2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a refreshed exterior design that subtly enhanced its aggressive stance. The signature kidney grille was enlarged, yet it maintained a balanced appearance, avoiding the overly large grilles seen on other BMW models. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, complemented by new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, enhancing the horizontal-styled exterior lighting. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The interior was well-appointed, featuring a clean design with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and various seating materials, including SensaTec synthetic leather and premium Vernasca leather. The cabin provided a comfortable and adjustable environment, with ambient lighting adding to the overall ambiance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass Sport and North models received new 17-inch wheel designs, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The interior of the Compass was spacious enough to accommodate adults in both rows, with standard features like an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim, in particular, provided a luxurious feel with its two-tone black and gray cabin, metallic trim, and digital displays. However, the high price of the Compass, especially in the Limited trim, made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, all equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The xDrive30i variant featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i's performance was enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration but did not improve fuel efficiency. The X3 M40i offered a more exhilarating driving experience compared to the xDrive30i, with better acceleration and braking.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. The Compass featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive system. The Trailhawk variant included a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Compass's new engine improved its performance, making it more responsive and refined compared to previous models. However, the engine was not as powerful as it could be, prioritizing fuel economy and regular fuel requirements. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world testing showing slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided a comfortable and practical interior with seating for five adults. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The X3's interior was well-designed, with SensaTec faux-leather seats providing comfort, while the upgraded Vernasca leather added softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle's ergonomics were improved with easier access to touchpoints. The centre console was redesigned, featuring a larger infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen, and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3 offered a power tailgate with an optional hands-free opening for added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior with seating for four adults. The Compass's narrow design made it maneuverable, while still providing decent comfort. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass's rear seat provided enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for easy access.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system offered navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, providing a fully digital experience. The X3's standard sound system included a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. Other tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. Depending on the trim, the system paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel and offered an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, and Alexa Built-in digital assistant. The Compass's Alpine audio system provided good sound quality, though it was bass-heavy with default settings. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It included standard safety features such as adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. Optional features included parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a standard drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard advanced driving assistance systems included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Compass's lane-keeping inputs were sometimes too obvious, and the adaptive cruise control was not always smooth. The NHTSA had not published crash-test results for the 2023 Compass, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offered incomplete test results.