2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored its classic truck aesthetic over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, all set parallel to the ground, with a sharply chopped tail. This design consistency, along with tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, made it a unique offering in the SUV segment. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of seating configurations and accessory packages that enhanced its rugged appeal.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability over luxury, with an interior dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. While the build quality was excellent, the Defender's price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive compared to the more opulent Range Rover models. However, its popularity suggested that many buyers appreciated its unique blend of ruggedness and functionality.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, offering a more grown-up look. The Compass lineup included several trim levels, with the Trailhawk model catering to off-road enthusiasts. The Compass was priced higher than many small SUVs, with base prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000, and our test vehicle, a Limited trim with various options, had an MSRP of $45,800.

Inside, the Compass Limited featured a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, sophisticated digital displays, and metallic trim, creating a more luxurious feel. However, the high price point made it less competitive compared to larger compact crossovers or small luxury SUVs. Despite this, the Compass offered a comfortable and stylish interior, with features like a dual-pane sunroof and premium leather seats available on higher trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent four-wheel drive provided reliable traction. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The V8 provided exhilarating acceleration, though at the cost of poor fuel economy, rated at 14/19/16 mpg. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, with better fuel efficiency at 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced 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 all-wheel drive, transformed the Compass's performance. The Trailhawk model featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Compass was more enjoyable to drive than previous models, though it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though our testing yielded 23.8 mpg. While the new engine improved the Compass's performance, it wasn't as powerful as some competitors, prioritizing fuel economy and regular fuel requirements.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The 130 featured a standard third row with additional amenities like a separate moonroof and climate zone. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 providing 77 cubic feet with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 offered 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender's interior was designed for practicality, with features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps available.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat was spacious enough for adults, though legroom was limited if front seats were reclined. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Compass also offered a wireless smartphone charging pad and an adjustable load floor for added convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services, with over-the-air updates to keep the system current. Depending on the trim, the Compass offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. Our Limited test vehicle included these features, with the Alexa system proving responsive and accurate. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard features. It offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims featured Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system, though it had limitations in certain conditions. The Compass had not been fully rated by U.S. safety organizations, but previous models received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.