2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, maintaining the subtle seductiveness that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged appeal with its blistered and boxed fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an attractive exterior. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was introduced, featuring exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass leaned towards a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. It adopted a more mature and upscale appearance, aligning with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families. The Compass Sport and North models received a new 17-inch wheel design, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The Compass was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its upscale look, the Compass was considered expensive for a small SUV, with prices ranging from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000, excluding destination charges. Our Limited test vehicle, equipped with various packages, had a Canadian MSRP of $54,775, making it a costly choice in its segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It boasted a fuel consumption of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane. The turbo engine improved towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a firm ride quality. It excelled on various terrains, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 hp 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 three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk version 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 L/100 km combined, a reduction from the previous model. The new engine transformed the Compass's driving experience, making it more enjoyable and refined. However, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded. However, storage space was limited, with few bins and a narrow load floor between the wheel wells.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. 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 a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat provided adequate space, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system included a 10.25-inch display but lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons and knobs. However, touchscreen functionality was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-50 offered a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system received OTA updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Compass offered an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited test vehicle included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The lane-keeping inputs were sometimes too obvious, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or updated ratings from the IIHS.