2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale aesthetic compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated exterior with new 17-inch wheels for the Sport and North models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The interior of the Compass Limited test vehicle, adorned in Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, exuded a sense of luxury akin to 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, though the high price tag raised questions about its value proposition.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 embraced a luxury image with its elegant design language, reminiscent of the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 but on a grander scale. The CX-90's imposing presence was marked by a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivaled luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90's interior design was both stylish and comfortable, with a range of trims offering different seating configurations to suit various needs. Despite its size, the CX-90 managed to maintain a sense of elegance and sophistication.

The 2023 Jeep Compass saw a significant improvement in its powertrain with the introduction of 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, transformed the Compass from a lackluster performer to a more capable SUV. The Trailhawk version offered additional off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system, Rock driving mode, and increased ground clearance. However, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage, allowing front wheelspin during hard acceleration.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a substantial performance boost. All CX-90 models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The CX-90's handling was impressive, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout contributing to its agility in tight corners. The PHEV model offered a more fuel-efficient option with a 2.5-litre engine, 17.8-kWh battery, and 68-kW electric motor, achieving 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with seating for adults in both rows. Despite its narrow design, it provided decent comfort for four people, with standard features like 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's cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the back seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. However, interior storage was limited, with a small bin under the centre armrest and a wireless charging pad occupying a potential storage area.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided a range of seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims and offering captain's chairs in mid-level trims. The Turbo Signature trim featured a six-seat configuration. Cargo space varied depending on the seating arrangement, with up to 2,129 litres available in models with a two-seater third row. The CX-90's interior was well-appointed, with ample storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. While it offered more space than the CX-9, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation system, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was responsive, and the parking assist system could autonomously steer the Compass into parking spaces. However, the surround-view camera was more practical for everyday use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 employed the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system's quirks made it less user-friendly. The CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically, and it supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems. Despite the challenges with the infotainment system, the CX-90's technology aimed to enhance safety and convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023, with standard ADAS features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-keeping inputs were sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass had incomplete crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centring with adaptive cruise control. While the CX-90 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's previous ratings.