2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lexus NX

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 redesigned 2022 Lexus NX came in four model series, including the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of our review. The NX's design, characterized by its spindle grille and refined styling, was unmistakably Lexus. It offered more passenger and cargo space, with NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery and an available panoramic moonroof. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique design elements and sport-bolstered seats. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, integrating many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate initially.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass offered various driving modes and an AWD system, making it capable of light off-roading. However, its driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ offering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX 350 F Sport provided a more rewarding driving experience with additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX's handling impressed, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim elevated its premium appeal with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while claiming more interior room, felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.1-inch option on higher 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 sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't the easiest to use.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch option available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, enhancing usability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which was a drawback.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. As of the review, crash test results were not available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.