2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagons and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on certain trims. Interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering options like Adrenaline Red and black with red accents, adding a youthful and exuberant touch to the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and optional 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded sophistication, thanks to digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price point of the Limited trim raised concerns about its value compared to larger compact crossovers or small luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, which, while not universally favored, was becoming more common in EVs. The vehicle provided a "normal" driving experience, with one-pedal driving available through regenerative braking settings and various drive modes. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's towing capacity reached up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. The vehicle supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging added up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available across a broad rev range, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Compass offered Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, while the Trailhawk added a Rock mode and hill descent control. The new turbo engine improved the Compass's performance, making it more enjoyable to drive, though it prioritized fuel economy over power. The EPA rated it at 27 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. The Compass's handling was improved, but its tall and narrow design contributed to body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, offered heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard features. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats, elevating its luxury appeal. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

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 automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while higher trims offered leather seats and premium leather options. The Limited trim featured 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. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Compass also offered a wireless smartphone charging pad and a competitive amount of interior storage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and access to public charging stations.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, it could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in. The Limited trim included all these features, with Alexa Built-in proving responsive and accurate. The Alpine audio system delivered good sound quality, though slightly bass-heavy. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and monitor driving behavior. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the system faced challenges in certain conditions during testing. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA, and IIHS ratings were incomplete.