2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had an unmistakable, boxy design that emphasized its rugged nature. The fourth-generation JL model was virtually devoid of curves, signaling its tough, off-road readiness from every angle. Buyers could opt for either the two-door Wrangler or the four-door Unlimited variant, and both came with removable doors to enhance the open-air experience. For those who preferred a semi-open setup, the Dual-Door Group package included half doors which provided better visibility while maintaining a degree of safety.

One of the Wrangler’s standout features was its fold-down windshield, offering a unique wind-in-your-face driving experience. A variety of top options, from hard to soft tops, were available to suit different needs for open-air exploration. All models sported wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and rugged exterior hood latches, adorned with an American flag on the front fenders.

In the rear, the tailgate swung out while the glass lifted up, facilitating easy access to the cargo area. The overall design was simple yet functional, with a splash of audacity provided by a new limited-edition purple paint called Reign, the first of its kind on a JL model. Jeep also introduced the Earl color option, a gray with subtle aquamarine highlights.

Inside, practicality continued with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, characterized by plenty of straight lines and no unnecessary embellishments. The dashboard, finished in body color, chunky HVAC controls, and the manual transfer case shifter all contributed to its robust aesthetic. However, for luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, one would have to look elsewhere, perhaps to a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, alternatively, often blended into its surroundings, especially in the rental-like Sport trim. During tests in Michigan, it was evident that without the distinctive trim upgrades of the Trailhawk variant—like red tow hooks and a mild lift—the Compass exuded a more generic, crossover look shared by several in its segment, such as the Toyota RAV4.

However, once inside, especially in the Limited trim, the 2024 Compass exhibited a well-appointed interior with a sophisticated black and gray color scheme, accented by caramel-colored leatherette. Since 2022, Jeep had overhauled the interior design in the Compass, bringing in large screens and enhanced material quality. Supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts maintained comfort even in the base models, and the inclusion of a large 10-inch infotainment screen and well-chosen plastic accents lent an air of modernity.

Visibility was good, and without a sunroof, headroom was ample. Rear seats were roomy with convenient features like rear vents and USB ports, which highlighted the vehicle’s practical utility. Despite its generic exterior, the Compass had an unexpectedly modern and comfortable interior setup.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was built for off-road enthusiasts, offering solid axles front and rear and optional differential lockers. Buyers had several engine options to consider for their off-roading adventures. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, both paired with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

For torque aficionados, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 delivered 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. The powerhouse of the lineup was the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine churning out 470 horsepower and an equivalent amount of torque. Additionally, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined two electric motors with a 17.3 kWh battery pack, offering 21 miles of all-electric range. These powertrains, however, were limited to the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Testing the Rubicon 392 revealed its monstrous nature, aggressively devouring 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The vehicle’s full-time 4WD and Off-Road Plus button facilitated traversing dunes and rocks with ease. Complemented by a Selec-Trac system providing a 2.72 low range and a crawl ratio of 58:1 with the Xtreme Recon package, the Rubicon 392 was unstoppable on rough terrains. However, its brakes and steering left much to be desired, with inadequate braking power for its V8 engine and vague steering feedback.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had transitioned to a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, detuned to produce 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered refined and quieter performance compared to its predecessor. The newer engine reduced the need for aggressive throttle input to achieve maximum power, minimizing engine noise.

The Compass featured three driving modes—auto, snow, and sand/mud—along with a 4WD Lock button for consistent rear-wheel engagement. The Trailhawk model, specifically, offered a low-range transfer case, "rock" driving mode, Falken all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, although it was significantly more expensive starting at $7,000 above the base Sport trim. Maximum towing capacity stood at 2,000 pounds.

Despite improvements, steering in the Compass felt imprecise, particularly when compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. Handling was mushy with limited grip, although ride comfort remained strong. Fuel economy was also comparable, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, close to other compact SUVs.

In the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, front seats were comfortable but lacked ventilated options unless opting for the Rubicon 392 or a cold-weather package. The rear seats could fit three passengers in the four-door models but were cramped and difficult to access due to the small rear doors. Storage for small items was limited. The flat dashboard had no cubbies, and the glove box and center consoles were tiny. The available cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than that of key competitors like the Ford Bronco.

Flexibility in roof configurations added to the model’s practical nature. The hard top could be removed in sections, while the Sunrider option allowed for easy front-row exposure to the outdoors. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was the most convenient option, retracting within 17 seconds even while driving at speeds up to 60 mph. The roof’s rear plastic windows could be cumbersome, particularly in cold weather when accessing the rear cargo area.

Charging ports were ample in the Wrangler, with two USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear alongside several 12-volt outlets and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

Conversely, the 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s view included clear analog gauges flanking a large color display with various info panels. Steering wheel buttons controlled the stereo functions, and physical climate controls were well-placed despite the absence of temperature readings on the screen. Visibility was good and, without a sunroof, the front headroom was generous.

The rear seats were spacious, with adequate legroom and headroom, along with vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. However, the central cubby and door pockets were small. Cargo capacity was notable, offering 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Additionally, models with a manually adjustable front passenger seat could fold it down for transporting longer items, illustrating the Compass’s versatility.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, with an available upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen. The touchscreen-based interface initially appeared complex but proved intuitive after familiarity. Notable features included Jeep’s off-road pages, providing crucial off-roading data like power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates.

Connectivity features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Wrangler also had a forward-facing camera for off-road visibility and four auxiliary switches for wiring up aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked more advanced tech features such as a digital key or over-the-air updates beyond the Uconnect system.

In the 2024 Jeep Compass, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software came as standard. The interface was sleek, crisp, and quick, with clear text and icons throughout the display. Navigation through menus was straightforward, although the home screen did not facilitate direct app switching. The Compass included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports as standard, with optional factory navigation and a wireless charging pad.

Higher trims offered additional tech features, such as a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, power lumbar, a heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, foot-activated power tailgate, Amazon Alexa integration, and remote start. The Elite Group package enhanced the tech offerings further, and optional features included a panoramic moonroof and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. A semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was available on certain trims.

Safety features in the 2023 Jeep Wrangler were somewhat limited. Standard components included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 models and optional elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was not available at all.

Safety ratings were mixed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Wrangler a mix of Good and Marginal ratings, while some trims’ headlights received a Poor rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five stars for rollover ratings. It remained untested for side crashes.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had yet to receive NHTSA ratings, but the identical 2022 model received four out of five stars, with high frontal and side test ratings. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick with top ratings in all six crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, and optional parking sensors and 360-degree cameras enhanced safety further. Rain-sensing wipers came standard on higher trims.