2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was designed as a mini version of Chevy's Blazer midsize crossover. It exuded SUV toughness without appearing exaggerated. Features like intricate headlight and taillight designs and selective use of dark chrome trim elevated its appearance beyond many vehicles in its price range. The Trailblazer came in Activ and RS trims, each offering unique styling cues. The Activ model targeted a rugged aesthetic with a model-specific front fascia and faux skid plate claimed to enhance ground clearance. It also included standard roof rails and chunky Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires. The RS model catered to a sportier look with blacked-out exterior trim, a mesh grille, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, and an optional panoramic sunroof. Both trims offered standard contrasting roofs, with the Activ's combination of a white roof and Nitro Yellow paint delivering a distinctive retro vibe.

Interior features of the Activ model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, complemented by a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. Although the color combinations were diverse, they introduced a touch of character to the otherwise predominantly black cabin. Design elements like grab handles around the center console and a creased dashboard added to the Trailblazer's unique interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined design ethos. Gone were the round headlights and utilitarian interior; it now showcased a grown-up and upscale look. The Compass' design language was inspired by larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. For 2023, Sport and Latitude models received new 17-inch wheel designs, and the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. Red editions introduced black or silver paint options, adding extra flair. The Compass trim lineup was extensive, offering six core trims and several special editions. The base Sport started at a relatively high $32,000, with the top-end models exceeding $40,000 before adding options.

Our Jeep Compass Limited test model came fully loaded with luxurious touches. Clad in sophisticated Granite Crystal paint paired with multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, it resembled a mini Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents felt upscale. Sophisticated digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics contributed to a high-end ambiance. Though Jeep was ambitious with pricing, crossing into luxury SUV territory, the Compass Limited maintained its appeal thanks to its overall refinement.

The Trailblazer drew its powertrains from the Buick Encore GX, offering two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD versions featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our Activ test car featured the 1.3-liter engine with AWD. It provided sufficient power, with a pleasing exhaust note, although the nine-speed automatic exhibited occasional rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel road performance, worked well on pavement but caused some bouncing over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system and various drive modes like Normal, Sport, and Snow added versatility, though the AWD required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

In comparison, the 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine operated effectively within a broad rev range, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass' throttle response was improved, providing a more engaging driving experience, though still focusing on fuel efficiency with a 27 mpg combined driving rating. Our Limited model handled freeway driving with ease, and the eight-speed automatic shifted seamlessly. For off-roading, the Compass Trailhawk equipped with Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system demonstrated robust capabilities with its Rock mode, hill descent control, skid plates, and recovery hooks. However, standard tires limited its full off-road potential, and the AWD system was occasionally slow to engage.

Though the 2023 Trailblazer was among the smallest SUVs, it offered substantial interior space. Its dimensions included being 3.4 inches wider than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer and about an inch taller. Passenger space benefited from a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. The Trailblazer matched competitors like the Kia Seltos on headroom and exceeded the Hyundai Kona in rear legroom. However, the flat rear seat cushions were less comfortable for long trips. Cargo capacity stood at 25.3 cubic feet with seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with seats folded, trailing behind the Kia Seltos and slightly under the Honda HR-V in terms of space.

The Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adult passengers in both rows. Despite its narrow width aiding maneuverability, it accommodated four people comfortably. Features included an air filtration system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an optional dual-pane sunroof. Depending on the trim, upholstery varied from cloth to premium-grade leather. Our Limited model offered top-tier features, although the hard plastic edge of the center console was uncomfortable against the driver's leg. Rear-seat space was adequate, with foot room and supportive seat cushioning making extended journeys manageable. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering competitive capacity in the segment. Additionally, the Compass featured a flexible load floor for customizable storage solutions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer equipped a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, with options to upgrade to an 8-inch version. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional enhancements included a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. The 8-inch touchscreen, while modest in size, provided a user-friendly experience with straightforward menus and responsive functions. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges conveyed necessary information effectively without requiring a fully digital cluster.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and SiriusXM Guardian services. It allowed Bluetooth pairing for two devices and offered OTA updates for sustained performance. Depending on configuration, it paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The Alexa Built-In feature provided advanced voice recognition, even adjusting cabin temperature. The parking assist system and surround-view camera in our Limited model added convenience, despite the compact size of the Compass making such features somewhat redundant.

The 2023 Trailblazer came with numerous standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional upgrades included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, ensuring its commitment to safety was well-recognized.

In comparison, the 2023 Jeep Compass featured standard safety technologies, including a new drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. It offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Upgrades available included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims could be equipped with Highway Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Though the NHTSA had not yet published ratings, the Compass scored well in past tests, though not enough for the IIHS's newTop Safety Pick requirements.