2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a restrained yet attractive design, lacking the futuristic flair of some competitors but offering a refreshing change with its smaller grille and chunky front end. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint colour, with Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic being particularly complementary. The Equinox was available in four trims, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada, and standard on the RS and Premier trims. The interior, though somewhat dated with its small touchscreen and plastic buttons, was practical and user-friendly, featuring a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholders. The Premier trim boasted two-tone leather upholstery and a host of features from the Confidence and Convenience II package, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, embraced a refined and upscale design, aligning with the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models. The Compass offered seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims catering to off-road enthusiasts. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, exuded a mini Grand Cherokee vibe. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents felt premium, thanks to digital displays and metallic trim. However, the as-tested price of $55,000 seemed steep, especially when compared to small luxury SUVs. The Compass's interior was comfortable, with leather seats and a range of features, but the hard plastic edge of the centre console was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to maintain power at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the new brake-by-wire system and well-sorted suspension provided a smooth driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's broad torque range and eight-speed automatic transmission improved performance significantly. The Compass's AWD system, though marketed as 4WD, functioned similarly to AWD, with Selec-Terrain driving modes enhancing versatility. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road capabilities, including a low range and Rock mode. Despite its improved powertrain, the Compass's tall and narrow design led to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastics, numerous storage options, and a nearly silent power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably 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 Limited trim provided a premium feel, though the centre console's hard plastic edge was a minor inconvenience. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,693 litres, with an adjustable load floor and available power liftgate.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective infotainment system, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, it was easy to use and offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth for two devices. The system offered over-the-air updates, a digital instrumentation panel, and an optional Alpine sound system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in, which was responsive and accurate, and a parking assist system, though the Compass's size made it easy to park manually.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder system, with standard ADAS features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Compass's lane-keeping system was sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. Crash-test ratings were incomplete, but the previous model had earned a Top Safety Pick rating.