2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Jeep Compass

Jeep had always been a brand of dual identities. On one side, there was the rugged Wrangler lineage, exemplified by the Gladiator pickup and the Renegade SUV. On the other side, there was the refined Grand Cherokee, which influenced models like the Cherokee and Compass. In 2020, the Jeep Compass drew clear inspiration from the Grand Cherokee, radiating a handsome design across its four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. Numerous packages such as the Sun & Wheel made customization galore.

The 2020 Jeep Compass Limited, decked out with almost every option except the Trailer Tow Group and Graphics Package, could escalate in price up to $39,755 with AWD and all luxuries included, just shy of $40,000 due to the exclusion of 19-inch wheels to avoid heading into expensive territory. It sported high-end features such as soft-touch surfaces, premium leather, and a plethora of technological upgrades—though these came balanced by some low-rent plastic pieces and regrettable signs of cost-cutting. Nevertheless, the 2020 Compass was a marked improvement over its predecessor.

In comparison, Mazda effectively presented a premium experience embodying captivating style and continuous product improvement. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 epitomized these principles with more standard equipment and upgraded instrumentation to enhance cabin appeal. Modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness were complemented by an increased torque output in the turbocharged engine variant. The CX-5's look felt upscale due to the harmonious blend of its Kodo design language, nearly a decade refined.

Inside, the CX-5 Signature trim offered Nappa leather upholstery, real wood accents, and a black headliner, delivering a plush, luxurious ambiance. These aesthetic positives, however, were slightly diminished by a lack of interior color contrast. Mazda claimed its position as a premium compact SUV by displaying a distinct, elegant, and upmarket impression that many competitors struggled to match.

The 2020 Jeep Compass ran with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, formally known as Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, the engine felt loud and underwhelming. Acceleration was sluggish, and passing power was lacking. During tests, the vehicle recorded an average of 23.1 mpg against the expected 25 mpg combined. The nine-speed automatic transmission often exhibited harsh shifts, hurting the overall driving experience. On a positive note, the Trailhawk trim's off-road capabilities, including a 20:1 crawl ratio and Rock driving mode, stood out for adventurous terrains. The Limited test vehicle even managed a moderately challenging trail without hiccups, albeit with a less sophisticated AWD system and fewer driving mode choices.

Conversely, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered more power and efficiency through a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions in the upper trims boasted a turbocharged engine delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Even with the added power, the CX-5 recorded a fuel economy of 22.1 mpg during tests, close to its EPA rating. The CX-5 was geared for driving enjoyment, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology that enhanced stability around corners, though excessive body motions slightly marred the overall spirited driving experience. Standard telepathic steering and reliable brakes compensated for these shortcomings, making the CX-5 a competent all-rounder.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered the Luxury Seat Group, enhancing comfort with premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The back seat provided ample room, complete with air vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo space was average at 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded down. Slight annoyances such as scant cabin storage space and awkward cupholder placements detracted from the overall functionality.

Compared with the 2020 Mazda CX-5, which despite featuring a higher-grade interior, couldn’t match rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in cargo space. It prioritized an upscale cabin experience with Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, which extended to the front seats, although slightly cramped. Rear passengers enjoyed comfort but had limited legroom. The cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and decreased slightly to 59.6 cubic feet when the seats were folded down, making it competitive but not class-leading.

The Jeep Compass impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, known for its 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WiFi capabilities. Additionally, SiriusXM Guardian connected services offered emergency calls, vehicle finder functions, and remote start. Navigation and an Alpine premium audio system were other highlights. Uconnect was easy to use, with physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, but some functions were buried too deeply in the menu.

Mazda’s Connect infotainment aimed for a premium feel, similar to luxury German brands. It sported a 7-inch display that grew to 8 inches in higher trims, offering features like Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose system. The user interface, however, was less intuitive, requiring familiarity with the vehicle's features before use. The voice-recognition technology lagged behind, often failing to understand natural language commands. Mazda Connect’s newer version in 2021 aimed to improve these shortcomings with a more modern display.

For safety, the 2020 Jeep Compass provided an extensive suite of driving assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Although useful, some features like adaptive cruise control performed erratically. The Compass earned mixed crash safety ratings from the IIHS and the NHTSA.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured an i-Activsense package, standard across most models, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and more. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, showcasing its commitment to safety.