2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described as "modernist" and "reductive," which translated to a clean and simple design. This approach did not cater to those seeking flashy luxury SUVs. The test vehicle arrived in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, it featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, emphasizing a high-tech, luxurious appearance. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass reflected a refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. The Compass Sport and Latitude models received new 17-inch wheels, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was offered in five core trim levels, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. The test vehicle, a Limited trim, featured Granite Crystal paint, multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents. The MSRP was $45,800, including destination charges.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The test vehicle's 395-hp engine accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieved 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and advanced suspension technology but struggled to match the driving dynamics of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The Trailhawk model featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The Compass achieved 23.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 27 mpg. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass from gutless to gutsy, providing better acceleration and a quieter, smoother ride. However, the Compass remained tall and narrow, leading to significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk model demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities but struggled with standard tires in mud and loose dirt.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage space within the cabin was decent, with a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin under the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a roomy interior for four adults, despite its narrow width. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was acceptable, with a small bin under the center armrest and an available wireless smartphone charging pad.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power, along with a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was located under the infotainment screen.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The system received over-the-air (OTA) updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in digital assistant. The Alexa technology was fast and accurate, while the Alpine audio system was bass-heavy with default settings. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were slow to respond and not as smooth as expected.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a standard drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a traffic sign recognition system, and front and rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving assistance system. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).