2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance compared to its rugged predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, featuring a sophisticated exterior with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass Red editions offered additional color options, including black and silver. The interior of the Compass Limited test vehicle was adorned with Granite Crystal paint and optional 19-inch wheels, resembling a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. The two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, digital displays, metallic trim, and low-gloss plastics contributed to a premium feel, though the high price point was a concern.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package, which was tested, offered a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience. Despite the busy interior, the MDX's massaging seats were a standout feature, offering a firmer and more refreshing massage compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Compass marked a significant improvement in performance with its new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and additional off-road capabilities. Despite its improved performance, the Compass remained tall and narrow, leading to significant body motions on uneven surfaces. The EPA fuel economy rating was 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg.

The 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling AWD system. The MDX Type-S offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System provided multiple driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode for increased ground clearance. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, offering a refined and comfortable ride, though some may find it firm. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather options available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and comfortable seating, though the hard plastic edge of the center console was a drawback. The rear seat provided adequate space, and the Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance test vehicle featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter's button layout was unconventional, and the IDS dial occupied valuable space.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited test vehicle included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The parking assist system and surround-view camera were useful features, though the Compass's small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was a weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The touchpad's placement was clever, with a leather handrest above the wireless charging pad. However, the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Jeep Compass included standard safety features such as drowsy driver detection, rear-seat reminder, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving on highways. However, the system struggled in certain conditions, and the adaptive cruise control was not always smooth. The Compass had not been fully tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Despite strong safety scores, the infotainment system remained a distraction for drivers.