2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and style, building on its iconic design that has been a hit since its debut in 1992. The L model extended the Grand Cherokee by over 30 centimetres, preserving its classic style while adding a bold touch with the High Altitude package. This package included blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with a mix of high-quality materials and thoughtful design, although not every component matched the luxury of high-end brands. The Grand Cherokee L offered a sophisticated and classy cabin, especially in the higher trims, setting it apart from competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged look of its predecessors. The Compass shared design elements with the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models, offering a more mature appearance. The 2023 model introduced new wheel designs for the Sport and North trims, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being the most suitable for off-road adventures. Despite its upscale look, the Compass was considered expensive for a small SUV, with prices ranging from over $35,000 to more than $45,000 before options. The Limited trim, with its additional features, pushed the price to $54,775, making it a costly choice in its segment.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was considered outdated and lacked the low-end torque needed for a heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The V8 allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, compared to 2,810 kilograms with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were worse at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension offered a smooth ride. The SUV featured three different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II offering the most capability.

The 2023 Jeep Compass saw 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 across a broad rev range, and it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass offered Selec-Terrain with three driving modes, and the Trailhawk trim featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a reduction from the previous model. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass's driving experience, making it more enjoyable and capable. However, the AWD system was slow to engage, and the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk trim demonstrated off-road capabilities, but the standard tires limited its performance in challenging conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered increased interior space due to its extended length, providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs, with a centre console available on higher trims. The third row was best suited for children, and the power-folding headrests and liftgate added convenience. The Grand Cherokee L boasted ample cargo space, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The interior design included a mix of buttons and touchscreen controls, although some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. The Compass's rear seat provided adequate space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, but the centre armrest bin was small. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running the Uconnect 5 system. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation standard on Limited and Overland trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. The 19-speaker McIntosh sound system was available, although it lacked surround imaging from the rear speakers.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered Bluetooth pairing for two devices, SiriusXM satellite radio, and OTA updates. Depending on the trim, the Compass could be equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in. The Alpine audio system was bass-heavy, and the Compass featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in NHTSA tests, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard. Advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Compass had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS had incomplete test results.