2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance, moving away from the rugged design ethos traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with larger models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, 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. However, the base price range from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000 made it a pricey option in the small SUV segment, and our test vehicle's MSRP reached $54,775. Despite its attractive Granite Crystal paint and upscale interior, the high price tag made it less competitive compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous dowdy image for a more stylish and modern design. The new Trax was longer, lower, and wider, borrowing styling cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines. The base LS model featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Trax's interior design was more car-like, with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents. Higher trims featured Evotex upholstery and unique styling elements, though some materials, like piano-black plastic, were prone to smudging. Overall, the Trax's redesign gave it a more substantial presence and a distinctive look in the subcompact SUV segment.

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 system, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Despite the improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a combined fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. While the new powertrain made the Compass more enjoyable to drive, it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a smaller 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Despite the reduced power compared to the previous model, the new Trax was quicker to 100 km/h by about a second. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong acceleration, and turbo lag was minimal. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission and was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the AWD Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was more car-like, with a wider track for a planted feel. While it wasn't a hot hatch, the Trax offered predictable and nimble handling. The ride quality was slightly rough, but active noise cancellation helped reduce unwanted sounds.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior with seating for adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four passengers. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated steering wheels. The rear seat provided adequate space, though legroom was snug. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for easy access.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, while larger overall, didn't significantly increase interior space. It offered 7.6 cm more rear-seat legroom, but headroom decreased slightly. The Trax's seating was comfortable, with a car-like driving position and excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by 12%, providing 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with the seats folded. While not significantly larger than competitors, the Trax offered a practical and comfortable interior for its class.

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 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was responsive and accurate. The Compass also had a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available. The new system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The Trax also featured multiple USB ports and optional wireless charging, though the charging pad's design wasn't ideal for all phones.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added standard drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.