2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite whispers of its impending retirement, remained a top contender in the compact crossover SUV market. This model, last seen in its 2023 incarnation, was praised for its sophistication and near-luxury aesthetics. Every version of the CX-5 was crafted with high-quality materials, offering a refined and elegant feel. The available turbocharged engine, alongside an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)Top Safety Pick rating, added to its allure. Although the CX-5 had limitations like a cramped back seat, limited cargo space, and a fussy infotainment system, its stylish design and upscale vibe made it a favorite.

On the flip side, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more polished and upscale appearance compared to other models under the Jeep badge. Ditching the rugged aesthetics, the Compass leaned towards a refined design reminiscent of its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The 2023 lineup introduced new wheel designs and color variations for different trims, giving buyers plenty of options. However, when fully loaded, the Compass' price tag soared, making it one of the pricier options in the small SUV category.

In summary, while the CX-5 exuded a high-end feel typical of luxury models, the Compass presented a more mature and refined design that differentiated it from traditional Jeep vehicles.

Under the hood, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, delivering an EPA-rated 26 mpg in combined driving. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, particularly when fueled with premium gas, churned out 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, reducing the combined mpg to 24. These engines boasted structural and suspension improvements from the 2022 updates, making the CX-5's drive more spirited and responsive.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, for the first time, equipped a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system, featuring various driving modes like Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. Despite prioritizing fuel efficiency over raw power, the Compass showed significant improvements in performance, averaging 27 mpg in combined driving as per EPA estimates, though real-world tests yielded 23.8 mpg.

While the CX-5's driving enjoyment centered on its precise handling and quick acceleration, the Compass focused on offering a more gutsy performance compared to its predecessors, with improved drivability and a quieter turbocharged engine.

Mazda's 2023 CX-5, refreshed in the previous model year, featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support. The interior boasted plush materials, especially in higher trims with Nappa leather upholstery. However, its smaller size translated to limited in-cabin storage, a tight rear seat, and reduced cargo space. The cargo capacity stood at 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet when folded, which was modest compared to many rivals.

In the 2023 Jeep Compass, the interior comfortably accommodated adults in both rows. Standard features across the lineup included an air filtration system and optional dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power adjustments, and advanced comfort features. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, extendable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Compass also provided useful storage solutions like an adjustable load floor and underfloor storage compartments.

Comparatively, the CX-5 delivered a more luxurious feel but fell short in cargo capacity, while the Compass offered a balanced combination of comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display. Despite its sleek graphics and logical menu structure, the system's use of a control knob over a touchscreen interface proved frustrating. Without an effective voice recognition system, and complicated physical controls, operating the system often required diverting attention from driving. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bose premium audio system, and helpful camera systems, yet the user experience remained cumbersome.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, in contrast, came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen powered by Uconnect 5 technology. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims offered navigation, a premium Alpine sound system, and digital instrumentation. Our Limited trim test vehicle showcased responsive and accurate voice recognition through Alexa Built-in, though it required a Wi-Fi data plan for full functionality. Parking assist and surround-view cameras further enhanced the driving experience.

Overall, the Compass provided a more user-friendly and feature-rich technology package compared to the CX-5's dated and less intuitive system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety features under the i-Activsense banner. Standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered features like a surround-view camera system, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety ratings were impressive, with five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

Jeep's 2023 Compass added new safety features like drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminders. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and semi-autonomous Highway Assist. While NHTSA ratings were pending, past IIHS results indicated solid performance, though the updated requirements might affect future ratings.

Both vehicles offered robust safety features, but the CX-5 had established superior crash-test ratings at the time of review.