2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass showcased a blend of rugged charm and upscale aspirations, positioning itself as a versatile SUV within Jeep's lineup. Modeled after the Grand Cherokee's more refined aesthetic, the Compass was available in multiple trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, each offering a range of customization options including the Sun & Wheel and special edition North Edition packages. Entry prices started modestly at $22,280 for the basic Sport model with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission, but could escalate significantly—up to $39,755 for a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive, exclusive paint options, and all available technological and comfort add-ons, excluding only the Trailer Tow and Graphics Packages.

Despite its sophisticated look, the Compass was occasionally let down by the use of lower-quality materials and some design choices that seemed focused on cost-cutting. However, compared to its predecessors, the 2020 Compass marked a significant improvement, offering soft-touch materials in frequently contacted areas, high-grade leather, and advanced technological features, which provided a more premium feel, although not consistently throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emphasized a sleek, minimalist design that stood apart from more aggressively styled competitors. It boasted smooth lines and a refined appearance that suggested motion even at a standstill. Starting with the CX-5 Sport, the model featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a range of convenient features enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Higher trims, like the Touring and Grand Touring, added luxury elements such as leatherette seating, dual-zone climate control, and enhanced audio systems, culminating in the Signature trim which offered premium Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and additional luxury appointments that positioned it near luxury-brand counterparts. The design and material quality consistently expressed a premium feel, aligning with Mazda's brand of affordable luxury.

The Compass’s performance was powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite these numbers, the SUV's performance did not live up to its predatory nameplate. Described as loud, slow, and inefficient, the Compass struggled with sluggish acceleration and a less-than-smooth transmission experience, achieving a disappointing average fuel economy of 23.1 miles per gallon against an expected 25 mpg. While it was equipped to handle off-road conditions—especially in the Trailhawk trim—the everyday driving experience left much to be desired due to its heavy steering and less responsive brake system.

The Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices, providing a more dynamic driving experience. The base 2.5-liter engine provided 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged variant available in higher trims boasted 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of the engine, the CX-5 was praised for its engaging drive and sporty handling, particularly in Sport mode. Though its ride could be stiff due to the performance-oriented suspension setup, the CX-5 maintained good fuel efficiency and provided a thrilling driving experience, especially with the turbocharged engine that significantly enhanced its dynamics.

Form and Function:

The Compass boasted a comfortable interior with the Luxury Seat Group adding premium leather and ventilated front seats—an unusual feature in the small SUV segment. It offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down, providing functional utility despite some cabin design choices that compromised convenience and storage.

The CX-5, while stylish, fell short on rear legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers in the back seats. It offered slightly more cargo space than the Compass at 30.9 cubic feet, which could be expanded to 59.6 cubic feet. Despite its well-executed interior layout, the CX-5's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, and its infotainment system, although large, was not as user-friendly as it could be, partly due to its reliance on a control knob rather than a touch interface.

Technology:

Jeep’s Uconnect system in the Compass stood out for its 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, comprehensive connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an efficient voice recognition system. It offered an intuitive user experience with well-separated physical controls for climate and stereo settings.

Mazda’s CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that, while large, was criticized for its cumbersome user interface and lack of intuitive touch controls. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto partially mitigated these issues, providing alternative ways to interact with the system.

Safety:

Both vehicles offered advanced safety features. The Compass, equipped with options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, received mixed safety ratings, performing well in some areas but less so in others according to IIHS and NHTSA evaluations.

The CX-5 excelled in safety, equipped with comprehensive active safety technologies and earning top marks from both

the IIHS and NHTSA. Its suite of safety features and solid construction made it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Choose a 2020 Jeep Compass if:

• You value off-road capability in a compact SUV.
• You seek a vehicle with a wide range of trim and customization options.
• You appreciate having advanced technology and safety features available at higher trims.

Choose a 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:

• You prioritize a stylish, well-appointed interior with premium materials.
• You desire a more engaging and powerful driving experience.
• Safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features are important to you.

Verdict:

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Jeep Compass is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for its superior design, performance, and safety features, providing a more complete and satisfying driving and ownership experience compared to the Jeep Compass.

