2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Lexus GX

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 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. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with several upgrades, 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, exuding a sense of luxury. However, the high price tag made it a less attractive option compared to similarly priced small luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, moving away from the softer lines of the previous model to embrace a more geometric and aggressive styling. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's new front end stood more vertically, and the hood featured humps above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The side profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury models focused on opulence, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-road capabilities. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but was built for durability and off-road prowess.

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. The engine delivered peak torque between 1,750 and 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite the improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. Our test drive in Malibu revealed a quieter and smoother engine, but the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-road performance was commendable, though it struggled with standard tires in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The new powertrain offered more power and torque, with the latter available low in the rev range for off-road ease. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking center differential enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for better wheel articulation. During testing, the GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's controlled behavior on-road was a pleasant surprise.

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. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather options available on higher trims. Our Limited test vehicle featured premium leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Interior storage was limited, but the Compass offered competitive cargo space, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was cramped for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. It offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. Our Limited test vehicle included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The parking assist system and surround-view camera were useful features, though the Compass's small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers, with additional ports for rear passengers. The Drive Connect subscription service provided an intelligent voice assistant, and Remote Connect offered remote vehicle functions. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Our test vehicle's Highway Assist performed well in most conditions but struggled with certain road features. The Compass had incomplete safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. The GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS inspired confidence in its safety.