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New Delhi: For the past five years, the Jeep Compass has occupied a place in my family’s garage and heart. It is one of the most desirable premium SUVs, and its rugged styling, solid build quality, amazing performance and engaging driving dynamics only make the case stronger. However, the market is evolving the Compass; even a new one is to a great extent outdated. 

Having something like this in the garage, though, does make it a little harder to live up to. I have caught myself on many occasions in the past comparing a segment SUV with my Compass, and as an overall package, Jeep surpasses most of the time. If you are looking to upgrade from the Jeep Compass, though, here are five cars to consider.

When it comes to a premium, sophisticated European SUV which comes with excellent driving dynamics, the Skoda Kodiaq is an amazing upgrade. The new-generation Kodiaq comes with a brilliant design and a plush cabin finished with high-quality materials. At the front, it has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making 201 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system. 

Volkswagen Tayron, as a premium SUV, is a more spacious and practical alternative to the Compass. It shares its platform with the Kodiaq and comes with the clean German styling with a spacious interior that offers seating for up to seven occupants. On the inside, you have VW’s latest infotainment interface, premium upholstery, connected car features, and other driver assistance tech. Under the bonnet, it comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine making 201 hp, 320 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT and gets VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

For close to two decades, the Toyota Fortuner has been the ultimate word in the big and robust SUV segment. Its life in India started with competition from Ford Endeavour and now sees the likes of Tayron and Jeep Meridian trying to bite into the competition. The Fortuner still keeps the majority of the share in its segment. The SUV is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing up to 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque with the automatic transmission, with select trims getting AWD as well. Compass might be better with urban agility, but the Fortuner redeems itself with amazing performance on highways and rough terrain.

If the Jeep factor is very important to you, you can actually look at its longer cousin, the Meridian. It is a little more practical than the Compass, riding the same platform, and it retains the brand’s USP of amazing handling and ergonomics. With a longer wheelbase, optional third row seats and a very premium cabin, it is the perfect upgrade whilst having the familiarity of the Jeep. It even runs on the same 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine that makes 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque and can be paired either with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.

For anyone wanting to make the big jump into the luxury SUV segment, the Audi Q3 is the perfect starting point. It comes with a slightly understated styling, impeccable build quality and great value for money. It mixes the sporty feel with the touch of premiumness that comes with any German car. The Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine making 188 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and gets Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.