Jeep Compass vs Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX represented a significant leap in aesthetics for the brand, drawing heavy inspiration from the stunning Wildcat concept of 2022. This refreshed model showcased an entirely new front face, featuring sleek daytime running lights strategically perched above the refined grille. Flanked by angular LED lamps situated slightly lower on either side, the vehicle exuded a modern yet elegant look. Adding to the classy appearance was a redesigned Buick logo. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim boasted a distinctive grille and chrome accents that underscored its premium feel. While the rear design remained largely unchanged from the 2023 model, new LED tail lights on the top two trims further enhanced its modern appeal. The elegant package was complemented by optional 19-inch wheels, which drew the eye.

The color palette for the Encore GX included vibrant hues beyond the typical greys and beiges. Buyers could opt for brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and a nearly orange shade called Copper Ice Metallic. Some colors even allowed for a black roof, black mirrors, and black roof rails, offering a stylish contrast.

Inside, the biggest change was the relocation of the HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel that housed the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While the panel looked premium and tech-savvy at first glance, a few quibbles arose when the car was actually running. True to GM's tendencies, the interior featured some cheap-feeling plastics, and color options were limited to black or cream. Nevertheless, at this price point, these minor downsides were tough to complain about.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, tested in Michigan, made a less impactful first impression. The Altitude model with a flashy red two-tone paint job and blacked-out trim initially caught the eye, but logistical issues highlighted some frustrations early on. It became clear that identifying the right Compass model was crucial, as lower trims like the white Compass with plastic handles and small wheels felt more like fleet vehicles.

Without standout features like the Trailhawk's red tow hooks, revised bumpers, and mild lift, the Compass Sport appeared quite generic. Its body shape and design elements felt indistinct, blending in easily with other small crossovers from the past two decades.

The Compass shined more with its interior, especially post-2022 revamps. Even the base trim featured supportive cloth seats with blue stitching, textured crosshatch inserts, and light gray cloth inserts on door panels and the dash. This year saw better fit and finish, with a large infotainment screen and plastics that felt suitable for the price point. Silver accents added a sense of style, making it far from a "penalty box." While earlier models suffered in comparison to offerings from Honda, Hyundai, and Kia, these improvements were notable. However, the exterior still lacked a distinct Jeep identity.

Under the hood, the 2024 Buick Encore GX carried forward its existing engines. Consumers could choose between FWD and AWD, with the base Preferred trim sporting a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT.

For those seeking more power, a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine was available on all trims, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Opting for this upgrade also paired it with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our testing found the turbocharged option to be adequately responsive, hitting 60 mph in roughly nine seconds. Though not particularly quick, it held its own amongst competitors, albeit with a bit of roughness on take-off. Highway passing presented some challenges due to a delayed downshift by the transmission, which felt like an eternity when quick maneuvers were required. A manual control might have improved the driving experience, but even without it, the Encore GX performed adequately.

A notable feature was its selectable AWD system, allowing drivers to deactivate AWD to save fuel when not needed – a thoughtful addition despite some rivals offering automatic systems. With smooth-riding suspension, it excelled as a city car, soaking up rough pavement efficiently. However, it hit a ceiling when compared to competitors that automatically adjusted power distribution for optimal traction.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, ditching its previous 2.4-liter engine, now featured a detuned 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine from the Cherokee's lineup. This powerplant delivered 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. This setup allowed the Compass to navigate city streets and highways with ease, thanks to minimized engine noise and adequate power without requiring pedal-to-floor driving.

Three drive modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) plus a 4WD Lock button provided versatility in various driving conditions. The rear-axle disconnect feature saved fuel by driving only the front wheels under normal conditions. While pressing the 4WD Lock button kept all wheels engaged, steering and handling were less impressive compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. The Compass suffered from too much play off-center and lacked accuracy at higher speeds. Nevertheless, its ride remained comfortable.

