2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged styling traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer, offering a sophisticated look with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass was considered expensive for a small SUV, with prices ranging from over $35,000 to more than $45,000, excluding additional fees. The Limited trim test vehicle, priced at $54,775, featured Granite Crystal paint, 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone interior with digital displays and metallic trim, though the high price was seen as overstepping.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, maintained its status as a large, familiar presence on the road. Its massive dimensions, stretching nearly the length of an NBA baseline three-point shot, made it a common sight, especially for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was offered in six trims, with features improving as one moved up the trim ladder. While the base LS trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, the top-tier High Country rode on 22-inch alloys. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior was comfortable, with leather upholstery standard on all but the LS trim. The High Country trim, tested for this review, featured a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and supportive seats, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian for a top-spec model.

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. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road capabilities with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. Despite improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, achieving a combined rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The Compass handled well on various terrains, though it remained tall and narrow, leading to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. The AWD system was slow to engage, and the Trailhawk's tires struggled in certain off-road conditions, but overall, the Compass delivered a more enjoyable drive than previous models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The 5.3-litre V8 was the most common, providing ample power and a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8 offered better acceleration, while the diesel engine delivered superior fuel economy and towing capabilities. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable, thanks to its steering and brakes. The air suspension handled rough roads well, though drivers needed to account for the vehicle's weight and potential body roll.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The Limited trim provided a luxurious feel, though some hard plastic elements detracted from comfort. The rear seat was spacious enough for adults, and cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available for easy access.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims offered a digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Limited trim included Alexa Built-in, which performed well, and a parking assist system, though the Compass's size made it easy to park without assistance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system, while functional, was expected to be surpassed by the 2025 model. The 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base LS trim, offered Google Built-in for seamless access to apps. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available. The 10-speaker Bose audio system was adequate but lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like traffic sign recognition. The Compass had not yet been fully tested by NHTSA or IIHS for 2023.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, as part of the Advanced Technology Package.