Jeep Compass, XUV500, Creta, Tucson, Hexa & Crysta: Who should buy what!

Jeep has launched its much awaited model, the Compass in the Indian market and the pricing has created a stir. While the Compass doesn’t technically compete with either the XUV500 or the Creta, the price overlap has certainly made us feel that a comparison can be drawn. So how does it compare with the Tucson, the Creta, the XUV, the Hexa and the Innova? We tell you:

Want a fresh face?

Jeep Compass

Undoubtedly, the Jeep Compass wins this hands down. While the official price announcement of the Compass took place today, the vehicle has been on display at various dealerships across the country and has generated a lot of buzz. The Compass with its new and unique design has to be the fresh face and if you want something unique and something that hasn’t been seen by many, the Compass is the best bet. The Compass ranges from Rs 14.95 lakhs to Rs 20.65 lakhs.

Want to seat more?

Mahindra XUV500

Well, this is a no-brainer. The XUV500 and the Tata Hexa are the only two models in that price bracket that offer 3 rows of seating as well as the other capabilities that are expected from a SUV. The XUV500 is much larger, has more space on the inside and hence is a more practical choice. However, the XUV is only offered in diesel.

Want a compact yet cheap SUV?

Hyundai Creta

Out of the 3 here, the Creta is the cheapest. The top of the line Creta diesel automatic will cost you Rs 14 lakh ex-showroom whereas the base petrol Compass will cost Rs 14.95 lakh. There maybe cross shopping given that the price of the Creta is so close to that of the Compass. The petrol manual top of the line Creta will cost Rs 11.87 lakh, which is a good Rs 3 lakh cheaper than the Compass. The Creta ranges from Rs 8.92 lakhs to Rs 14 lakhs.

Want a compact yet capable SUV?

Jeep Compass 4×4

Staying true to the Jeep legacy, Jeep has introduced a 4×4 manual version of the Compass. Pricing for the 4×4 starts at Rs 19.95 lakh. The advantage that the Compass has is the 179 mm ground clearance and a 4×4 system with Drive Select. It has the Snow, Auto, Mud and Sand options. It has an approach angle of 17 degrees and a departure angle of 32 degrees.  In auto mode, the system automatically disconnects the rear wheels from driving the vehicle when it is not needed.

Want widespread service network

Hyundai Creta/ Mahindra XUV500

Hyundai has the second highest aftersales network and Mahindra has a widespread sales and aftersales network, given that they do cater a lot to the rural market as well (Bolero, etc). This is one big disadvantage that the Compass will have. The company does not yet have a large number of dealerships and service outlets across the country.

Snob value

Jeep Compass

Undoubtedly, this round has to go to the Jeep Compass. The Jeep brand has much more snob value than Hyundai and Mahindra. Jeep is mainly associated with their higher end SUVs, as shown by their top down approach for deciding their model line up. Having launched the more premium products first, the company has built a premium brand name for itself, something that cannot be rivaled by either Hyundai or Mahindra. Since the Compass has got so much attention over the past few months, turning up in one is surely going to get you noticed.

Want a wide range of options?

Hyundai Creta

The Creta is the only model on this list that has a huge range of options. The Creta can be had with a diesel or a petrol engine, which in turn can be had with either a manual or an automatic transmission, based on what you want. There are also 2 diesel engine options on offer. Thus the Creta has the widest range of options to choose from. The only thing which is missing from the Creta’s lineup is an AWD model, something that the international market gets. If your requirement doesn’t include an AWD vehicle, the Creta has the widest range to choose from.

Petrol power

Jeep Compass

Yes, the Creta also has a petrol engine option, but it is a 1.6 liter naturally aspirated unit making 122 Bhp and 154 Nm. The Compass on the other hand is powered by a 1.4 liter turbo petrol unit making 160 Bhp and 250 Nm. The Compass can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. While the Compass is more expensive, if petrol power and a fun to drive vehicle is what you are looking for, then the Compass is the one to go for.

Cheap 4×4

Mahindra XUV500

The Mahindra XUV has a wide range of options to choose from, when it comes to the 4×4 model. While the Compass can only be had with a diesel manual 4×4 variant, the XUV can be had with a diesel manual as well as an automatic. Pricing for the 4×4 model on the Compass starts at Rs 19.95 lakh whereas that on the XUV starts at 15.85 lakh, which is 4 lakh less. The XUV can be had in a total of 3 models, with AWD and having both manual and automatic transmissions. The XUV ranges from Rs 12.2 lakhs to Rs 1817 lakhs.

Cheap automatic

Hyundai Creta

Like we mentioned above, the Creta is the vehicle with the widest range to choose from. If you want a vehicle with a cheap automatic option, it has to be the Creta. The Creta automatic starts at Rs 12.48 lakh for the petrol and Rs 13.13 lakh for the diesel. The XUV only has a diesel automatic and no petrol option, while the Compass on the other hand only has a petrol automatic. The company is working on a diesel automatic that should be introduced sometime next year.

Want more space yet the capability?

Tata Hexa

Tata introduced the Hexa earlier in the year and it is the best mix between a MPV and a SUV. The vehicle looks good, is well loaded, has space and offers comfort. It is only on offer with a diesel engine, which is a 2.2 liter unit making 154 Bhp and 400 Nm. It can be had with an automatic transmission as well. The USP is that the Hexa offers an AWD options as well, to make it a more practical offering. Price ranges from Rs 10.96 lakhs to Rs 16.24 lakhs.

Just want space, comfort and peace of mind

Toyota Innova Crysta

Space and comfort are two words that are synonymous with the Crysta. If you want a vehicle with the best back seat, which also has 3 rows of seating and don’t really care about the AWD option, the Crysta is your best bet. It has a diesel as well as a petrol option, in both automatic and manual variants to suit everyone’s needs. It also comes with the Toyota logo, meaning reliability and resale value will not be an issue. Price ranges from Rs 13.31 lakhs to Rs Rs 20.78 lakhs.

Powerful, premium from a trusted brand

Hyundai Tucson

This brings us to the Hyundai Tucson, the vehicle which would have ideally been the rival to the Compass. The Tucson is priced at a premium over the Compass and it offers more space and is more powerful. The Tucson is powered by a 2.0 liter engine making 182 Bhp and 400 Nm. What’s more, the Hyundai badge does give some relief to customers when it comes to aftersales. It ranges from Rs 18.13 lakhs to Rs 23.86 lakhs.