2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, featuring a sophisticated look with new wheel designs and special edition color options. The Compass was available in several trims, including the Sport, Latitude, and Trailhawk, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had a sticker price of $45,800. The interior boasted a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, and metallic trim, giving it a luxurious feel, though the high price point seemed excessive for its segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as a long-standing automotive institution with its massive size and familiar presence on the road. Measuring nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially in urban settings. However, it catered to those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Available in six trims, from the LS to the High Country, the Suburban offered a range of features, including leather upholstery and optional upgrades like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, though it provided comfort and space for all passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass saw a significant improvement in its powertrain with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road features, including a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. Despite the improvements, the Compass prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though our test averaged 23.8 mpg. The new engine was quieter and smoother, but the Compass still exhibited body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 277 horsepower. The 5.3-liter V8 was standard on most trims, providing ample power and a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8 offered more effortless acceleration, while the diesel engine delivered better fuel economy and cost savings. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its steering and brakes. However, drivers needed to account for its weight and potential body roll.

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 available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims provided leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Compass had 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban also featured a 28-gallon fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and optional features like a digital instrumentation panel and a premium sound system. Our test vehicle included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end options found in competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems, along with a suite of ADAS features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Compass had not yet received complete crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from NHTSA, with standard ADAS features including forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, as an optional upgrade. Super Cruise provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads, enhancing convenience and safety.