2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Jeep Compass

In terms of design and aesthetics, both the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2024 Jeep Compass had their unique charm and approach, aiming to capture the essence of compact SUVs. The 2023 Nissan Rogue had conventional yet appealing design cues that charmed consumers without pushing the envelope too far. It boasted proper proportions, chiseled styling, and just the right amount of rugged SUV detailing to convey a sense of capability. This balanced design approach was crucial, as customers tend to shy away from vehicles they perceive as unattractive. The Rogue offered multiple trim levels, ranging from the base S to the top-tier Platinum. Prices ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, with additional charges climbing upwards with available packages and options. The Platinum trim, equipped with a Premium package and several add-ons, took the MSRP to a significant $43,100, placing it in entry-luxury territory. It featured luxurious materials, most notably the diamond-pattern leather seats, which exemplified high-quality craftsmanship. On the other hand, the 2024 Jeep Compass, particularly in its base Sport trim, presented a more utilitarian and less distinctive design. The vehicle tested in Michigan, having a basic white exterior with black plastic door handles and small wheels, didn’t stand out. This model was easily confused with any generic small crossover over the past two decades, save for the recognizable seven-slot grille. Unless dressed in the rugged Trailhawk trim with its red tow hooks and specialized bumpers, the Compass’ exterior did not impress. Contrasting the scenic Arizona desert, the previously evaluated fully loaded 2023 Compass Limited displayed interior excellence with its black and gray color scheme accented by caramel leatherette. However, even the base trim of the Compass demonstrated significant interior design improvements post-2022. It featured supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and stylish textured inserts, while silver plastic accents on the dash and steering wheel added a sense of style.

Performance-wise, the two vehicles had distinctly different approaches to powertrains and handling. The 2023 Nissan Rogue had undergone significant changes from its initial 2021 model. The old 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was replaced with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine featuring Nissan’s exclusive VC-Turbo technology. This engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the engine aimed to provide a balance between performance and fuel economy. However, the Rogue’s engine character and performance left something to be desired for certain consumers. It felt responsive in urban environments but lacked passing power on the highway. The unusual three-cylinder engine note and occasional vibrations through the accelerator pedal were points of contention for some drivers. It averaged 28.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA-rated 31 mpg. On the other hand, the 2024 Jeep Compass benefited from a much-needed engine upgrade. It replaced the underwhelming 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a detuned version of the Cherokee’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. The new engine offered a smooth 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard AWD made the Compass adept at various road conditions, with three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel savings. The ride was generally comfortable, but the steering and handling were less precise compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. EPA-rated fuel economy stood at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

Interior space and cargo capacity are vital considerations for compact SUV buyers, and both models offered practical solutions. The 2023 Nissan Rogue aimed to replace the traditional family car with its well-thought-out interior and practicality. It provided easy ingress and egress, good visibility, and ample cargo space. Seating for four was notably comfortable, though the middle rear seat might be tight for a fifth passenger. The high-end Platinum trim boasted features like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, diamond-stitched semi-aniline leather seats, and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. Keyless entry, however, had an irritating design flaw with poor low-light button visibility. Rear seats offered good legroom but less comfort due to low cushion height and less supportive seating. A hands-free power liftgate opened to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The 2024 Jeep Compass also highlighted utility and user-friendly interiors. It featured clear analog gauges, a regular gear selector, and physical climate controls, though missing readable temperature displays. Visibility was good, and legroom was generous in both rows. Standard features included rear vents, USB ports, and a center armrest in the rear. The Compass had competitive cargo space with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet when folded, plus a fold-forward front passenger seat for longer items.

Technological features play a crucial role in modern SUVs, and the Rogue and Compass had varied approaches to infotainment and connectivity. The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. It included wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system. A wireless charging pad was available. Despite these features, the voice recognition system linked with Alexa had significant flaws in accurately recognizing destinations. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD) were also part of the test vehicle, enhancing the technological appeal. Contrastingly, the 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a superior 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 software. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and USB-C ports. The system was noted for its clarity, ease of use, and legibility. Optional features included factory navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a semi-automated driving system called Active Driving Assist. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps was standard on higher trims.

Safety was a strong suit for both models, equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. The 2023 Nissan Rogue came loaded with safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower scores in specific crash tests. The 2024 Jeep Compass had similar safety accolades, with a four-star rating from the NHTSA for the 2022 model year and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for the 2023 model. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras were optional.