms of size. It is a whole 125mm longer and 38mm wider than the Creta. And that does reflect in the legroom you get for the rear passengers of the Compass. In terms of exterior looks as well, the Compass does look bigger than the Creta and with the signature vertically slatted grille, the Jeep stamps its status.

Both the SUVs get alloy wheels but being top-spec, the Hyundai gets 17-inch alloys while the Jeep gets 16 inches. While both the SUVs get LED daytime running lamps, the Compass gets a reflector unit as against the projector headlamps of the Creta. Hyundai also offers dual-tone body colour for its top-spec car with a contrast roof.

Equipment

While looks do matter, it is the equipment that tips the scale in your favour. The Jeep, even in its entry-level trim comes packed with features. You get push-button start, electrically adjustable wing mirrors with indicators, height adjustable driving seat, front armrest, climate control etc. You also have the full-fledged 5” touchscreen display with four speakers, steering mounted audio controls, auto-up and down front windows and a hydraulic power steering. The Creta SX Plus is also laden with features that includes everything the Jeep Compass gets and two speakers extra for the music system.

In terms of safety, the Hyundai Creta offers six airbags, ABS with EBD and an electronic stability program with hill assist. The Jeep Compass gets all the electronic wizardry, but only two airbags as the Sport trim is entry-level. Both the cars get child-seat mounts but the Jeep scores with an electronic parking brake.

Performance

The Jeep Compass comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder diesel engine that pumps 170bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a six-speed manual ‘box and is certainly a performer. The Creta on the other hand gets a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel that also comes mated to a six-speed manual and develops 265Nm of torque along with 126bhp of power.

Conclusion

While looks are subjective, size does matter here in India and the Jeep does score over the Creta in this department. In terms of equipment, in spite of the Jeep being an entry-level car, it matches the Creta fairly well, not leaving much room for complaints. But when you are speaking about spending a whole Rs 2 lakh more than the Creta, plus taxes, the Jeep’s able mechanicals and all the extra horsepower and torque come into play. If you can stretch your budget, the Compass is certainly an option as you will not be buying a barebones base trim. Also, if you are looking to upgrade from the Creta and yet not splurge on the Tucson instead, then the Compass certainly fits the bill.