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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda PilotBudget Buy $10,000: Jeep Compass vs Kia Sportage
We’ve compiled the facts on the Jeep Compass vs the Kia Sportage. Find out how they compare on a $10,000 budget.
Compact Contenders
Let’s face it: the prices of used vehicles have gone up in recent years. This makes the already daunting task of finding a vehicle on a budget that much more painful.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This is especially true if you’re in the market for a used compact SUV for under $10,000. Two models that stand out are the Jeep Compass and the Kia Sportage. Both offer a lot of bang for the buck, but let’s take a closer look at how they size up with each other.
For this article, we found a 2012 Jeep Compass and a 2012 Kia Sportage right here on carsforsale.com.
Let the battle begin!
Jeep Compass vs Kia Sportage Specs
You’ll find a plethora of examples of both vehicles on carsforsale.com, but they are pretty comparable. The 2012 Jeep Compass has a 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. The Kia Sportage comes with a 2.4 inline four-cylinder engine and an automatic six-speed transmission. Both were available in AWD, 4×4, or FWD configurations so take note of that while searching.
The Jeep Compass’s engine produces 172 horsepower and 165 lbs.-ft. of torque. There were 3 trim levels available: Sport, Limited, and Latitude. It gets 21 MPG city/26 MPG highway which is comparable to the Kia Sportage’s 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway.
The Kia Sportage was available in 4 trims: base, LX, EX, and SX. Its engine produces 176 horsepower and 168 lbs.-ft. of torque. It is very comparable to the Jeep Compass when it comes down to power and fuel economy. Note that the SX trim came with a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine so this is the trim to get if you’re looking for more power.
When it comes to ground clearance, the Jeep Compass boasts 8.1 inches of clearance while the Kia Sportage has only 6.8 inches. In terms of towing capacity, both models are capable of towing only 2,000 lbs.
Driving and Performance
On the road, the Kia Sportage is definitely the most fun to drive out of the two. The Kia Sportage’s off-road-tuned suspension gives it incredibly quick handling for an SUV. It is responsive and sporty. If you find an SX version, you’ll love the power that the turbocharged 2.0L engine brings to the table. It’s got a really sporty feel that really adds to the driving experience.
The Jeep Compass lacks a bit in this department. The driving experience can be best described as 2-dimensional. The steering is direct but lacks the responsiveness that makes the Kia Sportage so fun. The Jeep Compass is also a bit sluggish when it comes to power.
The Jeep Compass seems to shine when it comes to off-roading ability. The extra ground clearance comes into play here as the Jeep Compass can handle dips, ditches, and bumps better than the Kia Sportage. Find a Jeep Compass equipped with the Off-Road Package, and you’ll really appreciate its off-roading abilities.
If you’re looking for a fun-driving SUV while on the road, you will appreciate what the Kia Sportage has to offer. However, if you’re looking to do some moderate off-roading, the Jeep Compass should be at the top of the list.
Comfort and Interior
Comfort is where the Kia Sportage comes out on top in most categories. While the ride is a bit stiff, it still provides a comfortable ride with plenty of room in the cabin. The controls are intuitive and easy to reach, and the choice of materials makes it feel like a much more expensive SUV.
The Jeep Compass certainly lacks these appointments. The interior feels like an economy SUV based on the choice of materials alone. The cabin does not feel as spacious and can feel quite small compared to its competitors. The ride is comfortable, but it does not provide as much isolation from engine and road noise as the Kia Sportage.
In terms of cargo hauling, the Kia Sportage has 26.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Jeep Compass comes in just a little shorter with 22.7 cubic inches behind the rear seats and 53.6 cubic inches with the rear seats down. Neither wins any awards in this category, but they will provide adequate space for 4 adults despite the diminutive rear passenger legroom.
Trims and Features
The Jeep Compass is available in 3 trims. The base model Sport trim offers cruise control, air-conditioning, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt-only steering wheel, a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated mirrors, roof rails, full power accessories, and keyless entry.
When you go up to the Latitude trim, you get the addition of a household-style 115-volt auxiliary power point, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and a reclining rear seat.
The Limited gives drivers the addition of an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, satellite radio, a six-CD changer, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a six-way power driver seat.
The Kia Sportage comes in 4 trims. The base model is equipped with full power accessories, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-only steering wheel, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
The LX model adds tinted rear windows, keyless entry, 7-inch alloy wheels, and mirror-integrated turn signals.
The EX trim throws in rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, roof rails, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an easier-folding rear seat, a rearview camera, the Uvo voice-activated cell phone and audio interface, an upgraded sound system with HD radio, digital music storage, 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, and upgraded cloth upholstery. An EX Premium package may also be found adding a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, the SX’s upgraded gauges, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a cooled driver seat, and an auto-dimming mirror.
The Sport package comes equipped with the turbocharged 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine along with a sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry/ignition, leather upholstery, and upgraded gauges. A touchscreen navigation system was optional on all trims but the base trim.
In terms of safety, the Jeep Compass comes equipped with stability control with a rollover sensor, full-length side curtain airbags, and traction control. ABS is standard as well.
The Kia Sportage also has some great safety features including full-length side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, and a hill start control.
Both received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA in the 2012 model year.
Jeep Compass vs Kia Sportage: Final Thoughts
The Kia Sportage stands out as the best bang-for-your-buck SUV in this showdown as long as you don’t plan on doing much off-roading. It would be at home on the highway or during stop-and-go commutes to work. It simply packs a lot of features into what is essentially an entry-level SUV. It is also more fun to drive on the pavement than the Jeep Compass, and its interior feels much roomier.
The Jeep Compass has its strong points though. It is a capable off-road machine thanks to its heftier ground clearance. If you find one equipped with the Off-Road package, you really have a machine with great off-roading ability. The claustrophobic cabin and lackluster driving experience do reflect poorly, but after all, it is one of the most affordable SUVs that you will find on the market.
While you may find that the AWD Kia Sportage will most likely have a few more miles on it, this isn’t necessarily anything that you have to worry about. Always check the vehicle’s history report to find out anything that the seller may not be telling you upfront.
Let us know what you think about which stands out more between the Jeep Compass vs the Kia Sportage.
