2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 featured a sleek and athletic design with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, nodding to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" interior, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep ethos. The Compass shared design elements with the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models, featuring new wheel designs for the Sport, North, and Trailhawk models. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with prices ranging from over $35,000 to more than $45,000, excluding additional fees. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with various packages, had a Canadian MSRP of $54,775. The Compass Limited's interior, with its two-tone black and gray cabin and caramel accents, offered a sophisticated feel, though the high price point made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel economy varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The driving experience was smooth and spirited, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model, with minimal body roll and excellent handling.

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 from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered improved performance over previous models. The Trailhawk version featured a more robust AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, though our test drive averaged 9.9 L/100 km. The new turbo engine provided a more enjoyable driving experience, though the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof, with effective climate control for various weather conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather options available on higher trims. The Compass offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, depending on the trim. The rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seating. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality and Bluetooth connectivity. While the system was occasionally glitchy, it worked well with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and an optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system. Our test vehicle included Alexa Built-in, which was responsive and accurate. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, though the vehicle's size made the parking assist less necessary.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Volvo's Pilot Assist system. The XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder, with standard ADAS features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were less refined, with noticeable inputs. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA, and its IIHS rating was pending further testing.