Most compact SUVs are snug day by day drivers that by no means depart the pavement past maybe parking in a grassy subject at a music competition. They are often nice sensible automobiles which are snug, high-tech, and succesful in site visitors. However, if they’ve all-wheel drive (AWD), they want it solely on asphalt within the winter.

The Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-50 aren’t like that. Each include customary AWD and precise trail-ready options like scratch-resistant plastic physique cladding and elevated experience top. The CX-50 is all-new for 2023. The Compass is an outdated veteran of the path.

Let’s see how they stack up side-by-side.

2023 Mazda CX-50

Most automakers construct only one compact SUV, however Mazda makes two this 12 months. The pavement-lover is the CX-5 — a wonderful resolution for a lot of. However the CX-50 has most of the identical charms and owns a set of mountaineering boots and a backpack. It’s the off-road Mazda, with all the good dealing with steadiness Mazda autos are identified for however with off-road traits, too. Pricing begins at $27,550.

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Sportier driving really feel: Jeep autos are identified for his or her path prowess. Mazda autos are identified for his or her on-road dealing with. You could be taking a look at these two as a result of you’ll hit the path in your subsequent automotive, however the odds are that you simply’ll spend extra time commuting in it. On the highway, the CX-50’s dealing with steadiness feels significantly better than what the Compass can do.

Extra highly effective engine choice: Jeep heard proprietor complaints that the Compass was underpowered and gave it a 200-horsepower engine for 2023. However Mazda has an much more highly effective choice for many who like to drive. Its non-obligatory 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is nice for as much as 256 horsepower with premium gas. Nothing in its class comes shut.

Obtainable Visitors Jam Help: Talking of luxury-like options, Mazda’s Visitors Jam Help system can relieve a number of the stress of driving in bumper-to-bumper site visitors. It will probably maintain a protected distance from site visitors and help with steering below 40 mph.

Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.

2023 Jeep Compass

The CX-50 is the brand new man on the path. The Jeep Compass has been on it a very long time. Our check driver calls it “a sensible day by day commuter that’s simple to drive, nevertheless it additionally has off-road talents that stay as much as the Jeep identify.” For 2023, it’s extra highly effective, with a brand new turbocharged engine and a extra refined 8-speed computerized transmission. Costs begin at $28,400.

Jeep Compass Highlights

Extra highly effective base engine: Homeowners had discovered the Compass underpowered in prior years, so Jeep upgraded it for 2023 with a brand new 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant making 200 hp. It’s gutsier than the 187-hp customary engine within the CX-50. Nevertheless, patrons in search of extra energy can beat it by springing for the non-obligatory turbocharged engine within the CX-50.

Drive modes for each floor: The CX-50 has Mazda’s most full off-road drive system, Mi-Drive, with Regular, Sport, and Off-Highway drive settings. However the Compass goes additional with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, with sand, snow, and dust settings.

Trailhawk: The bottom Compass and the CX-50 are higher off the highway than most small crossovers. However Jeep made its identify on extra intense off-roading and has a mannequin way more succesful than something within the Mazda secure. The Compass Trailhawk has a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, an additional inch of floor clearance, off-road tires, and skid plates — a degree of off-road gear usually discovered solely in specialty retailers.

Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Jeep Compass fashions on the market close to you.

Similarities

These are each succesful SUVs that may function a day by day driver and get you effectively off the crushed path. Their beginning costs aren’t far aside, they usually carry equal warranties.

Conclusion

Most compact SUVs are successfully highway automobiles with obtainable AWD and extra cargo area. Each the Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-50 have extra to supply than that. They serve these roles but in addition include off-road gear like selectable driving modes and all-terrain tires.

The Compass is extra trail-capable should you spend extra time on filth than asphalt, with its non-obligatory Trailhawk mannequin much more succesful. However the CX-50 is extra snug and enjoyable to drive on the highway, the place most patrons spend most of their time.

Specs