2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Jeep Compass showcased a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling traditionally associated with Jeep. It featured a more upscale appearance, akin to its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass Sport and Latitude models introduced a new 17-inch wheel design, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass Red editions offered additional color options, including black and silver. With five core trim levels and several special editions, the Compass lineup ranged from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and optional 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, offering a sophisticated interior with digital displays and metallic trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and practicality, with a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette. The XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering standard all-wheel drive. The Recharge T8, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, provided the most performance and efficiency. The XC90's interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The Ultimate trim added features like massaging front seats and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Volvo's attention to color and materials was evident, offering a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal accents.

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 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, 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 Compass remained tall and narrow, leading to significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 23.8 mpg.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving and a five-second sprint to 60 mph. The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, with a Constant AWD mode for power distribution. Despite its power, the XC90 prioritized luxury over performance, with a firm ride and less engaging handling. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 27 mpg in hybrid mode, but real-world testing showed 24.5 mpg.

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 upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a dual-pane sunroof. The Compass offered 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 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and upgraded lighting. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo capacity reached 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and optional features like a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The XC90's infotainment system was intuitive, with a digital instrumentation panel and available head-up display and surround-view camera.

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, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, though it occasionally struggled with certain conditions. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 emphasized safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. While its ADAS features were not groundbreaking, the XC90 included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, Pilot Assist occasionally struggled with certain driving conditions, leading to a loss of confidence in the system.