2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

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 wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass 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, offered a luxurious feel, though its $45,800 price tag seemed steep for a small SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar design to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The GLC featured updated taillights, a more menacing headlight design, and a revised rear end with less chrome. The Coupe version retained its fastback roof, while the SUV resembled an inflated hatchback. The interior was sumptuous, with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC's cabin was gadget-heavy, offering a class-leading experience for those who appreciated advanced technology.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its 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 low-range AWD system and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Despite improvements, the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and its AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. The GLC 300, with 255 horsepower, offered a more modest performance. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission provided faster shifts, though it resulted in rougher transitions. The performance suspension delivered taut handling but a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting. Enthusiasts appreciated the sporty nature and four-wheel steering, which enhanced cornering capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, offering decent comfort 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 Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. Standard features included heated front seats with memory functions, while ventilation and heated rear seats were optional. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet, while the Coupe provided 17.6 cubic feet, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats and flat-folding design added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 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. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and parking assist features, though the surround-view camera was more useful.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, offering responsive voice commands. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation and a Burmester sound system, while the Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Additional tech options included an Advanced USB package.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Standard ADAS features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, though it occasionally struggled in certain conditions. The Compass had incomplete IIHS test results and awaited NHTSA ratings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, and Pre-Safe. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.