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</p><p><b>Safety</b></p><ul><li><p>Jeep Compass build is class apart, exceptionally robust friendly build which can rival a segment above. The air of sturdiness one gets in Jeep is amazing, may we add, truly American! Creta, on the other hand, feels light, just like a typical Asian car. </p></li><li><p>6-airbags are available only on the top end trims of both the warriors here. Only the top end trim of Creta has this feature while Compass gets it only in the 4x4 variant. We feel safety feature like side and curtain airbags should be offered, at least as an option, on lower trims in both the vehicles. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Both the cars have Cornering lights, a huge boon our roads. Bi-functional projector headlights are available on both, but Compass gets Bi-Xenon as an option. Rear fog lamps are available on Compass. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Rear discs are shockingly unavailable on Creta. Compass has Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill start Assist, Dynamic Steering Torque, Auto Electric Park Brake, all-wheel discs as standard feature; only the top-end trim of Creta gets Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management Control and Hill Start Assist.</p></li><li><p>ISOFIX mounts and split rear seats are absent on all variants of Creta except the automatic ones, but Compass gets it as standard. Jeep Compass scored a full 5/5 in Euro NCAP tests. Results for sold in India models of both are not yet available. </p></li></ul><p><b>Performance</b></p><ul><li><p>Compass is powered by a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that puts out an impressive grunt with power rated at 170 BHP and 350 Nm of torque. Creta’s 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor has power and torque are rated at 126 BHP and 260 Nm respectively. Compass has less lag, but Creta isn’t far behind. Both have noticeably impressive NVH levels.</p></li><li><p>Creta is available with a 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, but the former isn’t available in the top most trim. 6-speed manual has well-chosen ratios with shift quality being slick. Typically, Hyundai clutch; light but long travel. At home in urban crawls, your felt foot won’t have a reason to complain. Automatic is responsive enough for normal motoring.</p></li><li><p>Compass’ manual transmission is smooth, but on a bit heavier side. Not muscle training heavy, rather it feels more solid, may be add military grade! Clutch has slight longer travel, but that’s about it. Automatic variant will be launched next year. It’s is 9-speed speed unit, sourced from ZF. This auto unit will be mated to the 2.0 L MultiJet engine for the first time.</p></li><li><p>Compass is available with 4x4, but it's paired with manual transmission. Drive modes are available with modes including Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud. Creta doesn’t offer 4x4 in India. Compass’ off-road performance is noteworthy and true to its reputation but the low approach angle, thanks to wind deflector under the front bumper, has limited its off-road prowess. Fortunately, this front deflector is removable. Moreover, Compass doesn’t get low range. It might come next year, in the TrailHawk version, along with Rock mode. </p></li><li><p>Handling is superior in Compass with steering being sufficiently weighed up as speedo climbs. Creta is completely outclassed in this department. Though it’s light for city driving/low speeds, we feel it’s too light and sensitive for highway speeds. Has very little feedback, a typical Hyundai problem.</p></li></ul><p><b>Comfort</b></p><ul><li><p>Compass’ cabin isn’t as spacious as its exterior size suggests. Not that it’s lacking but seems slightly ordinary in rear. Front seats are large and comfortable, in tune with what is expected out of an American brand. Side bolstering and support are nice and give a good feel to occupants.</p></li><li><p>Creta’s seats are good, but a bit flat. Those on heavier side might feel it. Rear seat is comfortable and legroom is decent but not extraordinary. Front seats have excellent legroom at disposal. Under thigh support and space for the 5th passenger is below par in both the cars.</p></li><li><p>Both the cars have good feature list which is exhaustive as we climb up the variant ladder. The lower trims could do with a few more features, more so with Creta.</p></li><li><p>Creta’s cabin feels a wee bit airier than Compass’. Both have good all-round visibility although the thick D-pillars are hindrance in rear visibility.</p></li><li><p>Ride is Compass’ forte. Creta, when compared to Compass, never feels settled down specially on broken roads. Urban jungle given, softer Creta has an advantage, but once the speed rises, Compass eats anything thrown onto its path. Its straight line stability is Euro-spec, hardly anything can deflect it from its path.</p></li></ul><p><b>Interior</b></p><ul><li><p>Creta’s interior fit and finish, quality stand out in its segment. It certainly feels good and uplifts the ambience. Instrumentation is understated yet elegant, certainly feels premium. </p></li><li><p>Compass too has nicely screwed together interiors, and most of the operations are done with an air of robustness. But we did expect a bit better quality on the inside. The IRVM housing, for example, is large and not as well finished while lacking in feel-good factor. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Compass has some blank spaces where there would have been buttons for operating features. It feels rather cost cutting when such blank spaces are not well covered up, especially considering the pricing and market placement of car.</p></li><li><p>That said, Compass’ steering wheel is compact, well finished and joy to hold. &nbsp;Feels special which one expects. Creta has hint of other Hyundais on sale; yet another area where Compass trumps.</p></li><li><p>Cabin quality, control operations, are all at par in both the machines. Compass’ wiper and lights stalks are in European LHD pattern. To some, it will take a few kilometers to get used to. &nbsp;</p></li></ul><p><b>Exterior</b></p><ul><li><p>While both the machines have SUV genes in aesthetics, Compass looks smashing in person. Creta face is too common on Indian roads where Creta has sold in huge numbers. Bright colors help the Jeep look smashing. Creta facelift might be on its way.</p></li><li><p>Compass’ grille itself takes center stage below the “Jeepâ€ written on the hood. &nbsp;The hood itself has well defined creases which give it a “power bulgeâ€. Looks quite powerful, may we add Intimidating?</p></li><li><p>Creta uses straight lines well to its advantage, and shall age well. The design gives it quite a presence as and well-proportioned silhouette lifts the SUV-ish styling. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>17â€ rims on Creta are smashing to look at, suits the car well. Hyundai’s diamond cut alloys are segment leading in almost all segments Hyundai is present in. &nbsp;Jeep’s 17â€ alloys are smart looking too, simple yet but a bit understated.</p></li><li><p>Both the cars are available with dual tone body color. The black roof on Jeep looks eye catching, sporty and immensely likeable. Creta too has dual tone option that suits it well. Jeep is quite eye catching overall as far as exteriors go.</p></li></ul><p><b>Practicality</b></p><ul><li><p>4x4 option on Jeep means it can go to places where Creta can’t. Reaching that distant farmhouse in monsoon? No problem! Jeep also debuts Firestone brand in India with all season tyres.</p></li><li><p>Creta has marginally more boot space at 410 litres compared to Compass’ 400 litres. Compass doesn’t have a well designed boot though with slight wheelwell intrusions. Both are evenly matched in this regard. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Frequency selective dampers on Jeep give it an edge which adds to comfort and stability of the car. Jeep has tried its best to offer practical touch beyond touch and feel points. Jeep’s electronic parking brake is nifty to use, saves space too. Plus, it gets engaged automatically when the car is in motion and the vice-versa if the engine is switched off and driver unbuckles his seatbelt. However it’s a bit risky if a notorious kid pulls the switch while the car is in motion. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Hyundai’s service network is much larger compared to Jeep’s coverage. An advantage it holds as of now till Jeep’s network is expanded significantly. It's more of a peace of mind factor though.</p></li><li><p>Compass’ ground clearance is 155 but it’s under laden conditions. Creta’s ground clearance under laden condition is not available as yet. Compass price range starts at Rs. 14.95 lakh for entry level petrol trim and extends upto Rs. 20.65 lakh for top trim. Creta range starts at Rs. 9.29 lakh for base petrol trim going upto Rs. 14.55 lakh for top variant. All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.</p></li></ul><p></p>