2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. 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 Red editions offered additional color options, including black and silver. The 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. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, offering a luxurious interior with digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price point of $45,800 made it a costly choice in the small SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, appeared less distinctive in its base Sport trim, blending in with other small crossovers. The design lacked unique Jeep characteristics, except for the seven-slot grille. The interior, however, maintained a good design and quality, with supportive cloth seats and a large 10-inch infotainment screen. The base Compass offered a cohesive and modern interior, a significant improvement from older models. Despite its generic exterior, the interior provided a sense of style with silver plastic accents and a urethane steering wheel. The 2024 model's interior design was praised, but the exterior was criticized for lacking uniqueness.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. The Trailhawk model featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The Compass offered a more enjoyable driving experience, with better grip and quieter operation, but still faced challenges with body motions and AWD engagement.

The 2024 Jeep Compass continued with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD provided smooth performance, with minimized engine noise. The Compass offered three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk model included a low-range transfer case, rock driving mode, and all-terrain tires, but came at a higher cost. Steering and handling were weak points, with too much play and low grip. The ride was comfortable, but the Sport trim lacked the car-like drive expected. Fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior, accommodating adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four people. Standard features included an air filtration system and optional dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power-adjustable seats. Rear seat space was adequate, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Interior storage was limited, but the Compass provided competitive cargo space, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass emphasized utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a large color display. The interior offered good visibility and spacious headroom, especially without a sunroof. Rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom, along with rear vents and USB ports. Cargo space remained competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The manual front passenger seat could fold for carrying longer items, enhancing practicality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system offered over-the-air updates and optional features like a digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included these features, with responsive Alexa Built-in technology. The parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience, though the Compass's size made parking assist less necessary.

The 2024 Jeep Compass also came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and crisp interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G Wi-Fi. Factory navigation was optional, with a wireless charging pad available. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, with additional features like a panoramic moonroof and Alpine stereo. The semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was available on higher trims, providing enhanced driving assistance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving assistance. The IIHS had not completed testing, but the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were optional on higher trims, with rain-sensing wipers standard on Limited and above.