2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass made a stronger case as a premium SUV, especially in the High Altitude trim. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems, along with soft-touch surfaces and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as bold as some competitors, presented an attractive crossover design. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end offered a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox's interior, particularly in the Premier trim, featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. Although it appeared somewhat dated compared to rivals, the Equinox's interior was practical and user-friendly, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and ample space for passengers. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the AWD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading well, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. The AWD system required manual engagement but retained the setting for future drives. The Equinox's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and its well-sorted suspension handled bumps and potholes effectively. Overall, the Equinox offered a pleasant driving experience with tight and accurate steering.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller compact SUVs, provided enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard, Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and premium leather upholstery elevated the Compass's perceived quality. The cargo area offered 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not boasting the largest trunk, offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for every passenger, and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, it struggled with specific requests.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was simple yet effective. The 8-inch touchscreen, though smaller than some competitors, was crisp, clear, and easy to use. The system responded quickly and featured good voice recognition software. Customizable icons and hard buttons provided easy access to features. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Premier trim offering a wireless charging pad. The upgraded driver-information display, while simple, provided useful features.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later. However, the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. While it lacked level two autonomous driving technology, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it scored poorly in the IIHS's moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.