2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending its length by over a foot. Our Hydro Blue model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, along with dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents, creating a bold and modern look. The Grand Cherokee L's design elements, such as slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers, combined with its U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse, embodied the quintessential Jeep aesthetic.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and its performance was further hindered by a transmission that was reluctant to downshift. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and its AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. However, the drivetrain was the least appealing aspect of the Compass, with a busy and unrewarding character. The EPA estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, but our testing averaged 23.8 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered underwhelming. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for a smooth ride. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the Grand Cherokee L capable of cycling through five height settings for ground clearance up to 10.9 inches. The V6 achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, while the V8's rating was 17 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with features like eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The High Altitude trim included premium leather upholstery and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the center console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. The interior featured a range of controls surrounding the touchscreen, and the cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo capacity was among the best in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with Uconnect 5, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation standard on Limited and Overland trims. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and activate cameras.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass had not yet received updated safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous ratings indicated areas for improvement.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars in most NHTSA tests. It included standard safety features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.