2024 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, certainly had a commanding visual presence. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics, making it easier to navigate technical driving scenarios. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal. Nonetheless, features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery added some luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass we tested in Michigan had a more utilitarian look, especially in the base Sport trim. The Compass Sport, with its black plastic door handles and small wheels, blended into the background, lacking distinctive Jeep features unless outfitted as a Trailhawk. The interior of the base Compass, however, impressed with its design and quality, featuring supportive cloth seats with blue stitching, a large 10-inch infotainment screen, and appropriate plastics for its price range.

The Compass Limited trim we previously tested shone with a black and gray color scheme offset by caramel leatherette. The 2024 model continued to offer good interior design and quality, with ample legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats. The cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The Compass also featured practical elements like push-button start, rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 delivered a linear rise in power and noise, providing plenty of low-end torque. However, it lagged behind more modern engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid, which offered better performance and fuel economy. The GX's V8 also resulted in poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading. Its weight made it roll through corners, though the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip, enhancing its off-road capability.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, replaced its old 2.4-liter engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Compass offered improved performance and reduced engine noise. It featured three driving modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel savings. The Trailhawk trim added a low-range transfer case, extra driving modes, and off-road enhancements, though it came at a higher cost.

The Compass's steering and handling were weak points, with too much play off-center and low grip. However, the ride was comfortable and well-damped. Fuel economy was better than the GX, with EPA estimates of 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome, offering only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. It featured clear analog gauges, a large color display, and physical climate controls. Visibility and sight lines were good, with ample headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats. The rear seats included vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. The cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat also folded, allowing for longer items to be carried.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a CD player. Off-road technology included a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick, crisp, and quick interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports. Factory navigation was optional, with a wireless charging pad also available. Higher trims offered a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, a semi-automated driving system, and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. The Elite Group package added features like navigation, live traffic, power lumbar, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, foot-activated power tailgate, Alexa, remote start, and second-row USB ports.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, it featured modern safety technology.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. 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, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras were available on higher trims.