2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a bold grille that avoided being ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged styling of its predecessors. The Compass shared design elements with larger Jeep models, offering a more upscale appearance. The 2023 model introduced new wheel designs for the Sport, North, and Trailhawk trims, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Compass Limited trim featured a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, sophisticated digital displays, and metallic trim. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass's pricing raised concerns, as the test vehicle's cost approached that of a small luxury SUV.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel.

The 2023 Jeep Compass received a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, transformed the Compass's performance. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system, skid plates, and recovery hooks. While the Compass's new engine improved its driving dynamics, it prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a slightly underwhelming performance. The Compass's handling was improved, but its tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with standard air filtration and available dual-zone climate control. The Limited trim featured leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat offered adequate space, and its cargo area provided 770 litres of volume, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seats folded. The Compass's interior storage was acceptable, but the centre armrest bin was small.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Google OS, with integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, it relied heavily on the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Uconnect 5, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system and Alexa Built-in technology, which proved responsive and accurate.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist system, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder, with standard ADAS features such as 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.