2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Advance trim. With a price tag of $74,995, it aimed to deliver a high-end experience, though it occasionally fell short of expectations. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, characterized by its understated design elements like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, though some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its rugged roots. The Compass Limited, priced at $45,800, offered a sophisticated look with Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone cabin with caramel accents exuded an upscale feel, enhanced by digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price point made it less competitive in the small SUV segment, where a well-equipped luxury SUV could be an alternative.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Despite these figures, the performance enhancements didn't fully integrate, leading to a disjointed driving experience. The MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with an average of 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 19 mpg rating. While the MDX Type S offered various driving modes and a sophisticated AWD system, it lacked the cohesion expected from a performance model.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, benefited from a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine transformed the Compass from underpowered to capable, though it wasn't as strong as it could be. The Compass offered a smooth driving experience with its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD system. However, the AWD system was slow to engage, and the Compass exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces. Off-road, the Trailhawk version showcased its capabilities, though it could benefit from more aggressive tires.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a versatile cargo area. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats were adjustable, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a comfortable interior for four adults, despite its narrow dimensions. The Limited trim offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat space was adequate, though legroom was limited if the front seats were reclined. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Interior storage was limited, but the Compass featured a wireless charging pad and a dual-pane sunroof for added convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, though the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) required a learning curve and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, with over-the-air updates ensuring the system remained current. The Limited trim included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and a parking assist system. The Alexa Built-in technology was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass offered adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and Highway Assist on select trims. While the NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2023 Compass, the IIHS had not completed testing, though the previous model earned a Top Safety Pick rating.