2023 Jeep Compass Reviews, Pricing & Specs

From a styling standpoint, the Compass reflects the refined rather than rugged Jeep design ethos. Round headlights, square taillights, and a utilitarian interior are out, while a more grown-up, refined, and upscale look and feel is in. The Compass is sewn from the same cloth as the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families of vehicles.

This year, the 2023 Compass Sport and North models get a new 17-inch wheel design, while the Compass Trailhawk's wheels are now painted gloss black.

In Canada, Jeep offers the 2023 Compass in seven trim levels. The lineup includes Sport, North, Altitude, Trailhawk, Limited, (Red) Edition, and Trailhawk Elite. The Compass Trailhawk trims are the ones you want for exploring off the beaten path.

Across the 2023 Compass model lineup, base prices range from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000, not including the destination charges and other fees that vary by individual dealer. This makes it an expensive choice in the small SUV segment, and that's before you add a single option.

Our test vehicle had Limited trim with extra-cost paint, the Elite Group, the Sun and Sound Group, and the Driver Assist Group. This brings the Canadian manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) to $54,775, including the estimated fees to ship it from the Toluca, Mexico, factory to your local dealership.

The test vehicle looked good, inside and out. Wrapped in Granite Crystal paint with multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, the Compass Limited resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents rarely looked or felt inexpensive, thanks partly to sophisticated digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics.

Still, we think Jeep is overstepping with this as-tested price.

At $35,000, a Jeep Compass outfitted like our test vehicle would be easy to recommend. At $45,000, we could make an argument in favour of it over a larger compact crossover. But at the test vehicle's $55,000 sticker price, you could get a well-equipped small luxury SUV instead.

The Compass name dates back to 2007, and since then, the SUV has never had a satisfying powertrain. That finally changes for 2023. A new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is now standard, making a respectable if slightly disappointing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Fortunately, the turbo engine’s peak torque is available across a broad portion of the rev range, from 1,750 rpm to 4,250 rpm, and the maximum horsepower arrives at 5,000 rpm. To get the power seamlessly to the ground, Jeep marries the turbo-four to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. (Jeep’s literature refers to this as a four-wheel drive (4WD) system, but the system in Compass functions more similarly to what other automakers market as AWD.) In addition, all Compass models have Selec-Terrain with three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud.

Trailhawks have a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. In addition, this "Trail Rated" version of the Compass features a Rock driving mode, a hill descent control system, more aggressive tires, skid plates, and recovery hooks. Its lifted suspension provides 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance (1.25 cm more than standard), and styling revisions improve the approach and departure angles.

We spent an afternoon driving the 2023 Compass in Malibu, California. On pavement, the loaded-up Limited served as our test vehicle. For off-roading, we used a Compass Trailhawk. In short, this new turbo four transforms the Compass from gutless to gutsy.

However, you may want to temper your expectations because the engine isn't as strong as it could be. Jeep says it prioritized fuel economy and a regular fuel requirement while tuning the 2.0-litre turbo four, so it's not as powerful as it is in the larger 2023 Cherokee. The official Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating is 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a 0.7 L/100 km reduction from last year's Compass. We averaged less than that in city, highway, mountain, and coastal driving, getting 9.9 L/100 km.

Still, the previous Compass was a chore to drive, and the 2023 model isn't. We wouldn't say it's fun, though the Limited test vehicle's 19-inch wheels and 235/45 Continental all-season tires provided plenty of grip. Instead, where you might cross your fingers when merging onto a fast-flowing highway in the old Compass, this new one has no trouble matching the pace of other motorists and easily sliding into traffic.

Not only that, but the previous Compass sounded like it was suffering the throes of a painful death whenever revs climbed during acceleration. The new turbocharged engine is quieter, smoother, and more refined. We never felt the engine lag when accelerating from a stop, and the new eight-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly. Compared to every other Compass model in history, driving the 2023 version was legitimately delightful.

But while the turbocharged powertrain resolves a significant problem with the Compass, and the Limited delivers impressive grip in curves and corners, this SUV remains tall, narrow, and stubby. Those qualities contribute to significant lateral and vertical body motions on anything but smooth pavement. Also, the standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system is slow to engage, allowing too much front wheelspin when accelerating hard on pavement or dirt.

On the trail Jeep used to demonstrate the Compass Trailhawk's off-roading capabilities, it was clear this version of the SUV deserves a more aggressive set of rubber than the standard 215/65R17 all-season on/off-road tires. With the Trailhawk's Selec-Terrain system in Sand/Mud mode, the powertrain locked into an even split between the front and rear axles, and the Jeep Active Drive Low AWD in 4WD Low, the Compass occasionally struggled on mud and in loose dirt and rocks.

However, with a switch to Rock mode, it scrambled up and over a set of boulders without a problem. The available front-facing camera helped during that exercise, as outward visibility isn't great thanks to thick windshield pillars and an insufferable amount of sun glare reflecting into the windshield off the dashboard.

