2023 Jeep Compass

When asked to identify an off-road vehicle, the average person will point to just about any Jeep.

- Justin Banner, off-road vehicle, Jeep

Credit the brand’s long and well-deserved reputation for back-road excellence, one earned by vehicles such as the Wrangler. The updated 2023 Jeep Compass makes a valiant attempt to live up to its lineage, especially in the Trailhawk trim we had on hand for SUV of the Year evaluation, but it mostly falls short.

To the good, every Compass comes with all-wheel drive, even the entry-level, sub-$30,000 Sport trim. Its 200-hp, 221-lb-ft turbocharged I-4 is better leveraged by the smartly tuned new eight-speed automatic, and the Trailhawk has plenty of tough-sounding off-road modes and equipment. The Uconnect infotainment system has seen some welcome updates to its UI and overall legibility, too, and it retains physical controls for all the right functions.