2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive and clean design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile and minimal extraneous detailing. Updates for the year included a new pixelated design for the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable with its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door handles, and speaker grilles. The interior offered options like leather upholstery and a panoramic moonroof, though the all-black interior of the test vehicle felt somewhat utilitarian.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined and upscale look, moving away from the rugged Jeep design ethos. The Compass featured new wheel designs for the Sport, Latitude, and Trailhawk models, and offered a variety of trims and special editions. The Limited trim test vehicle, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents provided a sophisticated feel, enhanced by digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price of the test vehicle raised questions about its value compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator to assist the gasoline engine. The base B4 powertrain produced 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 223-mile range. The XC40 was praised for its refinement and composure, though it lacked a sport driving mode.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass offered Selec-Terrain with three driving modes, while the Trailhawk featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The new engine improved the Compass's performance, though it prioritized fuel economy over power. The Compass handled well on pavement and off-road, but its tall and narrow design contributed to significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom, with generous shoulder room enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. Interior storage was well-designed, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. The Limited trim offered leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided adequate space, and cargo capacity was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen. The B5 Ultimate test vehicle included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The system's graphics were pleasing, but the lack of analog controls made some functions less intuitive.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and Alexa Built-in. The system was responsive, though the audio was slightly bass-heavy. A parking assist system and surround-view camera were also available.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and its IIHS ratings were incomplete.