2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

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 exterior with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in five core trim levels, with special editions like the Altitude, Red, and High Altitude. The Limited trim, tested with additional packages, boasted a Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents and digital displays offered a premium feel, though the high price tag was a point of contention.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to distinguish itself from a typical car with its excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding, though it maintained an overall appealing design. The CX-30 featured short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline, with black wheels adding to its sporty look. Inside, the CX-30's interior exuded a class-above feel, with clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and artistic climate controls. The test vehicle, in 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, showcased a unique Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black upholstery, with a price of $34,210, including destination charges.

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, though it wasn't as powerful as some might hope. The Trailhawk version featured a more robust AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Despite a 27 mpg combined EPA rating, real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. The Compass delivered a more enjoyable driving experience than previous models, though it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain offered a smooth and gradual power delivery, making it feel like the sports car of its class. A six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD ensured seamless power distribution. However, fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg compared to the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a fun and nimble ride, though it felt slightly soft on winding roads. With standard AWD and off-road capabilities, it could handle more challenging trails than some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided 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 offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The Limited trim, with its premium features, felt like a small luxury SUV, though the hard plastic edge of the center console was a minor drawback. The rear seat offered adequate space, and the cargo area provided 27.2 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior showcased quality materials and logical controls, with a three-gauge digital instrumentation setup. The test vehicle featured Terracotta leather seats with Black suede inserts, adding a touch of color. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was cramped. The CX-30 offered adequate storage, with a cargo volume of 20.2 cubic feet, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The flexible load floor allowed for practical storage solutions, though it wasn't as generous as some competitors.

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 paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. Additional features included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited trim also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. While the screen's placement was less than ideal, it marked an improvement over previous static displays. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a trial for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports and a Bose premium audio system were available on higher trims, though the lack of natural voice recognition limited the system's effectiveness.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems, with automatic high-beam headlights on all but the base trim. Standard ADAS features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. While NHTSA ratings were unavailable, the IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 model, though it previously earned a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 emphasized safety with new standard features like blind-spot monitoring and rear-seat alert systems. It also included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating, and received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.