2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its wheelbase stretched an additional five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as a 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass lineup included five core trim levels and special editions, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. The Limited trim, with optional features, reached a price of $45,800. The Compass Limited's interior, with Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. The two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents offered a sophisticated feel, though the price seemed steep for a small SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, requiring high revs and resulting in engine noise. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights. The vehicle's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for RWD models to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, improved the Compass's performance. The Trailhawk model featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. The new engine was quieter and smoother, but the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-road performance was commendable, though it struggled with standard tires in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small. A wireless smartphone charging pad was available, but it occupied a potential storage area.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured advanced technology, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on the trim, a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system were available. The Compass offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera. The Alexa Built-in technology was responsive, though it required a Wi-Fi data plan.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass had not been rated by NHTSA, and IIHS results were incomplete, though it previously qualified for a Top Safety Pick rating.