2024 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 an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in earlier models. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint 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 interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass, particularly in its Sport trim, was described as unremarkable in appearance, blending into the crowd of small crossovers. The Compass lacked distinctive features, save for the iconic seven-slot grille. Its interior, however, was praised for its design and quality, especially in models from 2022 onwards. The base Compass featured supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and a well-organized dashboard with a large 10-inch infotainment screen. While the exterior design was generic, the interior offered a cohesive and modern feel, with practical features like push-button start and appropriate use of materials for its price point.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 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 provided a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners with minimal roll, and its brakes offered a solid pedal feel. The vehicle's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation.

The 2024 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance over its predecessor. It included three driving modes and a rear-axle disconnect for fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk variant provided additional off-road capabilities with a low-range transfer case and increased ground clearance. However, the Compass's steering and handling were noted as weak points, lacking precision and grip compared to competitors. Its fuel economy was competitive, with an estimated 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The vehicle lacked a dedicated space for cell phones, and the USB port was inconveniently located in a small centre console bin. While the second row was comfortable, accessing the third row was challenging, and space was limited. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,856 litres with the rear seats folded, though it fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use, with clear analog gauges and a user-friendly control layout. Visibility was good, and the vehicle offered ample headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats. The rear seats included vents, USB ports, and a fold-down armrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres when folded. The Compass also featured a foldable front passenger seat for carrying longer items.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard infotainment system. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering excellent natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and more physical controls were desired. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick and responsive interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional factory navigation. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, and the Limited trim offered additional features like a power liftgate and ventilated seats. The Compass's infotainment system was praised for its clarity and ease of use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured advanced driver safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology further enhanced its safety credentials, with all these features standard on the XC90.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base trim, with an optional 360-degree camera on higher trims.