2023 Jeep Compass Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Looking for a solid new SUV that performs as well off the beaten path as it does on paved roadways? If so, the 2023 Jeep Compass might pique your interest. This small crossover SUV sits between the littler Renegade and the larger Jeep Cherokee. Having just been updated for the 2022 model year, Jeep probably won't be giving too many updates to the 2023 Jeep Compass. There is speculation that powertrains will get altered, but there is nothing yet to confirm that possibility. Given the base four-cylinder's weak power output and the nine-speed transmission's slow shifts, Jeep could very well be making some much-needed adjustments.

The 2022 update meant that the Jeep Compass received a lot of new in-vehicle technology as well as some styling alterations both inside and out. Given that the small compact SUV segment is rapidly expanding, Jeep is having to work hard at keeping up with the Joneses. This means that the 2023 Compass feels very current.

For being a rather small vehicle, the Compass has a whole heck of a lot of space. You can comfortably seat five people inside of the cabin, and even the second row feels pretty accommodating. Available cargo space isn't too bad, either. The newly equipped infotainment system's interface is superbly straightforward, so even if you know virtually nothing about next-gen in-vehicle tech, you will have a short learning curve on the Compass's system.

Now, which trim level should you choose? That all depends on which features you want and how rugged you want your Compass to be when you take it off-roading. If off-roading is the name of the game, then the top-tier Trailhawk should absolutely suffice. But don't discount the lower trim levels; the Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, and Limited are all viable options that come well-equipped by their automaker.

Before you head out to the dealership and ask to test-drive a new 2023 Jeep Compass, let's go over what comes on each trim level so that you will know ahead of time just what to expect.

Compare the Sport vs Latitude Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The base trim in the 2023 Jeep Compass line-up is known as the Sport. As of right now, Jeep has not confirmed that the Compass will get new powertrains, so we have to assume that Jeep will power the Compass with a standard 2.4-L four-cylinder engine - the same one it has been using for a while now. This engine puts out a power supply of 177 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. On both the Sport and Latitude trim levels, you get standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with a six-speed automatic transmission. The higher trim levels are configured with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Particular features for the Sport trim level include its 16-inch alloy wheels made from alloy material and its LED headlights integrated into the front fascia. It is also outfitted with roof rails up top and heated mirrors on either side.

What will you find inside of the Sport's cabin? There are rear air vents for the second-row passengers. The second row of seats has a 60/40-split folding design, and the driver's seat is height-adjustable. The seats are upholstered in cloth material. What's more, the load floor can be adjusted for easy loading and unloading of cargo.

As far as technology goes, the Compass Sport is outfitted with a standard 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen display that is compatible with wireless smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A six-speaker sound system is also standard, as is connectivity with SiriusXM Satellite Radio through a free trial period. There are conveniently located USB ports in both rows of seats so that everyone can charge their devices.

Each 2023 Jeep Compass is given a suite of standard advanced driver aids. This bundle serves up a blind-spot monitor complete with a rear cross-traffic alert (which alerts you if a vehicle is driving in your blind spot when you try to reverse or change lanes), forward collision mitigation (which can detect impending frontal crashes and applies the brakes to try to avoid them), and lane departure mitigation (which alerts you if you do not use a turn signal and start to stray over the lane and will gently center you back into your driving lane).

So, what happens if you decide to upgrade to the Latitude trim level? As it turns out, you will get a few big upgrades worth mentioning. First of all, you get larger 17-inch wheels. The headlights become automatically adjusting, and the Latitude also comes with fog lights for enhanced visibility in the fog.

Simulation leather upholstery can be found inside of the Latitude's cabin, which is accompanied by simulated leather wrapped around the steering wheel. Finally, keyless entry and ignition are built into the Latitude for easier access into and start-up of the Latitude trim level. Other than that, there aren't any big tech or safety upgrades.

Compare the Latitude vs Latitude Lux. What is the difference?

Now, if you want more creature comforts, the Latitude Lux is where it's at. When you upgrade to the Latitude Lux trim level, you get all of what the Latitude offers plus 18-inch wheels done in alloy. Remote engine start is also added to the mix.

The driver information display gets upgraded, and the cabin gains an auto-dimming rearview mirror for clearer visibility out the back. The leather-wrapped steering wheel gains a heating function that is ideal for use on a chilly day. The driver's seat gains power adjustability, and the front seats also come with a heating function. Add to that some breathable, comfortable leather upholstery to the seats for a more luxurious vibe inside of the Latitude Lux.

