2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Jeep Compass

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features, although it was a common issue among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the eco-friendly appeal.

In Michigan, the 2024 Jeep Compass was tested, starting with a mix-up involving a non-functional key fob. The test vehicle, a white Compass Sport, was a basic fleet model with black plastic door handles and small wheels, making it nearly indistinguishable from other small crossovers. The Compass Sport's exterior was generic, lacking distinctive Jeep features unless outfitted as a Trailhawk, which included red tow hooks, revised bumpers, and a mild lift.

The interior of the Compass, especially in higher trims like the Limited, shined with a black and gray color scheme and caramel leatherette accents. Even the base model had supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts, along with a 10-inch infotainment screen and appropriate plastics. The 2022 redesign improved the cabin significantly, but the exterior still lacked uniqueness. The Compass offered good interior design and quality, but its exterior didn't stand out in the crowded compact SUV market.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling.

The ID.4's AWD version had impressive acceleration, comparable to hot hatchbacks like the VW Golf GTI, but its handling was less engaging due to significant body roll. The regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery but didn't support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts. Overall, the ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined driving experience, suitable for long drives but less thrilling on twisty roads.

The 2024 Jeep Compass replaced its previous 2.4-liter engine with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance, with minimized engine noise and better power delivery. Three driving modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) and a rear-axle disconnect system helped optimize traction and fuel efficiency.

The Compass Trailhawk trim added a low-range transfer case, extra driving modes, all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capability. However, steering and handling were weak points, with too much play and low grip. The ride was comfortable, but the Compass didn't deliver a car-like driving experience. Fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available, enhancing comfort and functionality.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s seat featured clear analog gauges and a large color display, with buttons behind the steering wheel for stereo adjustments. The gear selector, touchscreen, and physical climate controls were user-friendly, although the lack of temperature readouts was a minor inconvenience. Visibility was good, and the front and rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats included vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest.

Cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold, making it easy to carry longer items. The Compass provided practical storage solutions, although the central cubby and door pockets were small.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and natural-language voice recognition were also standard features.

However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons, were less user-friendly due to the lack of physical feedback. The ID.Light system, which changed colors based on drive mode and provided navigation cues, was a clever but easily overlooked feature.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering a slick, crisp, and quick user experience. The screen had no legibility issues, and menus were easy to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports were standard. Factory navigation was optional, with the ability to upgrade later. A wireless charging pad was also optional.

A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps was standard on the top High Altitude trim and optional on Limited and above trims. The Elite Group package added navigation, live traffic, power lumbar, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, foot-activated power tailgate, Alexa, remote start, and second-row USB ports. Higher trims offered a panoramic moonroof and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo. The semi-automated Active Driving Assist system was available on Limited and above trims with the Elite Group package.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention and headlights.

Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. Emergency Assist 3.0, Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system were also standard.

As of this writing, the 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA. The identical 2022 model received four out of five stars, with four stars for driver and passenger in the frontal test, five stars for front and rear passengers in the side tests, and three stars for rollover resistance. The 2023 Compass received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top ratings in all six crash tests. A driver’s knee airbag was standard.

Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control was optional on Latitude Lux and Altitude trims and standard on Limited and above trims. Parking sensors and 360-degree cameras were optional on Latitude Lux and above trims. Rain-sensing wipers were standard on Limited and above trims.