2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX, while maintaining the signature Lexus spindle grille and LED headlights, closely resembled its first-generation predecessor from 2002. The cabin, however, showcased Lexus's renowned craftsmanship, offering a quiet and refined environment. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750, excluding destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $80,550.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the 4WD system, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance, excelled in light off-roading, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities with a low-range AWD system and 21.9 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, provided a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres, but it achieved 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride stability, making the GX more agreeable to drive despite its dated design.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The GX's third-row seat was challenging to access and limited cargo space. With the third-row seat stowed, the GX offered 1,322 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,833 litres with the second-row seat folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice text-to-reply capability. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and voice recognition technology were highlights. Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras enhanced the GX's technology offerings.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly effective, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The Compass lacked crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.