2023 Jeep Compass vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 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 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, boasted a Granite Crystal paint finish, multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates similar to the three-row Atlas, featuring new lighting elements and illuminated Volkswagen logos. The front end showcased a modern look with a light bar connecting the daytime running lights and standard LED headlights. The rear design included reshaped taillights blending into a rear light bar, giving the Cross Sport a silhouette akin to "crossover coupes" from German luxury brands. The Cross Sport was 13 centimetres shorter and sat lower than the standard Atlas. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with options for 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch wheels. The interior revisions included a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, enhancing storage space. The cabin featured standard leatherette upholstery, with leather seats on the Highline and quilted leather on the Execline trim.

The 2023 Jeep Compass marked a significant improvement in performance with its 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 three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and additional off-road capabilities. The Compass delivered a fuel economy rating of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, although real-world testing showed 9.9 L/100 km. The new turbo engine provided a quieter and smoother driving experience, with improved acceleration and handling compared to previous models. However, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.6-litre VR6 engine, offering better performance with peak torque arriving at 1,550 rpm. The Cross Sport's engine worked well with the eight-speed automatic transmission, although the engine noise was noticeable. Despite its "Sport" name, the Cross Sport was not particularly engaging to drive, with a less-than-ideal ride quality, possibly due to the test vehicle's 21-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, suitable for most midsize crossover needs.

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. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Limited trim test vehicle featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a well-appointed interior, although the centre console's hard plastic edge was uncomfortable for the driver's leg. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport added more standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. The front seats were ventilated and heated, with leather upholstery standard on the Highline. The Cross Sport's roofline reduced rear-seat headroom, but legroom was competitive. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded down. The cabin featured a new centre console with ample storage space and functional door pockets.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered an optional 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Limited trim test vehicle included all these features, with the Alexa Built-in digital assistant providing fast and accurate responses. The Alpine audio system was bass-heavy, and the parking assist system was useful, though the Compass's small size made it less necessary.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user experience was intuitive, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon audio system. The 12-speaker system was an upgrade from the standard six-speaker setup.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard features. Advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, and the IIHS had incomplete results, with the previous model earning a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side-impact crash testing. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received "Good" scores in most tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system.