2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification, offered a more premium feel with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, maintaining its tough yet upscale look. Our Hydro Blue model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold appearance. The interior of upper trims was impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L's design was modern, with slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers, making it a sophisticated choice in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration and was noisy at high revs. A nine-speed automatic transmission was standard with 4WD models, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain. The Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with features like a low-range AWD system and 21.9 cm of ground clearance.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it was considered underwhelming for the SUV's size. A 5.7-litre Hemi V8 was optional, offering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving towing capacity to 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also provided a more satisfying sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was solid, offering confident handling, especially with the air suspension. The SUV featured three 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II offering the most capability. The air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance up to 27.6 centimetres, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim enhanced its premium feel with features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended wheelbase, provided ample legroom for second-row passengers. Standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat offered flexibility. The third row was best suited for children. The SUV boasted a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was available, and the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in navigation.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick, though some legibility issues were noted. The SUV featured a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, night vision, and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance. The Grand Cherokee L's tech features were extensive, surpassing many competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance standard from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though some false positives were noted. The Compass had not yet received updated crash test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. It featured standard driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were comprehensive, contributing to its high safety ratings.