2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It balanced SUV ruggedness with sophistication, thanks to intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhausts. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, making the Trailblazer stand out among subcompact crossovers. Inside, the Activ model combined leatherette upholstery with copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, creating a unique interior ambiance. Although the cabin didn't scream adventure, design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard added character.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass, particularly in its Sport trim, appeared more understated. The Compass Sport's exterior was generic, lacking distinctive Jeep features except for the seven-slot grille. The interior, however, was a highlight, with a cohesive design and quality materials introduced in 2022. The base model offered supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and a well-designed dashboard. The Compass provided a comfortable ride, although its steering and handling were less precise compared to competitors. The interior space was generous, with ample legroom and headroom, and the cargo capacity was competitive. Despite its understated exterior, the Compass offered a well-appointed interior with modern technology.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer Activ test car featured the 1.3-litre engine, AWD, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, although the transmission exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement, providing a composed and nimble ride. The Trailblazer offered selectable AWD and drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Snow, although Sport mode didn't significantly alter the driving experience.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, replaced its previous 2.4-litre engine with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance, with minimized engine noise and smoother acceleration. It featured three driving modes—auto, snow, and sand/mud—and a 4WD Lock button for enhanced traction. The Compass Trailhawk variant included a low-range transfer case, rock driving mode, and additional off-road features. However, steering and handling were less precise compared to competitors, and the ride was comfortable but not particularly sporty. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.8 combined, making it competitive in its class.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered substantial interior space. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing some rivals like the Hyundai Kona. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but the flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. Cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with them folded, although it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, clever storage solutions included a covered bin, deep tray, and cupholders, although a small dashboard carve-out's purpose remained unclear.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. From the driver's seat, clear analog gauges flanked a large colour display, and buttons behind the steering wheel controlled audio functions. The Compass featured a regular gear selector, physical climate controls, and a convenient row of buttons beneath the touchscreen. Visibility was excellent, and without a sunroof, front headroom was spacious. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, along with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down centre armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres when folded. The front passenger seat's ability to fold flat added versatility for carrying longer items.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, aided by smart design touches like a pedestrian-detection icon.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass featured a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and responsive interface. The display was clear, with easy-to-navigate menus, although the home screen required an extra tap for app switching. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C ports, were standard. Factory navigation was optional, with the ability to upgrade later. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad. The Compass also included a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, standard on certain trims. The Limited trim's Elite Exterior Group added features like 19-inch alloy wheels, Alexa Built-In, and a foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, while not yet rated by the NHTSA, shared its safety credentials with the 2022 model, which received four out of five stars overall. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in all crash tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim, while a 360-degree camera was optional on higher trims.