2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on maintaining a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Its proportions were well-considered, and the chiseled styling added a touch of sophistication, making it an attractive choice for those who valued aesthetics in their vehicles. The Rogue's design was crucial in appealing to consumers who prioritized visual appeal in their SUVs. The lineup offered various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, with the latter featuring upscale touches like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, enhancing the overall premium feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged look traditionally associated with Jeep. The Compass shared design elements with its larger siblings, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, giving it 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, with the Trailhawk trims being the go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass's pricing placed it on the higher end of the small SUV segment, especially when fully equipped.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the VC-Turbo powertrain improved urban and suburban driving responsiveness, it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's suspension and handling were generally well-balanced, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass offered Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, while the Trailhawk trim added a Rock mode and a low-range AWD system. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass's performance, making it more enjoyable to drive. However, the AWD system was slow to engage, and the SUV's tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. The Compass's off-road capabilities were impressive, especially in the Trailhawk trim, though it could benefit from more aggressive tires.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly compact SUV, offering ample space for four adults and the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity front seats for enhanced comfort. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue provided generous cargo space, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The SUV's storage solutions were plentiful but unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for four adults, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims featured leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim provided a premium feel, though the hard plastic edge of the centre console was uncomfortable for the driver's leg. The Compass's rear seat offered adequate space, with supportive cushions and generous foot room. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres with the seats folded. The Compass also offered a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 9-inch screen, a Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the infotainment system lacked the latest features found in newer models.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates, a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, and an optional Alpine audio system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall user experience. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received lower scores in updated crash tests.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping inputs were less refined, and its crash-test ratings were incomplete at the time of review.