2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past utilitarian designs, showcasing a more refined and modern aesthetic. The front end of the XC90 appeared solid and purposeful without being ostentatious, featuring a bold grille and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights that added a contemporary flair. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, which added a touch of drama to its otherwise understated appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling of its predecessors. The Compass featured new wheel designs for various trims, with the Trailhawk's wheels painted in gloss black. The interior of the Compass Limited trim was adorned with Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, giving it a resemblance to a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. The two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents provided a sophisticated feel, enhanced by digital displays and metallic trim. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass's pricing raised concerns, as its as-tested price approached that of a small luxury SUV.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. These new engines incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, featured in the test vehicle, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system utilized a 48-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the XC90's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 provided a comfortable and quiet driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission ensuring smooth acceleration. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well and maintained a composed ride, even in challenging weather conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a significant powertrain upgrade with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud, with the Trailhawk trim featuring additional off-road capabilities. While the new engine improved the Compass's performance, it prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a combined EPA rating of 27 mpg. The Compass provided a more enjoyable driving experience compared to previous models, with improved acceleration and a quieter engine. However, its tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a comfortable and elegant interior, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage limitations. The front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the lack of dedicated storage for smaller items, such as cell phones, was a drawback. The second row was reasonably spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 offered a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured an interior that accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. The Compass offered standard cloth upholstery, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle included premium features such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, but the center armrest bin was small. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The adjustable load floor allowed for additional storage flexibility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, making it the first vehicle to offer this technology as standard. The system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, providing a seamless user experience. The natural-language recognition capabilities of Google Assistant enhanced the XC90's tech offering, allowing for voice commands and integration with Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen interface for key functions could be frustrating, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with over-the-air updates ensuring the system remained current. Depending on the trim, the Compass offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant provided natural voice recognition, allowing for seamless control of various functions. The Limited test vehicle included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90 came standard with advanced driver safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance and speed on highways. These features contributed to the XC90's reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added new safety features, including a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Compass Limited test vehicle featured Highway Assist, which provided subtle and accurate operation on highways. However, the system's performance was occasionally affected by road conditions. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, and the IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 model.