2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged look. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. The Compass's pricing ranged from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000, making it a costly choice in the small SUV segment. The Limited trim, with additional features, brought the MSRP to $54,775. The Compass Limited's interior, with its two-tone black and gray cabin and caramel accents, exuded a sense of luxury, though the high price raised questions about its value compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, requiring high revs to deliver its full potential. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights for various driving conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available across a broad rev range, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass Trailhawk featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass's performance, making it more responsive and refined. Fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, a notable improvement from the previous model. While the Compass's handling was improved, it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's airy feel, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-appointed, with available features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat provided adequate space for adults, and the cargo area offered 770 litres of volume, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior storage was acceptable, though the centre armrest bin was small.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, it could include a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Compass also offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Compass had not been fully tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it previously qualified for a Top Safety Pick rating.