In the world of the automobile industry, there are not many combinations of features, comfort and off-roading capabilities in a single vehicle. The cars that focus on comfort and conveniences alone, don’t equip the car with off-roading equipment. The hardcore off-roading SUVs are not generally comfortable for daily use. But there are a few products out there, which have found a perfect balance between all these characteristics. These SUVs are called the Lifestyle Off-Roading Vehicles. In our market, we have a few of them and we will compare two of the most capable off-roaders in the segment. We will observe the newly launched Isuzu mu-X and Jeep Compass on the basis of exteriors, dimensions, features, specs, safety and prices to help you to choose the better option for you. So, let us dive into it right away.
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Jeep Compass vs Isuzu mu-X- Exteriors and Dimensions
The Jeep Compass had received an extensive update earlier this year which brought with it some big changes in the overall aesthetics of the SUV. The updated 2021 Jeep Compass is a typical Jeep SUV that we all have known for years. There are a ton of modern elements to indicate which era it belongs to including sleek LED headlamps with DRL strips, the signature seven-slat front grille, sporty bumpers and a tall bonnet line to give it a bold and upright look. On the sides, the pronounced wheel arches define the side profile of the SUV, along with sharp creases, roof rails and striking 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear houses the LED tail lamps unit along with a sporty bumper with skid plates and a roof spoiler which makes the SUV look really sporty and rugged. Overall the exterior of the Compass clearly shows the Jeep lineage associated with it.
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Being the latest addition to this family, the Isuzu mu-X is supposed to be the one with the latest design elements. The Isuzu mu-X, being the latest launch in the country, comes with an imposing design and exteriors. The front of the SUV is dominated by a ton of chrome in the form of the chunky front radiator grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling, Sharp & sleek headlamp & taillamp design, Recessed front fog lamps with chrome garnish, LED DRLs & light guide integrated into headlamps, Two-tone metallic grey-body coloured front bumper and much more. The sides are accentuated by Multi-spoke Diamond Cut 18-inch alloy wheels, Chrome Door Handles, Aluminium Side Steps, Wrap-around rear glass – quarter glass & rear windshield and Roof Rials. The rear features LED Taillamps, Dual-tone rear spoiler, Dual-tone metallic grey rear bumpers, Shark Fin Antenna and a chunky Chrome Bar on the boot lid. The overall appearance is very modern and aggressive.
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| Parameter | Jeep Compass | Isuzu mu-X |
| Length | 4405 mm | 4825 mm |
| Width | 1818 mm | 1860 mm |
| Height | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm | 2845 mm |
Now, the Isuzu mu-X is clearly significantly larger than the Jeep Compass but the longer dimensions are used up in the third row of seating. This makes the SUV a bit bulky but offers a range of flexibility and practicality aspects as well. For its size, the Compass is also appropriate.
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Jeep Compass vs Isuzu mu-X – Interiors, Features and Safety
The major upgrade with the facelifted Compass was found inside the cabin rather than the outside. The connected car tech UConnect 5 seems to be the most important feature in the floating 10.1-inch Digital Infotainment System placed in the center of the dashboard with integrated Alexa support and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system can also receive Over-the-air updates. Apart from these features Compass gets a whole host of convenience features including dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, powered tailgate, a 360-degree view camera, 8-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats. On the safety front, Compass comes with a ton of features including ABS with EBD and brake assist, Electronic Stability Program, Hill-Start Assist and Traction Control. Of course, the top-of-the-line diesel comes with an option of a 4×4 drive system.
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While the overall focus of Isuzu is to develop a robust and rugged SUV that could stand the test of time, it has still offered a ton of features generously. The Isuzu mu-X comes with a ton of modern comfort and convenience features. This includes a 7-inch Digital Infotainment Touchscreen Display with USB, AUX and Bluetooth Connectivity, 3D Electro-luminescent meters with Multi-Information Display (MID) & chrome rings, Live Surround Sound roof-mounted sound system with 8 speakers, Steering wheel with easy-select cruise and audio controls, Climate control air-conditioning with integrated heater & demister, Soft pad on all side door armrests, door trims & front floor console armrest, Premium finish dashboard with soft-touch panels, 6 -way power-adjustable driver seat and much more.
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The Isuzu mu-X comes with all the modern safety features including 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System, ESP, Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, All-four disc brakes, Hill Ascent and Descent Control, Cruise Control, Pre-tensioners with load limiters for front seat belts, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Rear Parking Sensors with Camera to name a few.
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Jeep Compass vs Isuzu mu-X – Engines, Transmissions and Prices
The Compass is offered in both petrol and diesel options. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine makes 163hp and 250Nm and comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic. The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 173hp and 350Nm and comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter. It must be noted that these are the exact same engines that were available with the outgoing models as well. The updated Jeep Compass does come with a premium, with the range starting from Rs 16.99 lakh, all the way to Rs 28.29 lakh, ex-showroom for the 4×4 diesel.
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The Isuzu mu-X comes with a 1.9-litre BS6 compliant diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger making 163 hp of peak power and 360 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options include a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Shift which holds the gear in high RPMs if it detects ascent or descent. The prices for the Isuzu mu-X range between Rs 33.23 lakh and Rs 35.19 lakh, ex-showroom.
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Jeep Compass vs Isuzu mu-X – Verdict
As we mentioned in the title of this article itself, these two SUVs are extremely capable off-roading machines along with being proper lifestyle SUVs with all the modern comfort and convenience features as well. In this case, however, the fact is that you will get what pay for. If you want to save around Rs 7 lakh (difference between the top trims of both these SUVs) without compromising on the off-roading equipment, you can opt for the Jeep Compass. On the other hand, if you have some more money to spend, you will get an added practicality and convenience of the third row of seating which might be helpful in some cases. Having said that, both these SUVs will offer all you would ever need from an SUV.
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