2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with several optional packages, had a sticker price of $45,800. It boasted a Granite Crystal exterior with 19-inch wheels and a two-tone black and gray interior with caramel accents, offering a luxurious feel. However, the high price made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained the sleek and clean styling of its non-hybrid counterpart, with subtle differences like a charge port and hybrid badging. Despite its age, the Pacifica looked contemporary, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights. For 2024, it was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and standard 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch options available. The Pinnacle trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some premium elements clashed with lower-level materials. The Pacifica Hybrid's design emphasized practicality and comfort, making it a standout choice in the minivan segment.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its long-standing powertrain issues 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 Jeep Active Drive AWD, offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio and additional off-road capabilities. During testing in Malibu, the Compass demonstrated a significant improvement in drivability, though it still had some limitations. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. While the new engine was quieter and smoother, the Compass remained tall and narrow, affecting its handling on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. While it lacked the AWD and towing capacity of its non-hybrid counterpart, the electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving, with a smooth transition between electric and hybrid modes. Its well-tuned chassis offered a comfortable ride, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain enhanced the vehicle's overall quietness. Despite some compromises, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a compelling blend of efficiency and performance for a minivan.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with seating for adults in both rows. Its narrow design made it maneuverable, while still providing decent comfort for four passengers. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The rear seat provided adequate space, though legroom was snug. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Compass also featured a wireless charging pad and adjustable load floor for added convenience.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stood out with its minivan packaging, offering easy access to rear seats through sliding doors. Interior dimensions were comparable to other minivans, with ample headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery pack, but still provided 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though access was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac vacuum cleaner, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited test vehicle included a parking assist system and surround-view camera, though the small size of the Compass made the former less necessary.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Available options included built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked a fully digital instrument cluster but provided ample USB-C ports and an optional FamCam rear-facing camera. The Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system added touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity, enhancing the vehicle's family-friendly appeal.

The 2023 Jeep Compass included standard safety features like drowsy driver detection, rear-seat reminder, and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the Compass faced challenges with its ADAS performance in certain conditions. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were incomplete at the time of review.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong side crash-test results. It shared safety features with the non-hybrid Pacifica, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided additional safety information on the central touchscreen.