Navigating the SUV market can be overwhelming, especially when faced with seemingly endless options.  Choosing between the 2024 Compass and the 2023 Cherokee is a perfect example. These Jeep SUVs offer slightly unique combinations of features while also being somewhat similar. Both are highly versatile, ideal for commuters and adventurers. So, here’s a side-by-side 2024 Jeep Compass vs. 2023 Jeep Cherokee comparison to help you decide which compact crossover suits you best.

	2024 Jeep Compass	2023 Jeep Cherokee
Starting Price	$28,400–$39,240	$37,695–$41,295
Engines	2.0-liter turbocharged I4	2.0-liter turbocharged I4 with stop/start (standard); 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder (optional)
Horsepower + Torque	200 hp + 221 lb-ft of torque	2.0-liter: 270 hp + 295 lb-ft of torque 2.4-liter: 180 hp + 171 lb-ft of torque
Transmission + Drivetrain	8-speed automatic + 4WD	9-speed automatic + 4WD
Acceleration + Top Speed	0–60 mph in 7.5 seconds + 118 mph	0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds + 114 mph
Max Towing	2,000 lbs	4,000 lbs
Fuel efficiency	24/32/27 mpg (city/highway/combined)	21/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Safety Rating	5-star NHTSA	5-star NHTSA
Cargo Capacity	27.2/59.8 cubic feet (rear seats up/rear seats down)	25.8/54.7 cubic feet (rear seats up/rear seats down)

2024 Jeep Compass pros and cons

Pros:

• Roomy interior for its size
• Stout base engine
• Standard all-wheel drive on all models
• Signature Jeep style
• Trailhawk off-road model

Cons:

• Somewhat-confusing interior control layout
• Engine and road noise in the cabin
• Thick pillars and small windows cause poor outward visibility
• Some advanced driver assists might feel overly sensitive
• Mediocre fuel economy

2023 Jeep Cherokee pros and cons

Pros:

• Class-leading towing capability
• Well-controlled ride
• A tried and true off-road warrior
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Powerful turbo-four engine
• Standard leather seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start
• Intuitive and responsive infotainment system
• Adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams

Cons:

• Fuel economy isn’t impressive
• Far pricier than the Compass without proving much more
• Uncooperative transmission
• Stiff ride
• Mundane handling
• Snug cabin space

2024 Jeep Compass vs. 2023 Jeep Cherokee: Driving and performance

The 2024 Compass received a new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, now standard across all trims. This setup gives the Compass ample power, zipping from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds during Car and Driver’s test drive and 7.9 seconds in MotorTrend testing. The Compass’s steering is well-weighted, though it could offer better road feedback.

The 2023 Cherokee offers two engines: a standard 180-hp 2.4-liter inline-four and an optional 270-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four. Jeep touts the Cherokee’s 4,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the more potent powerplant. Notably, the 2023 Cherokee no longer offers a V6 engine, and only two trims are available. That’s because this Jeep is putting this iconic nameplate on ice due to poor sales that began in early 2021.

2024 Jeep Compass vs. 2023 Jeep Cherokee: Interior and tech

The 2024 Compass is centered on a modern, tech-savvy interior while maintaining the iconic Jeep ruggedness. A 10.1-inch touchscreen sits at the dashboard’s center, featuring the advanced UnConnect 5 system. This system keeps you connected with music, navigation, and apps, ensuring you’re fully entertained during your drive. An optional 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster keeps the driver posted on vehicle health and safety alerts.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Cherokee focuses on luxury, comfort, and utility. How about a cleaner cabin environment thanks to its specialized air filtration system? No more skunk smell during those long road trips at night in the country. The heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats ensure comfort regardless of how cold the weather gets. Dual-zone automatic climate control lets you customize cabin temperature settings with ease, so everyone is happy.

As for cargo space, the Cherokee offers flexibility. Its 60/40 split-folding rear seats and flip-down seatbacks provide up to 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space. With the seats up, you still have a generous 25.8 cubic feet behind the back row, enhanced by an optional two-position cargo load floor.

2024 Jeep Compass vs. 2023 Jeep Cherokee: Trim levels, prices, and features

2024 Jeep Compass trims and starting MSRPs:

• Sport — $28,400
• Latitude — $32,670
• Altitude — $34,565
• Latitude Lux — $34,395
• Limited — $36,245
• Trailhawk — $36,395
• High Altitude — $39,240
• (Red) — $38,920

2023 Jeep Cherokee trims and starting MSRPs:

• Altitude Lux — $37,695
• Trailhawk — $41,295

While the Compass focuses more on everyday drivability and offers optional off-road capability, the Cherokee leans more toward off-road prowess with its Trailhawk trim. The Cherokee’s Trail Rated testing ensures it can tackle challenging terrains, although it does so with a standard engine that feels less energetic. The Compass offers balanced on-road and off-road performance, wrapped in a compact frame that feels agile and responsive.

Off-road capabilities are a strong suit for both models. The Compass Trailhawk trim features a unique “Rock” mode and a low “crawler” gear ratio for extreme off-road conditions. As for the Cherokee, it excels in five key Trail Rated testing categories, including traction and water fording. Both Jeep SUVs include the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, adjusting various vehicle settings for optimal off-road performance.

Which Jeep SUV is the right fit for you?

The choice between the 2024 Jeep Compass and the 2023 Jeep Cherokee largely depends on where and how you want to venture. You have a choice of everyday comfort and agility or rugged off-road capability. Both Jeep SUVs offer features designed to meet specific lifestyle needs, and you won’t go wrong with either option. One thing to keep in mind is that 2023 is the Cherokee’s final production year.