2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The interior of the Compass Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. The two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics contributed to a premium feel, although the high price tag was a point of contention.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a distinctive lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The MDX offered several trims, including the sporty A-Spec and the luxurious Type S Ultra, which featured ambient lighting, open-pore wood inserts, and massaging front seats. The MDX's interior was comfortable, with a focus on luxury and technology, although the busy control layout was a drawback.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its long-standing powertrain issues with 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. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and enhanced off-road capabilities. Despite these improvements, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra trim featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The MDX's 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided strong acceleration and smooth throttle delivery. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhanced the MDX's handling, while the Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, with a firm yet comfortable ride, and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for a small SUV, accommodating adults in both rows. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the centre console bin was small.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,690 litres with all seats folded. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra trim offered a fold-down centre console in the second row, enhancing passenger comfort. The centre console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered.

The 2023 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OTA updates. Higher trims included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in assistant was responsive, and the parking assist system was useful, though the Compass's small size made it less necessary.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The centre console cleverly integrated charging ports and a wireless charging pad. Despite these features, the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass included standard safety features such as drowsy driver detection, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Compass had not been fully tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models had received a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Platinum Elite grade added a surround-view camera and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model was based on, received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with superior crash-prevention technology.