2023 Jeep Compass Tested, BETTER all round, 0-60, driving impressions

We drove the NEW 2023 Jeep Compas, now with turbo power.

With a new 2.0-liter turbo engine and a retuned suspension, the 2023 Jeep Compass is quicker and better in every way.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:20 New for 2023
1:10 Exterior
1:21 Engine, Transmission, 0-60, Fuel Economy
2:10 Wheels and Tires
2:27 Pricing
3:25 Suspension Upgrades
3:40 Cargo Space
4:03 Interior and Tech
7:03 On-Road Driving
12:13 Off-Road Driving
18:29 Verdict

The compact SUV/Crossover segment has never been more competitive and the Jeep Compass was a little out of its depth, it needed much-needed drivability, better acceleration, upgraded entertainment, and enhanced fuel economy. The good news is the 2023 Jeep Compass achieves all that and more since its interior makeover for the 2022 model brought it out of the rental car scratchy plastic interior world. Now it can stand toe-toe with the Bronco Sport.

The Compass has the updates it deserves and has made it an actual competitor in the compact off-road crossover market.

What’s new for 2023  

Jeep's Active Drive 4x4 system is now standard on all models; the Trailhawk model is equipped with Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 system with a class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio. Standard Selec-Terrain provides up to four modes for the best four-wheel-drive performance in any weather conditions. 

Advanced safety features standard across all trims now include drowsy driver detection, rear seat reminder alert, and a security alarm. Automatic high-beam headlamp control is now standard on Latitude models and above.  
Under The Hood

The biggest change is under the hood, gone is the wheezy naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine that made either 177 or 180 hp depending on specification.  The new one has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 200-hp and 220 lb-ft @ a much lower 1,750 rpm which is 23 more horsepower and 49 more pound-feet of torque than before. It’s now driven through an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the old 9-speed. 

All these mods make for better fuel economy, a All-wheel drive versions are EPA-estimated to deliver 24 city | 32 highway. 

2023 Jeep Compass Altitude Numbers

BASE PRICE: $32,295
AS TESTED PRICE: $42,550
ENGINE: 2.0L turbo DOHC I-4
POWER: 200 hp 
TORQUE: 220 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
ZERO TO 60 MPH: 7.5 (est)
CURB WEIGHT: 3,650 lb
CARGO SPACE: 27.2 cubic feet, 59.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded
FUEL ECONOMY: 24 city | 32 highway
OUR OBSERVED: 23.9 mpg
PROS: Zippy, on-road handling, quiet interior 
CONS: Still some cheap interior plastics

Suspension Upgrades

The old Jeep Compass didn't handle too well and the ride was overly firm so Jeep's engineers re-tuned the springs, added new dampers, modified the steering rack, and added a stronger rear stabilizer bar.