The one big tech upgrade on the Latitude Lux trim level is the swapping in of a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display. This bigger screen makes the visuals easier to see, and the graphics themselves have a crisp quality to them.

Compare the Latitude Lux vs Limited Trim. What is the difference?

Out of all the vehicles in the 2023 Jeep Compass line-up, the Limited is undoubtedly the most extensively equipped with features. It takes everything that is built into the Latitude Lux and adds even more niceties, such as a roof that is painted in black, thereby giving a distinguishing look from all the other vehicles in the line-up. This trim level also has automatic windshield wipers and windshield wiper de-icer integrated into it.

The Limited's cabin is lit up by mood-setting ambient interior lighting. Occupants benefit from the dual-zone automatic climate control system, which keeps the two zones to their desired set temperatures with ease.

There are no major infotainment upgrades on the Limited trim level. However, when it comes to advanced driver aids, you do get parking sensors added to the vehicle. These parking sensors can detect unseen obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle - things that you would not be able to see with the naked eye.

Compare the Limited vs Trailhawk Trims. What is the difference?

The line-topping Trailhawk trim level is undeniably a popular choice. People who buy Jeeps are often looking for a strong, capable off-roader, and Jeep's answer to that is the Trailhawk. On this trim level, you get a black-painted roof along with 17-inch wheels outfitted with off-road oriented tires. There are also automatic windshield wipers and one full-size spare tire included in this package.

A few more changes make the Trailhawk a true off-roader. This trim level comes with a raised suspension that optimizes off-roading performance. There are some underbody skid plates and tow hooks, not to mention the standard hill descent control. The Trailhawk has an enhanced AWD system that integrates a rock driving mode and low range mode for a rather unique experience.

Like the Limited trim level, the Trailhawk is outfitted with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, parking sensors, and ambient interior lighting for a sense of luxury inside of an off-road oriented vehicle.

There are also a slew of optional packages and stand-alone features worth mentioning before we close out this trim level comparison review. On the Latitude and Trailhawk, you can opt for the Convenience package. This package includes windshield wiper de-icer, a hands-free liftgate (exclusive to the Latitude), a 115-volt power outlet, and all of the Latitude Lux's upgrades (save for the bigger touchscreen, leather upholstery, and 18-inch wheels).

There is a Driver Assist Group I (for the Latitude) or II (for the Latitude Lux), which bundles together everything from the Convenience package with LED fog lights, automatic windshield wipers, and parking sensors. You also get a wireless charging pad, an automated parking system (which steers the vehicle into a parking spot with little to no intervention on your part), adaptive cruise control (which allows you to set a safe following distance between the Compass and the vehicle in front of it, adjusting automatically as traffic flow changes), and a 360-degree surround-view camera system (which provides you with a top-down view all around the Compass).

For the Limited and Trailhawk, you can opt for the Driver Assist Group III. It bundles together everything from the Driver Assist I and II packages and adds a lane keeping system. This system helps keep the vehicle centered in its driving lane by making small steering alterations.

Also available on the Limited and Trailhawk is the Elite Group. All of the Convenience Group upgrades are bundled in along with 19-inch wheels, LED taillights, and enhanced LED headlights. Inside, you will find a sleek digital instrumentation panel instead of the regular analog version. There is also some premium leather upholstery for the seats and memory settings on the driver's seat. On top of that, the front seats are both heated and ventilated while the rear seats gain the heating function. An integration navigation system is also included, serving as an alternative to your smartphone's nav app.

The Sun and Sound Group - which is available on all trims save for the Sport - spices things up a bit with a crisp nine-speaker Alpine sound system and a panoramic sunroof.

 

Final Thoughts

If the 2023 Jeep Compass is a vehicle you're dead-set on getting, then it is hard to go wrong with any trim level. But the one we recommend the most highly is the Latitude trim level. In terms of value, it gives the most features for the best price. There are a lot of ways to upgrade it with the available optional packages.

Of course, if you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, the Trailhawk is the way to go. It obviously costs more than the Latitude, but if your budget has the space, the Trailhawk is a tough off-roader.

If you get the Limited, definitely equip it with the Driver Assist Group I so that you can get more advanced driver aids and the Convenience package features. It isn't a terribly expensive addition, and it packs in even more value to this vehicle.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Jeep Compass Trim Levels