2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 various trims, including the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, and upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and optional 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of luxury, enhanced by digital displays and metallic trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized broad-shouldered proportions and square wheel arches. It was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The CX-50's interior was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a shelf and impressive material quality. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as the base models had manually-adjustable front seats, and the interior materials were not as durable as expected for the Meridian Edition.

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 Jeep Active Drive AWD, transformed the Compass from gutless to gutsy. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road capabilities with a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system, a 20:1 crawl ratio, and a Rock driving mode. Despite improvements, the engine wasn't as strong as it could be, prioritizing fuel economy over power. The Compass achieved an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 23.8 mpg. The new powertrain made the Compass more enjoyable to drive, with improved grip and quieter operation, but it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered, making it a good daily driver.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with seating for adults in both rows. While narrow, it provided decent comfort for four people. 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 enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Compass also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a small center armrest bin.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the available power liftgate improved access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a rotary infotainment controller. However, the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was challenging for shorter individuals to use.

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 an optional 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and Alexa Built-in. The parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience, though the Compass's small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller. While wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard safety features 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. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter's Top Safety Pick rating pending further testing.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 received a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it scored lower in nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlight ratings. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with five-star frontal crash and four-star rollover ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.