2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass retained its distinctive style, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, despite its exterior updates and new wheel designs. The High Altitude version came with eye-catching 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint job, giving it a sophisticated and upscale look. Inside, the Compass made significant strides in establishing itself as a premium SUV, particularly in the High Altitude trim. Features like a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats helped elevate its appeal. The soft-touch surfaces, along with added sound deadening, contributed to an overall refined cabin ambiance. The model lineup began with the base Compass Sport and ascended through Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, to the High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, priced at $40,470, came fully equipped with AWD and additional interior and driver-assist options.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 showcased a distinctively elegant and artful exterior design, even if it appeared a bit nose-heavy due to its long hood and stout rear end. The test model, a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, had tasteful Soul Red paint and black wheels which tended to blend into the lower-body darkness due to the gray body cladding. Inside, the CX-30 exuded an upscale and refined vibe, with a combination of off-white leather, chocolate brown center console, and black dashboard, door panels, and carpeting. The cabin's quality materials and chic design elements made it feel more like an entry-level luxury SUV. The 2.5 S model spanned base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium trims, priced from $22,950 to $31,500, while the 2.5 Turbo models ranged from $33,800 to $35,400. Our test vehicle, including destination charges, had an MSRP of $37,505.

In terms of performance, the two vehicles diverged significantly.

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. Nicknamed the “Tigershark” engine, it ironically lacked the fierce power the name suggested, feeling underwhelming compared to its peers. The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with it tried to enhance fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The absence of a turbocharger made the vehicle sluggish, especially at altitude or from a rolling start. The Compass had standard features like Jeep Selec-Terrain and the Jeep Active Drive AWD system. Despite an 8.1-inch ground clearance, suitable for light off-road and adverse weather conditions, its driving dynamics left much to be desired. The EPA-rated combined fuel economy was 25 mpg, but our testing loop averaged at 23.8 mpg. For serious off-road excursions, the Trailhawk trim with enhanced AWD capabilities and higher ground clearance was recommended.

Conversely, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a more spirited driving experience. The 2.5 S models benefited from a power boost to 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, contributing to a better fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variants offered substantial performance improvement, with the engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. Even on regular gasoline, it maintained respectable power figures of 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The CX-30 had 8 inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function, making it reasonably capable off-road. Despite its heft and minor shortcomings in urban traffic, the Turbo variant's acceleration was robust, though the transmission could sometimes lag outside of Sport mode. Fuel efficiency on our test run was disappointing, averaging only 23.6 mpg. Yet, the Mazda excelled with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and well-tuned suspension, offering one of the most engaging driving experiences in the small crossover segment.

When evaluating form and function, the internal space and cargo capacity of each vehicle had noticeable differences.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, with a comfortable cabin for four adults and their luggage, offered several premium features. Front seats were equipped with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The heated steering wheel and rear seats, alongside the premium leather upholstery with contrast stitching, enhanced the luxury feel. The redesigned, soft-touch dashboard integrated a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, bringing a modern touch to the cabin. While storage solutions in the center console remained modest, the Compass excelled in cargo capacity with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with them folded down. These figures outperformed the more expensive Jeep Cherokee, underscoring the Compass's practicality.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 focused on a more driver-centric experience. Most models included dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger had to make do with a less adjustable seat, though the overall cabin materials and design were upscale. Rear air conditioning vents and padded front seatbacks somewhat compensated for the tight legroom in the rear. In terms of cargo space, the CX-30 fell short with just 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet when folded down. Unlike the Compass, it offered no underfloor storage or additional compartments, limiting its versatility for hauling larger items.

Examining technological features revealed striking differences.

The 2022 Jeep Compass boasted the new Uconnect 5 system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. Available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, it featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, and voice text reply. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, with additional options like a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition worked well for common commands, but specific queries and directions required extra effort. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed with its speed and functionality, although it wasn't the easiest system to use.

In comparison, the 2023 Mazda CX-30’s Mazda Connect infotainment system exhibited notable flaws. Unlike the Compass, it lacked a touchscreen display, relying instead on a center console controller that required driver’s attention away from the road. The voice recognition system wasn't up to modern standards, and the absence of a tuning knob added to user frustration. The 8.8-inch display, though well-integrated and featuring pleasing graphics, was limited by its control methods. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Higher trims added navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and SiriusXM, but the user experience lagged behind the Compass in terms of convenience and functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Compass saw significant improvements in safety features. Standard across all trims were forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, to be added later in the year, would combine adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for an enhanced driving experience. Additional aids like parking assistance systems and a 360-degree camera were also available. Although adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems worked primarily well, occasional false positives and harsh braking were noted during testing. At the review's time, official safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for the updated model weren't available, though past performance suggested room for improvement in areas like headlight effectiveness.

For the 2023 Mazda CX-30, safety was paramount with enhanced side-impact protection and new rear airbags and seatbelt tensioners. These upgrades earned it an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" rating, a commendable achievement in its class. Standard safety tech included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, a head-up display, and more advanced aids like Traffic Jam Assist. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful, but an overzealous forward-collision warning and emergency braking system could be jarring in practice. Despite this, the CX-30's safety features generally worked as intended and offered robust protection.