Jeep has done more than most when it comes to introducing competent off-road vehicles to the mainstream market. It’s easy to picture a Jeep careening down the side of a steep, dirt-covered hillside, rolling with the punches, and conquering mud, snow, and rocks like they’re an afterthought. However, one of the best parts of driving a Jeep is versatility. Effective as they are on the path less travelled, Jeeps are remarkably convenient and comfortable as daily drivers. Take the 2023 Jeep Compass. It perfectly blends the features Canadian car buyers desire when they shop for their next vehicle.
While the Compass is more understated compared to Jeep’s larger models like the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler, it has its own unique traits. Every 2023 Compass has the iconic 4×4 system that makes Jeeps so suitable for driving in a variety of terrain. Since it’s more compact than the other Jeep models, the Compass provides greater maneuverability, better gas mileage, and an easier time driving through dense traffic and busy parking lots. If you’re searching for a Jeep Compass for sale and are unsure what the latest models have to offer, you’re in luck. The current generation provides more interior space than ever, a comprehensive suite of entertainment equipment, and refined safety and off-roading features.
Off-Roading in the 2023 Jeep Compass
If your biggest concern is finding a vehicle that can tackle the great outdoors, you’re in luck with the 2023 Compass. Aside from the standard 4×4 system, the Compass has an assortment of driver-assistance features and equipment that make it ideal for off-roading conditions. For example, the standard Selec-Terrain Traction Management System provides the Compass with selectable drive modes that optimize performance in any weather. These include Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud on every trim level. When you opt for the Compass Trailhawk, you also gain Rock mode. Standing out among the competition, the 2023 Compass has a class-exclusive fully disconnecting rear axle and power-transfer unit (PTU) that enhances fuel efficiency.
The 2023 release of the Jeep Compass offers five trim levels to choose from, including the Sport, North, Altitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. Of these five, the Trailhawk is Trail Rated and delivers the most off-roading features. With the Trailhawk trim, you get the enhanced Active Drive Low 4×4 system that has a class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio, a 25 mm factory lift, skid plates, Hill-Descent Control, and signature red front and rear tow hooks. It can even tow up to 907 kg. Perfect for getting dirty, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk has 48 cm of water fording, a 30-degree approach angle, a 24-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle.
How Does Performance Stack Up?
Off-roading in the Compass is an experience that every Jeep owner should have at least once. However, the Compass has mass appeal thanks to its equally impressive performance in the city and on highways. The engine on the 2023 lineup is brand-new for this year. Jeep retired the old 2.4L four-cylinder engine and replaced it with a 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder. If that sounds familiar, it’s because this is a version of the engine that powers the Cherokee, Wrangler, and Gladiator. In the 2023 Compass, this engine delivers 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, making it a substantial upgrade from the 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque in the old 2.4L engine.
The new and improved powertrain offers more perks than just speed. It’s also better for your gas tank and the environment. Despite being more powerful, the 2023 Compass is now eight percent more fuel efficient than the 2022 model. The new numbers for the Compass are now 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 L/100 km on the highway, for a total of 8.8 L/100 km combined. That compares to just 10.8 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.5 L/100 km combined in the 2022 models with 4×4. More power while burning less fuel is a win-win for any driver.
What’s New Looks-Wise?
For 2023, Jeep went all-in on refreshing the exterior of the Compass. This is a new generation of the model, so a bit of a makeover was in order. It still honours traditional Jeep aesthetics while showing off its technological upgrades and off-road prowess. Jeep replaced the front headlamps and taillamps with new LED lighting technology. This looks great and is functional, improving visibility at night and in heavy weather. These new front LED reflector headlamps come standard on every trim. However, if you upgrade to the Limited or Trailhawk trim, you’ll get premium LED projector headlamps and taillamps. There are also LED fog lamps on the North trim and above.
Some of the trim levels offer their own individual styling. For example, the special edition (RED) model offers drivers red mirror caps, a body-colour roof and lower cladding, 48 cm aluminum wheels, and unique (RED) badging. As for the inside, this special edition has upscale black leather bucket seats and more. Jeep now offers more exterior paint colours for this edition, including Diamond Black, Billet Silver, and Redline Pearl Coat.
Many high-end features come standard in the 2023 Compass, like heated side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, solar control glass, and a chrome version of the iconic seven-slot Jeep grille. The Sport and North trims come with 43 cm aluminum wheels, while the Altitude and Limited have larger 46 cm wheels. There are also plenty of chrome accents throughout that tie the look together. Jeep hit the mark by updating the Compass enough to cultivate excitement without abandoning the style aspects that Jeep drivers love.
Plenty of Safety and Driver Assistance
One of the most remarkable features of the 2023 Jeep Compass is the amount of safety and security features. There are over 80 such features that come standard, putting this Compass at the top of its class. Every trim comes standard with helpful features like Rain Brake Support, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, an Active Lane Management System, Forward Collision Warning, and more.
The Compass even includes features like Drowsy Driver Detection and a Rear Seat Reminder standard, when many competitors lack these features. The Compass makes it easier to navigate heavy traffic and busy parking lots with systems like Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection with Emergency Braking. Plenty of cameras help you see potential hazards, such as the standard ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera with dynamic gridlines and the available 360-Degree Surround-View Camera System.
Ready to Conquer What’s Next
With all the thrills found in previous models, combined with the brilliantly updated design and the latest technology, the 2023 Jeep Compass is sure to become a fan favourite. It’s anchored in Jeep authenticity, with plenty of off-roading features to make a great road trip companion. The small size and efficient engine make it great for day-to-day commutes in the city. With five trim levels to choose from, you can customize the Compass to best suit your lifestyle and budget. There’s no shortage of excitement in the new 2023 Jeep Compass, and there is no doubt it will keep delivering year after year.
