2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of style and design leadership, even as its overall theme aged gracefully. The XC60 Recharge, with its Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, looked stunning on 20-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin showcased classic Scandinavian minimalism, with black leather, handsome wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting creating an opulent atmosphere. The standard panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added to the luxurious feel, making the XC60 a standout in terms of interior aesthetics.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the 4WD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance, was capable of light off-roading, but the driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 Recharge excelled in performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The PHEV powertrain offered multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing for a versatile driving experience. The XC60 Recharge's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 4.3 L/100 km on a 105-kilometre evaluation route, making it a strong contender for those seeking both performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,693 litres with the back seat folded down. The front seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the cabin's perceived quality. However, the centre console storage remained limited, and the Compass's overall interior space was on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum.

In comparison, the 2023 Volvo XC60 provided outstanding comfort with its Nappa leather-wrapped front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were comfortable but lacked legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 Recharge offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,792 litres with the back seat folded down. The power liftgate and air suspension made loading heavy items easier, while the ski pass-through panel added versatility for carrying longer items.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and Alexa Built-In. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, but the infotainment system was not as intuitive as some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, equipped with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system, offered a seamless user experience. The system included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was impressive, allowing for easy operation of climate controls and navigation. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were not always smooth, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. At the time of review, crash test results were not available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, came with Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring capability. The system excelled on highways, providing smooth and accurate assistance. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the NHTSA had not assessed the PHEV for safety, the XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks, and the IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating.