2023 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, with massive headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more suited for off-road adventures, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its high price tag. Yet, it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from ruggedness to a more upscale appearance. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass lineup included various trims, with the Trailhawk standing out for off-road enthusiasts. The Compass offered a range of features, from new wheel designs to special edition models. Our Limited test vehicle, priced at $45,800, showcased a sophisticated interior with Granite Crystal paint and two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents. While the Compass looked and felt upscale, its high price tag raised questions about its value compared to larger compact crossovers.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio. While the Compass prioritized fuel economy, achieving 27 mpg combined, it fell short of expectations in real-world driving. The new engine transformed the Compass from lackluster to lively, though it still exhibited some body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk excelled off-road, but the standard AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX retained physical controls, which some drivers appreciated, though the abundance of buttons required familiarization. The second row provided comfort, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door posed challenges, and cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass offered a more accommodating interior, with seating for adults in both rows. It featured an air filtration system, dual-zone climate control, and a dual-pane sunroof. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather available on higher trims. The Limited test vehicle boasted premium features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. While interior storage was adequate, the center armrest bin was small. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the infotainment system lagged, and the graphics were not as sharp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling.

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 SiriusXM services. The system received OTA updates and offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in technology was responsive, and the parking assist system provided convenience. The surround-view camera was useful, though the Compass's small size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist. While lacking some top-end features, the GX's safety technology was commendable for its age.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added drowsy driver detection and rear-seat reminder systems. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. While NHTSA ratings were unavailable, the Compass had previously earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, though it was ineligible for 2023 until further testing.