Unique to the Trailhawk trim were features like a low-range transfer case, "rock" driving mode, Falken all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, offering true off-road capability. With maximum towing capacity at 2,000 pounds, the compass fell within a reasonable range for this class.

EPA-estimated fuel economy stood at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, aligning closely with its competitors.

Although small, the Buick Encore GX offered practical utility within its subcompact SUV framework. With a towing capacity of just 1,000 pounds, the available hands-free liftgate was a welcome convenience for loading cargo. It provided 23.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 50.2 cubic feet when the seats were folded down. When the front passenger seat was folded, the Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet long, making it suitable for carrying long items like surfboards.

In terms of comfort, the Encore GX offered optional heated seats and a heated steering wheel, yet seat ventilation was notably absent. Standard seats were two-way power-adjustable, with eight-way adjustable options reserved for the top Avenir trim or as part of the Comfort Package on lower trims. An available seven-speaker Bose audio system further highlighted its premium aspirations.

The Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. From a driver's perspective, clear analog gauges flanked a large color display, and controls for the stereo and climate were intuitive and accessible. A standard PRNDL gear selector, along with a convenient row of buttons beneath the touchscreen, enhanced usability. One oddity was the absence of temperature readouts; instead, a blue and red gradient bar showed climate adjustments in non-automatic settings.

Visibility and sightlines were commendable. Without a sunroof, front headroom was expansive, and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and headroom. Rear seats came with vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest, a feature not always seen in luxury entry-level SUVs. Storage was a mixed bag, with small central cubbies and door pockets.

Cargo space was a strength, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. Similar to the Encore GX, the Compass allowed for carrying longer items by folding the manual front passenger seat, demonstrating its practicality.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under a shared pane of glass. While aesthetically pleasing, the screens displayed a significant amount of unused real estate when illuminated. The setup included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-A and USB-C ports, and available wireless charging and a 120-volt outlet. An available rear camera mirror provided a wider angle of the rear view, adding a layer of safety.

Though simple in its infotainment offerings, the system included tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It lacked the more advanced features seen in other vehicles, like integrated Amazon Alexa or Google.

The Jeep Compass boasted a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, set within a housing free from smaller screens meant to accommodate both sizes. The interface was crisp, clear, and generally quick. Unlike more expensive models, the Compass's display lacked legibility issues, and menus were straightforward to navigate and adjust. One downside was the home screen, which didn’t allow direct app switching for climate, radio, or other functions.

Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi (with subscription), and USB-C ports. Factory navigation was optional, equipped to be upgraded later. A wireless charging pad was also optional, and the higher trims offered a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps. The Elite Group package included advanced features like navigation, live traffic, power lumbar support, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, foot-activated power tailgate, Alexa, remote start, and second-row USB ports. A nine-speaker Alpine stereo and a panoramic moonroof were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick’s Driver Confidence package, featuring lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was standard across all trims. Additional safety features like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional.

However, customization for safety settings was limited; automatic braking could only be toggled on or off, with no option for early, medium, or late intervention. Unique safety features included Teen Driver, which issued a report on driving habits, and Buckle to Drive, which temporarily prevented shifting out of park if the driver’s seatbelt wasn’t fastened.

The 2024 Encore GX received a full five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five-star frontal and side crash ratings, and four stars for rollover resistance. While the 2024 model had not been rated by the IIHS at the time of writing, the 2023 model scored Good in crashworthiness and Superior in front crash prevention, with mixed ratings for headlights and the LATCH system.

As of this writing, the 2024 Jeep Compass had not yet been rated by the NHTSA. The identical 2022 model received four out of five stars, with four stars for frontal crash tests and five stars for side crash tests, scoring three out of five stars for rollover resistance. The 2023 Compass earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, receiving top ratings in six crash tests. It also featured a driver’s knee airbag.

Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control was optional on mid-level trims and standard on higher trims. Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera could be added starting from the Latitude Lux trim level, and rain-sensing wipers were standard on Limited and above.