2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history. Its rounded exterior surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to convey the high-riding SUV look that buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included different front and rear bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, the interior was dominated by plastic, reminding us that this model sat at the bottom of Buick's hierarchy. The fit and finish were good, but the design was uninspired, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster was a standout feature, with two round binnacles framing a small digital display.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, initially presented some confusion with its fleet-like appearance. The Compass Sport trim, in particular, was unremarkable, blending in with other small crossovers. However, the interior design and quality were commendable, especially in the 2023 Compass Limited trim, which featured a black and gray color scheme with caramel leatherette accents. Even the base trim had supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts, along with a large 10-inch infotainment screen and appropriate plastics.

The Compass offered good visibility and sight lines, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats also had vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The manual front passenger seat could also fold, making it easy to carry longer items.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.3-liter engine making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our 1.3-liter AWD test car felt stronger than its specs suggested, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Jeep Compass replaced its previous 2.4-liter engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline four-cylinder, rated at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass provided smooth and easy acceleration. The engine noise was minimized, and three driving modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) helped optimize traction.

The Compass Trailhawk trim offered additional off-road capabilities, including a low-range transfer case, extra driving modes, all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. However, steering and handling were weak points, with too much play off-center and low grip. The ride was comfortable and well-damped, and fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Subaru offered more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos provided more cargo space. The Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet when folded.

The front seats were placed far inboard, squeezing the driver and front passenger together and reducing the feeling of spaciousness. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a center-console tray. The instrumentation was clear and well-placed, with hard buttons for easy use.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s seat featured clear analog gauges flanking a large color display, with buttons behind the steering wheel for stereo adjustments. The gear selector, buttons beneath the touchscreen, and physical climate controls were convenient, though the lack of temperature readouts was odd.

Visibility was good, and both front and rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats had vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The manual front passenger seat could also fold for carrying longer items.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was user-friendly, with clear graphics and menu layouts.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and crisp display. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports. Optional features included factory navigation, a wireless charging pad, a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a semi-automated driving system. The interface was clear and easy to use, though the home screen required an extra tap for app switching.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the identical 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, scoring top ratings in all six crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras.