2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance, moving away from the rugged design ethos traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, offering a sophisticated look with new wheel designs and special edition models. 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, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, featuring a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, and metallic trim. However, the as-tested price of $45,800 seemed steep for a small SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates similar to the three-row Atlas, with new lighting elements and illuminated VW logos. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Cross Sport was designed for the U.S. market, featuring a lower roofline for a more coupe-like silhouette. It offered new wheel designs across its trims, with the SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch wheels. Interior revisions included a raised center console and a new electronic shifter, with standard leatherette upholstery and quilted leather on higher trims. Despite attempts to improve interior materials, the cabin still featured various types of plastic.

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 standard AWD, transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road features, including a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. Despite improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. The Compass handled well on pavement, with the Limited trim providing good grip, but its tall and narrow design led to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport transitioned to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous VR6 option, offering more torque and better performance. While the engine worked well with the eight-speed automatic transmission, it was noisy and lacked refinement. The Cross Sport's driving experience was unremarkable, with a less-than-smooth ride quality, possibly due to the test car's 21-inch wheels. The towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

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 seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The rear seat accommodated 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 charging pad and a small center console bin.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport added more standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, climate control, and ventilated front seats. The roofline affected rear-seat headroom, but legroom was competitive. Cargo space was ample, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. The cabin featured a new center console with storage space and large cupholders, while door pockets accommodated multiple drink bottles.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came 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 instrument panel. Additional features included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited trim also had a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly but hampered by haptic touchpads instead of physical buttons. The Cross Sport offered up to six USB-C ports and a USB-C dash cam port. The SEL trim included a head-up display, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a Harman Kardon setup.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, 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 the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IQ.Drive package, now standard, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera. The Cross Sport also featured post-collision braking and an emergency assist system.