2024 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. The standard MDX came with base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle was a Type S Advance with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, priced at $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S had some shortcomings in quality, luxury, and driving dynamics.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, which stood for subtlety. The Type S had chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. It also featured 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the Type S had perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the body tapering and gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2024 Jeep Compass we tested in Michigan was a Sport trim, which was less visually striking than higher trims like the Altitude or Trailhawk. The Sport trim had a generic appearance, with black plastic door handles and small wheels, making it look like a fleet vehicle. The Compass Sport lacked distinctive Jeep features, making it blend in with other small crossovers.

In contrast, the fully loaded 2023 Compass Limited had a more appealing interior with a black and gray color scheme and caramel leatherette accents. The base Compass had supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured crosshatch inserts. The interior design and quality improved significantly in the 2022 model year, with large screens and superior fit and finish. However, the exterior design remained generic, lacking the unique Jeep identity.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could direct up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance.

The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short in delivering a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The engine's power increase was not substantial enough to justify its poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The MDX Type S struggled to provide a satisfying driving experience, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a better choice for most drivers.

The 2024 Jeep Compass replaced its previous 2.4-liter four-cylinder 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 and reduced engine noise. The Compass had three driving modes (auto, snow, sand/mud) and a rear-axle disconnect to save fuel by driving only the front wheels in most situations. However, the rear-axle disconnect reacted slowly under hard acceleration, causing wheelspin.

The Compass Trailhawk trim offered additional off-road capabilities, including a low-range transfer case, rock driving mode, all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. However, it was $7,000 more expensive than the Sport trim. The Compass had weak steering and handling compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. The steering lacked accuracy, and the handling was mushy with low grip. The ride was comfortable and well-damped, but the Compass Sport trim did not provide a car-like driving experience. Fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, which was competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with the option of two or three second-row seating positions. The cargo area had ample floor space, and our test vehicle had all available upgrades. The MDX featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, and a heated steering wheel. However, the seats were firm and did not provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving.

The MDX had seven-passenger seating as standard, with a removable center section in the second row for easier access to the third row. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cabin design prioritized style over storage space, with small bins and a touchpad interface that reduced available storage. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s seat featured clear analog gauges and a large color display for various info panels. The Compass had a regular PRNDL gear selector, physical climate controls, and a convenient row of buttons beneath the touchscreen. Visibility and sight lines were good, and the front seats provided ample headroom without a sunroof. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, along with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest.

The Compass had competitive cargo space, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold, allowing for the transport of longer items. However, the central cubby and door pockets were small, limiting storage options.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design reduced available storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2024 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5 software. The screen was slick, crisp, and quick, with clear text and icons. The Compass offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports as standard. Factory navigation was optional, and a wireless charging pad was available. The top trims featured a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, and 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. A semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the identical 2022 model received four out of five stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Compass a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras were available on higher trims. The Compass also had a driver's knee airbag as standard.