2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and style, building on its iconic design with a longer body that did not compromise its classic appeal. The Hydro Blue model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured a bold aesthetic with blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims offered a sophisticated interior with high-quality materials, although some elements like the hard plastics and leather on the steering wheel were not up to the standards of luxury brands. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was considered superior to many competitors in its class.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged look of its predecessors. The Compass offered a variety of trims and special editions, each with distinct styling elements like new wheel designs and paint options. The Limited trim, in particular, provided a luxurious feel with its two-tone black and gray cabin and caramel accents. However, the high price point of the Compass, especially in the Limited trim, raised questions about its value compared to larger compact crossovers or small luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was criticized for its lack of low-end torque and outdated feel. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis and air suspension provided confident handling and a comfortable ride, although the steering was noted to be less responsive. The SUV offered three 4WD systems, enhancing its off-road capabilities, although it was not intended for serious off-roading.

The 2023 Jeep Compass saw a significant improvement in performance with its new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, transformed the Compass into a more capable vehicle. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road features, including a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. Despite these improvements, the Compass's engine was not as powerful as some competitors, and its AWD system was slow to engage. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, although real-world testing showed lower results.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with its extended length providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs and optional third-row seating, although the latter was best suited for children. The Grand Cherokee L boasted a generous cargo capacity, with up to 85 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The interior layout included a variety of controls and buttons, although some users found the infotainment system's graphics and text difficult to read.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. The SUV offered standard cloth upholstery, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited trim featured a well-appointed interior with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power-adjustable seats. The Compass's cargo space was competitive for its class, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and some hard plastic surfaces detracted from the overall comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came equipped with Uconnect 5 technology, featuring an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation standard on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The McIntosh sound system, while good, lacked surround imaging from the rear speakers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass also featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, supporting wireless smartphone integration and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and an optional digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The Limited trim included a digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Compass's tech features were generally well-received, although the parking assist system was deemed unnecessary for such a small SUV.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in most categories. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added new safety features, such as a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass's crash-test ratings were incomplete at the time of review, with previous models earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.