Jeep Compass vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted significant updates over its predecessor. When Chevrolet resurrected the Trailblazer in 2021, it marked a notable departure from past iterations. Measuring 18 inches shorter from nose to tail than before, it presented a compact yet aggressively stylish profile. For 2024, the minor styling refresh further enhanced its sporty appeal with thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille. The lower headlights were now smaller, set deeper into faceted cutouts, underscoring a serious and athletic demeanor.

Inside, the Trailblazer’s dashboard was revamped. The digital instrument panel and an enlarged 11-inch infotainment touchscreen blended seamlessly for a modern aesthetic. Although the digital instrument panel's design left some gaps that seemed slightly downmarket, the improvement was generally well-received. The quality of materials, while visually appealing with convincing graining, revealed harder plastics upon closer inspection. Despite this, the armrest touchpoints were well-padded, and fabric inserts in the door panels introduced a touch of warmth.

Comparatively, the 2024 Jeep Compass displayed a stark contrast in styling. Our test vehicle in Michigan dispelled initial expectations with its unassuming fleet vehicle appearance. Without distinctive markers, save for the seven-slot grille, the base Compass Sport was practically invisible next to its competitors. The high-end Trailhawk trim, however, distinguished itself with red tow hooks, revised bumpers, and a mild lift.

The Compass Limited trim from the previous year’s model exhibited a refined interior with caramel leatherette accents. The 2024 base model maintained a high standard with supportive cloth seats and quality design elements introduced in 2022. Illuminated by a 10-inch screen, the interior benefitted from superior fit and finish but lacked unique exterior design features that would set it apart unmistakably as a Jeep.

Regarding performance, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrain choices. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, yielding a modest 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels, delivered lackluster performance, with slow responses and a droning noise during sustained acceleration.

Our Activ-trim test vehicle housed a slightly more robust 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, boosting output to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, supplying power to all four wheels. Despite the increased power, acceleration remained underwhelming, necessitating full throttle for highway merging and overtaking slower traffic. The Trailblazer’s zero to 60 mph time exceeded nine seconds, ranking it among the slower SUVs in its class.

The Jeep Compass replaced its naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine since the 2023 model year. This newly adopted engine cranked out 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. With this setup, the Compass delivered pleasing acceleration and reduced engine noise, making it a more refined option.

The Compass offered three driving modes—auto, snow, and sand/mud—along with the ability to lock torque 50-50 front to rear, optimizing traction. The Trailhawk trim raised the bar with a low-range transfer case, rock driving mode, and other off-road enhancements like metal skid plates and all-terrain tires, but it came at a premium.

However, handling was a weak point for the Compass, presenting too much play in the steering and less grip compared to some competitors. The ride comfort, though, was well-damped, providing a smooth experience for passengers. Fuel economy was competitive, with the EPA estimating 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

Inside the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, ample space and good outward visibility provided a roomy and open feel. The front featured a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a deep bin with an organizer tray, offering practical storage solutions. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on higher trims enhanced comfort, and the rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The Trailblazer excelled in cargo space, offering up to 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Adding a hands-free power liftgate made loading and unloading easier.

On the 2024 Jeep Compass, the interior was crafted with user-friendly utility in mind. From the driver’s seat, clear analog gauges flanked a color display for vital info. Physical climate controls and a regular gear selector made the layout straightforward. Without a sunroof, front headroom was generous, and the rear seats offered similar spaciousness with additional amenities like rear vents and USB ports. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and an impressive 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The foldable front passenger seat facilitated the transport of longer items.

The technology upgrades in the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer included a new 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all trims. This sizeable display was driver-friendly, though slightly laggy in responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an optional wireless charging pad, eliminated the need for cables. The system’s voice controls were more intuitive via smartphone integration compared to Chevrolet’s native system. The six-speaker audio system sufficed, though an optional Bose upgrade was available for audiophiles.

Conversely, the 2024 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, known for its clarity and user-friendliness. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 4G Wi-Fi. The digital instrument panel was 10.3 inches and displayed full-screen maps. An array of options, including a wireless charging pad, panoramic moonroof, and Alpine stereo, elevated the Compass’s tech offerings. Additionally, a semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was available on higher trims.

Safety ratings were in favor of the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, with the NHTSA awarding it five-star ratings in overall, frontal, and side crash evaluations, and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS also rated it highly across all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Optional features enhanced safety further, although a head-up display was notably absent.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at this writing but its identical 2022 model received four out of five stars overall. The IIHS granted the 2023 model a Top Safety Pick, thanks to top ratings in all crash tests. Standard safety included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features were available on higher trims, ensuring comprehensive safety options.