2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V exuded a cleaner, slightly meaner aesthetic than its predecessor with its blunt nose, long hood, and extended wheelbase. More conservative in styling compared to the previous generation, the new look promised to age well over time. Both the CR-V EX and CR-V EX-L shared exterior features such as 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, creating a unified external appearance. The EX-L trim further enhanced the interior with leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, whereas the EX sported standard cloth upholstery.

Inside, the CR-V mirrored the design found in the latest Civic models, with a dash divided into upper and lower sections by striking metal mesh trim incorporating the air vents. Both trims offered a high-quality yet simple interior style and included a digital instrumentation display. The EX-L upped the ante with a more extensive touchscreen infotainment system, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power rear liftgate. Additionally, the EX-L was equipped with front and rear parking sensors. The prices at the beginning of the model year ranged from $31,110 for the CR-V EX FWD to $35,260 for the CR-V EX-L AWD, excluding a destination charge of $1,245.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Compass shed the rugged Jeep aesthetics for a refined and upscale look. Round headlights, square taillights, and a utilitarian interior were replaced by a sophisticated design reminiscent of the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. The 2023 Compass Sport and Latitude trims showcased new 17-inch wheels, while the Trailhawk's were finished in gloss black. The Compass Red editions were available in black or silver paint, as well as the signature red.

Jeep's lineup included the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, the more refined Latitude Lux, and the upscale Limited. The Trailhawk trim catered to off-road enthusiasts. Special-edition models like the Altitude, Red, and High Altitude offered further customization. Prices ranged from just under $32,000 to over $40,000 without options, making the Jeep Compass a pricier contender within the small SUV segment. Our fully-loaded Limited test model boasted extra-cost paint, various package groups, and a destination charge, bringing the MSRP to $45,800.

The Compass Limited's Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels gave it a mini Grand Cherokee appearance. Inside, a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents maintained an upscale feel, enhanced by sophisticated digital displays and metallic trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V equipped both the EX and EX-L models with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the previous generation, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While this power was abundant for a compact SUV, it was paired with a CVT, which detracted from the driving pleasure by generating a constant droning noise during hard acceleration. Nevertheless, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with well-honed suspension, steering, and brakes. Its all-season tires provided sufficient grip, ensuring a balanced driving experience, especially on uneven pavement and winding roads.

Fuel efficiency was a remarkable aspect, with the EPA rating our test vehicle for 29 mpg combined. On a mountainous evaluation route in Southern California, it averaged 29.1 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally received a new powertrain—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. Moreover, Selec-Terrain driving modes catered to various conditions, and the Trailhawk model featured a more rugged Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with additional off-road capabilities.

The turbocharged engine transformed the Compass from sluggish to spirited, making it more enjoyable to drive than ever before. The official EPA fuel economy stood at 27 mpg combined. Our real-world tests, incorporating city, highway, mountain, and coastal driving, averaged 23.8 mpg. Despite these improvements, the Compass' tall, narrow, and stubby form still contributed to significant lateral and vertical body movements on varying terrain.

Honda's claim that the 2023 CR-V was roomier than its predecessors had some merit. However, the relatively low driver’s seat position made the SUV feel more like a car. Visibility out front was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort. Heated front seats were standard, but ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were not available.

The second row was more spacious and felt akin to a midsize model, with ample legroom and thigh support. Taller passengers might find headroom limited but adjustable seatback recline positions alleviated this issue. Our CR-V EX-L test model had rear air conditioning vents, though a USB charging port was an additional accessory.

Honda excelled with storage solutions. The bin under the center armrest, trays on the door panels, and additional compartments offered ample storage, albeit lined with hard plastic which could cause unwanted noise. The CR-V provided 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, extendable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, comfortably accommodated adults in both rows despite its narrower cross-section, aiding maneuverability. The interior had an air filtration system filtering 95% of particulates, along with climate control and an optional dual-pane sunroof. Front seats with cloth upholstery were standard, while higher trims featured leather and available premium leather. Various trims offered heated and ventilated features.

The Compass' interior lacked the storage volume found in the CR-V, but still offered an acceptable amount, especially with the under-center armrest bin and a wireless charging pad forward of the shifter. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with certain configurations allowing the front passenger seat to fold in half, accommodating longer items.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel coupled with a similar-sized touchscreen infotainment system, equipped with essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V EX-L offered an enhanced setup with a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker sound system.

While the larger display lacked physical tuning knobs, the CR-V’s tech suite generally met the segment standards. The high-end technological amenities, including a Bose sound system and navigation, were reserved for the top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid model.

Contrarily, every 2023 Jeep Compass debuted with a 10.1-inch touchscreen backed by Uconnect 5 technology, supporting dual Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected services. Depending on the trim, it included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, an Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in.

Our Limited test vehicle’s Alexa Built-in performed seamlessly, handling commands swiftly and accurately. The availability of parking assist and a surround-view camera further enhanced the Compass' tech offerings.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and blind-spot monitoring. New features like a seatbelt reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition enhanced safety.

However, the lane-centering assist displayed uncertainties during certain driving conditions, slightly diminishing the overall experience. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure aimed at better passenger protection, alongside redesigned airbags to mitigate injury risks. At the time of review, NHTSA and IIHS ratings were pending.

Similarly, the 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder alongside forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available high-end features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors.

The Highway Assist system bundled adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, working effectively under suitable conditions. However, it occasionally struggled with complex road sections and harsh sunlight. Like the CR-V, the Compass awaited full crash test ratings from NHTSA and updated IIHS evaluations.