2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox retained its straightforward and conservative design, making it an attractive option for those seeking a less flashy aesthetic among compact crossovers. The Equinox’s front, although chunkier, presented a smaller grille, providing a nice deviation from the industry trend towards large and aggressive front fascias. It appeared the most elegant in shades like Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic, underscoring Chevrolet’s effort to offer appealing color options. The overall structure, coupled with large windows, fostered a sense of spaciousness, a quality that was mirrored inside the vehicle as well. The interior, though slightly dated, was designed for comfort and practicality, especially with its user-friendly features like the traditional PRNDL shift lever.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass displayed a more mature and refined appearance that aligned it aesthetically more with upper-scale models like the Grand Cherokee. This year, Jeep enhanced the Compass with new wheel designs and introduced the Compass Red editions, adding a touch of exclusivity and aesthetic refinement that could be attractive to a younger crowd or those seeking a vehicle that stands out visually. The Compass boasted a cabin space that felt both modern and upscale, especially in the higher trims which featured advanced digital displays and quality materials that rarely felt cheap.

The Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that now delivered 175 horsepower, slightly improving its performance metrics. Despite the increase, the Equinox still struggled with highway acceleration and overtaking, constrained by an older six-speed automatic transmission. However, it maintained commendable low-speed performance, making it suitable for city driving.

Conversely, the Jeep Compass was revitalized with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine outputting 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, offering a broader power range. Coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and an intricate all-wheel-drive system, the Compass provided a much-improved driving experience that didn't lag in freeway merging or acceleration. With additional off-road capabilities, particularly in the Trailhawk trim, the Compass stood out for those who might seek occasional adventure.

The Chevrolet Equinox offered a practical cargo space of 29.9 cubic feet, which expanded to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, somewhat lagging compared to some rivals. Still, passenger space was generous, with ample room for adults both in the front and rear.

Jeep’s Compass, while slightly smaller in maximum cargo capacity, managed to provide 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, expanding to an impressive 59.8 cubic feet with the seats down. The interior was also praised for comfortable seating and good use of space, accommodating adults comfortably in both rows.

Technology in the Equinox was functional but not flashy, featuring a modest 8-inch touchscreen in the Premier trim and equipped with wireless connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its simplicity and ease of use were noted as positive aspects.

The Compass, however, boasted a more advanced 10.1-inch touchscreen system backed by the latest Uconnect 5 technology, offering richer features and better integration, including OTA updates and advanced voice recognition capabilities. This made the Compass feel more contemporary and aligned with current consumer expectations.