2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged aesthetic traditionally associated with Jeep. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated exterior 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. The test vehicle, a Limited trim, was priced at $54,775, showcasing a luxurious interior with Granite Crystal paint, 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone cabin with digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price point made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar design with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The Premier XT tester featured an appealing Autumn Green Metallic colour, complemented by tasteful chrome accents. The Outback offered various wheel sizes and designs across trims, with the Premier XT showcasing a machine finish. Inside, the top-trim test car impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel unexpected from a brand known for capability over luxury. The Outback's interior was well-appointed, with different trims offering varying levels of leather and synthetic leather seating surfaces.

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 more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite the improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a combined fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The Compass delivered a more enjoyable driving experience than previous models, though it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a choice between a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, standard on XT and Wilderness trims. The turbo engine increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT test car featured the more powerful engine, providing a better fit for the vehicle's weight. The Lineartronic CVT mimicked eight gears, enhancing the driving experience. The Outback's suspension and wheel design contributed to a comfortable ride, with the Wilderness trim offering 24.1 centimetres of ground clearance and all-terrain tires for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious 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 seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated steering wheels. The Limited test vehicle provided a luxurious experience, though the centre console's hard plastic edge was uncomfortable. The rear seat offered adequate space, and the Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for added convenience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Outback provided 923 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims offered additional features like a powered front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The Outback's hands-free power liftgate and raised roof rails with retractable crossbars added to its practicality.

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 instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited test vehicle included these features, with the Alexa Built-in digital assistant providing fast and accurate responses. The parking assist system and surround-view camera enhanced convenience, though the Compass's small size made the former less necessary.

The 2024 Subaru Outback's Premier XT trim featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity becoming wireless from the Touring trim. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity, with most trims featuring a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. The Outback's technology package provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023, with most trims featuring automatic high-beam headlights. 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's lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control systems were not always smooth. The IIHS had not completed testing for the 2023 model, and the NHTSA had not published results.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premier XT trim featured a digital rearview mirror and driver-attention monitor, enhancing safety.