2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2023 Jeep Compass showcased a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling traditionally associated with Jeep. It featured a more upscale appearance, akin to its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass Sport and Latitude models introduced a new 17-inch wheel design, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. 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, was priced at $45,800 and boasted a sophisticated interior with Granite Crystal paint and optional 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. However, the high price tag made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling, offering a smooth and modest design that stood out among its rivals. The Pacifica's clean look was achieved by hiding sliding-door tracks, unlike competitors like the Honda Odyssey. Available in Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica featured standard LED lighting and various wheel options. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard and well-integrated controls. Our test vehicle, a Pacifica Pinnacle, featured luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, but some interior elements felt less premium. The Pacifica's design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender in the minivan market.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its 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 AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable. The Trailhawk version offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Despite improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. While the Compass handled well on pavement, its tall and narrow design led to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. Off-road, the Trailhawk excelled but required more aggressive tires for challenging terrain.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,600 pounds. The minivan's chassis prioritized comfort and stability, offering a smooth ride and minimizing body motion. While not a luxury vehicle, the Pacifica was quiet and refined, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior with seating for adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four passengers. Standard features included an air filtration system and optional dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, with a small center console bin.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior versatility with its Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor. This feature created ample storage space, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Pacifica offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration, and featured a power-folding third-row seat on higher trims. Passenger space was competitive, with generous headroom and legroom across all rows. The Pacifica also offered a built-in vacuum cleaner and a FamCam rear-facing camera for added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. The system offered over-the-air updates and optional features like a digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Our test vehicle included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica also boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering similar connectivity features. The Pacifica's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with available built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect Theater system provided rear-seat entertainment with dual touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The Pacifica also featured a FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. It offered a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims featured Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the Compass lacked complete crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS at the time of review.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and park assist. New for 2024 was an Emergency Vehicle Alert System, enhancing safety awareness.