2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its sixth-generation redesign. It featured a blunt nose, a long hood, and a stretched wheelbase, giving it a cleaner look compared to its predecessor. While it lacked the personality of the previous model, its conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L came with 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, while the dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, featured metal mesh trim that integrated the air vents. The CR-V EX-L also boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and front and rear parking sensors.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged look of its predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, resulting in a more upscale appearance. The Compass Sport and North models received new 17-inch wheel designs, 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 Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded sophistication, thanks to digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics. However, the high price of the Limited trim raised questions about its value compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, especially during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, quelling unwanted body motion and absorbing road imperfections. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass Trailhawk featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. While the new engine improved the Compass's performance, it wasn't as powerful as expected. The Compass achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 9.9 L/100 km. The Compass's handling was improved, but it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious interior, with the second row feeling more generous than the first. The power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, and heated front seats and dual-zone climate control were standard. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a power tailgate, offering 1,113 litres of space with the rear load floor in its lowest position. Folding the back seat increased cargo capacity to 2,166 litres. The CR-V's interior featured ample storage options, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for easy access.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V EX-L added a 9-inch touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved, it didn't surpass competitors, and some features were only available on the top-tier Touring Hybrid trim.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, rear-seat reminder system, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs enhanced occupant protection. The IIHS rated the CR-V as a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Compass's lane-keeping inputs were sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 Compass, but it previously received a Top Safety Pick rating.