The Compass’s performance was powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite these numbers, the SUV's performance did not live up to its predatory nameplate. Described as loud, slow, and inefficient, the Compass struggled with sluggish acceleration and a less-than-smooth transmission experience, achieving a disappointing average fuel economy of 23.1 miles per gallon against an expected 25 mpg. While it was equipped to handle off-road conditions—especially in the Trailhawk trim—the everyday driving experience left much to be desired due to its heavy steering and less responsive brake system.

The Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices, providing a more dynamic driving experience. The base 2.5-liter engine provided 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged variant available in higher trims boasted 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of the engine, the CX-5 was praised for its engaging drive and sporty handling, particularly in Sport mode. Though its ride could be stiff due to the performance-oriented suspension setup, the CX-5 maintained good fuel efficiency and provided a thrilling driving experience, especially with the turbocharged engine that significantly enhanced its dynamics.

The Compass boasted a comfortable interior with the Luxury Seat Group adding premium leather and ventilated front seats—an unusual feature in the small SUV segment. It offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down, providing functional utility despite some cabin design choices that compromised convenience and storage.

The CX-5, while stylish, fell short on rear legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers in the back seats. It offered slightly more cargo space than the Compass at 30.9 cubic feet, which could be expanded to 59.6 cubic feet. Despite its well-executed interior layout, the CX-5's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, and its infotainment system, although large, was not as user-friendly as it could be, partly due to its reliance on a control knob rather than a touch interface.

Jeep’s Uconnect system in the Compass stood out for its 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, comprehensive connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an efficient voice recognition system. It offered an intuitive user experience with well-separated physical controls for climate and stereo settings.

Mazda’s CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that, while large, was criticized for its cumbersome user interface and lack of intuitive touch controls. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto partially mitigated these issues, providing alternative ways to interact with the system.

Safety:

Both vehicles offered advanced safety features. The Compass, equipped with options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, received mixed safety ratings, performing well in some areas but less so in others according to IIHS and NHTSA evaluations.

The CX-5 excelled in safety, equipped with comprehensive active safety technologies and earning top marks from both

the IIHS and NHTSA. Its suite of safety features and solid construction made it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Choose a 2020 Jeep Compass if:

• You value off-road capability in a compact SUV.
• You seek a vehicle with a wide range of trim and customization options.
• You appreciate having advanced technology and safety features available at higher trims.

Choose a 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:

• You prioritize a stylish, well-appointed interior with premium materials.
• You desire a more engaging and powerful driving experience.
• Safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features are important to you.

Verdict:

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Jeep Compass is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for its superior design, performance, and safety features, providing a more complete and satisfying driving and ownership experience compared to the Jeep Compass.

Jeep’s Uconnect system in the Compass stood out for its 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, comprehensive connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an efficient voice recognition system. It offered an intuitive user experience with well-separated physical controls for climate and stereo settings.

Mazda’s CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that, while large, was criticized for its cumbersome user interface and lack of intuitive touch controls. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto partially mitigated these issues, providing alternative ways to interact with the system.

Both vehicles offered advanced safety features. The Compass, equipped with options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, received mixed safety ratings, performing well in some areas but less so in others according to IIHS and NHTSA evaluations.

The CX-5 excelled in safety, equipped with comprehensive active safety technologies and earning top marks from both

the IIHS and NHTSA. Its suite of safety features and solid construction made it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Choose a 2020 Jeep Compass if:

• You value off-road capability in a compact SUV.
• You seek a vehicle with a wide range of trim and customization options.
• You appreciate having advanced technology and safety features available at higher trims.

Choose a 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:

• You prioritize a stylish, well-appointed interior with premium materials.
• You desire a more engaging and powerful driving experience.
• Safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features are important to you.

Verdict:

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Jeep Compass is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for its superior design, performance, and safety features, providing a more complete and satisfying driving and ownership experience compared to the Jeep Compass.

Both vehicles offered advanced safety features. The Compass, equipped with options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, received mixed safety ratings, performing well in some areas but less so in others according to IIHS and NHTSA evaluations.

The CX-5 excelled in safety, equipped with comprehensive active safety technologies and earning top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Its suite of safety features and solid construction made it one of the safest vehicles in its class.