The Compass's hill descent control system effectively kept the Jeep's speed in check on steep descents. Unfortunately, it would suddenly and momentarily release on occasion before re-engaging, causing moments of panic. But overall performance allowed the Compass to travel terrain most small crossovers could never tackle.

Get into the 2023 Jeep Compass, and you'll find an interior and seating that accommodates adults in both rows of seats. Though this Jeep is narrow, helping to make it more maneuverable in many driving situations, it is roomy enough to provide decent comfort for four people.

Standard equipment includes an air filtration system that filters 95 percent of particulates from the interior. In addition, a humidity-sensing dual-zone automatic climate control system is available, along with a dual-pane sunroof with a large opening for that airy Jeep feel.

Cloth upholstery is standard with Sport and North models, and both front seats offer height adjustment for added comfort. Choose a higher trim level to get leather seats. A premium grade of leather is available for some versions of the Compass. In addition, depending on the trim and options, the Compass offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. In Canada, heated front seats are standard.

Our Limited test vehicle had all the extras, representing the best Jeep offers in a Compass. And, for the most part, it is convincing as a little luxury SUV. We had no trouble finding a comfortable seating position behind the leather-wrapped, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Jeep softly pads every primary contact point within the interior except for the hard plastic edge of the centre console, which regularly pains a driver's leg.

The Compass's rear seat offers enough space for adults as long as the front-seat occupants don't recline too much. Foot room is generous, and while legroom is snug, the softly padded front seatbacks and supportive seat cushion make it easier to ride in the back for extended periods.

Interior storage space is acceptable, but the bin underneath the centre armrest is tiny. Jeep offers an available wireless smartphone charging pad forward of the transmission shifter, where it is easy to see and use but uses up what is otherwise a suitable storage location.

The Compass supplies a competitive amount of cargo space within the small SUV segment. You'll find 770 litres of volume behind the back seat, and you can adjust the load floor to maximize that volume or create a large underfloor storage area. Fold the rear seat down to create 1,693 litres of space. Some models allow that space to be accessed via a foot-activated power liftgate. If the Compass has a manually adjustable front passenger seat, it folds in half to make it easier to carry long items inside the SUV.

Every 2023 Jeep Compass has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system backed by the latest Uconnect 5 technology. It supports Bluetooth pairing for two devices and equips the Compass with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services with access to Wi-Fi. In addition, the system benefits from over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep it up to date over time.

Depending on the trim level and configuration, this system pairs with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. You can also get an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and an Alexa Built-in digital assistant with natural voice recognition technology (which requires a Wi-Fi data plan to work).

Our Limited test vehicle had all these features, and they were active. The Alexa Built-in technology proved fast to respond, accurate, and nearly flawless. It even changed the cabin temperature. But, of course, if you'd rather not pay for the Wi-Fi service, you can still use Siri or Google Assistant through a paired smartphone and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Alpine audio system sounded good for the small SUV segment, but it proved a little bass-heavy with the default settings active.

Our test vehicle also had a parking assist system that could autonomously steer the Compass into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. However, this Jeep is small enough that you're unlikely to need it. The surround-view camera did come in handy, though.

For the 2023 model year, Jeep adds a standard drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system to the Compass, while all but the base Sport trim feature automatic high-beam headlights.

Standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) include forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability come in at the North grade. Available upgrades include a traffic sign recognition system, and front and rear parking sensors.

The lane-keeping inputs are frequently too obvious and sometimes disagree with what the driver might wish to do. Also, the adaptive cruise control wasn't smooth in braking and maintaining safe distances to traffic ahead.

Regarding crash-test ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published results for the 2023 Compass as we wrote this review. So, be sure to check the NHTSA website for ratings.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offers incomplete test results for the 2023 Compass. Last year, the SUV qualified for a Top Safety Pick rating. However, the IIHS has strengthened the requirements for this accolade, and the Compass is ineligible for it until further testing is complete. You can check the IIHS website for updates.

During the past two years, Jeep has dramatically improved the Compass. First, it got a new interior, infotainment system, safety features, and other tech for 2022. Now, the company has replaced the powertrain, including a new engine, and added standard equipment. These changes make the SUV better than ever, which is not something automotive critics typically say about a six-year-old design.

But the pricing is a problem.

At the as-tested new car price of almost $55,000 in Canada, we're stunned by what Jeep is asking you to pay for a Jeep Compass Limited with all the trimmings. That's about the same as a well-equipped 2023 BMW X1 and above the asking price for a top-trim Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Even if you stick with North trim and add nothing more than metallic paint and the Convenience Group, you'll still spend nearly $45,000, putting a more affordable version of the Compass into direct competition with larger and frequently more fuel-efficient compact SUVs.

Granted, in Trailhawk spec, the Compass might be more off-road capable than most of its rivals. But there’s a lack of compelling enough reasons to choose this Jeep over a long list of alternatives.

Note: Images show a US model.