2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which were somewhat at odds with its compact size and tall profile. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet its design was considered ungainly. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a classic Cadillac look, while the latter featured darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, although luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep look. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, offering a more upscale appearance. The Compass featured new wheel designs for the Sport and North models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The interior of the Compass Limited test vehicle was well-appointed, with a two-tone black and gray cabin accented by caramel highlights, sophisticated digital displays, and metallic trim. Despite its upscale appearance, the Compass's high price point raised questions about its value compared to other small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The XT5's cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass Trailhawk featured a more advanced AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The new turbo engine transformed the Compass's performance, offering a more spirited driving experience compared to previous models. However, the engine's power was somewhat limited due to Jeep's focus on fuel economy. The Compass's handling was improved, but its tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk's off-road capabilities were impressive, though the standard tires limited its performance in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided ample legroom in both rows, although the seats were not as comfortable as expected for a luxury vehicle. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the interior featured a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. The Limited test vehicle provided a luxurious experience, though the hard plastic edge of the centre console was uncomfortable. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate and a foldable front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While the system was an improvement over previous versions, it lacked the sophistication of competitors' offerings. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5's quiet interior.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OTA updates. Depending on the trim, it could be paired with a digital instrumentation panel, navigation system, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant offered natural voice recognition, while the Alpine audio system provided good sound quality. The Compass also included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera for added convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard features. It included advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Compass's lane-keeping inputs were sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of review, and the Compass was ineligible for the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to updated requirements.