DecodedCarsHyundai Tucson vs Jeep Compass
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Jeep Compass — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Hyundai Tucson is more fuel-efficient: 38 vs 26 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $850 a year less in fuel for the Hyundai Tucson (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Hyundai Tucson is the bigger car, about 9 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Jeep Compass has had fewer recall campaigns (24 vs 29).
The two cars
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Jeep Compass is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,327 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2021 Tucson and the 2024 Compass have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Tucson and the 2018 Compass.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…
- You want lower fuel bills (38 vs 26 MPG)
- You want more room (9 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Jeep Compass if…
- You want something easier to park (9 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (24 vs 29 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Jeep Compass
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Full 2026 Jeep Compass specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →