2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in design from its predecessors. The XC90's purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights marked a departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design, complemented by wood deco inlays, created a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the 4WD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance and off-road capabilities, was suitable for light off-roading, but the driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This powertrain delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, offering a smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system, while not a full hybrid, provided benefits like imperceptible auto stop-start technology. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its minimalist approach to drive modes focused on simplicity.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 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 seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while offering a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, had limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain’s chairs. Cargo space was 356 litres with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down, falling short of some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car than typical three-row SUVs.

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 on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice text-to-reply capability. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While Uconnect 5 impressed, it wasn't as user-friendly as the best in the industry.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating much of Android Auto directly into the system. It featured Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant as standard. The natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were part of the Highway Assist system, though not available during testing. The Compass had some false positives with the forward-collision warning system, and the NHTSA rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, known for its safety, carried a five-star NHTSA rating and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was effective, and the Pilot Assist technology maintained distance from other vehicles. These safety features were standard on the XC90.