2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

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, offering a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheels for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in five core trims, with special editions like the Altitude, Red, and High Altitude, ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, was priced at $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.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 embraced a luxury image, rivaling brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. Its design was an upscale evolution of the smaller CX-30 and CX-5, with a commanding presence stretching over 200 inches. The CX-90 featured a large grille, wide-set front end, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, top-tier models offered brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, creating a luxurious ambiance. The CX-90 was available in 11 trims across three powertrains, with the Turbo S starting at over $50,000. Our review focused on the PHEV and Turbo S Premium Plus models, showcasing Mazda's commitment to luxury and performance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass marked a significant improvement in performance with its 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 variant offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system, a 20:1 crawl ratio, and a Rock driving mode. Despite its improvements, the Compass prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though our tests averaged 23.8 mpg. While the Compass excelled in grip and handling, it still exhibited body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S variant delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling exhaust note and impressive performance. All CX-90 models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 26 miles. Both models demonstrated exceptional handling, with the CX-90 feeling agile and composed through corners, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout.

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. Higher trims provided leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a dual-pane sunroof. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims and offering captain's chairs in mid-level trims. The Turbo S models featured a two-seat third row, with cargo space ranging from 14.9 to 75.2 cubic feet, depending on the configuration. While the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's space, it still lagged behind competitors like the Honda Pilot. The interior boasted ample storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, creating a luxurious and practical environment.

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. Depending on the trim, it included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The system offered over-the-air updates and an Alexa Built-in assistant. Our test vehicle included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions with a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's complexity often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, adjusting settings for individual drivers. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. Despite the challenges, the CX-90's technology suite provided a comprehensive and customizable experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including drowsy driver detection, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. While the Compass had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA, it previously earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though updated testing was pending.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured the i-Activsense suite of ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Our test vehicle included cruising and traffic support, providing hands-on driver assistance. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well, given the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.