2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test model featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. 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 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality over aesthetics. The Forester Wilderness model, with its white paint and dark grey interior, featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Its rugged appearance was accentuated by a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding. Inside, the Forester emphasized practicality with hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that exuded quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's design focused on utility and practicality.

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 at higher altitudes. 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 Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance, was capable of light off-roading, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The CVT and AWD drivetrain provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling the Wilderness model's towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's engine was adequate near sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the SI-Drive system added a Sport mode for improved response. The Forester Wilderness excelled in various driving environments, with its long-travel suspension absorbing bumps and maintaining road feel.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, 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 screen, and the centre console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, even in base trim, offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim and higher featured an 8-inch screen, with available navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in its effectiveness.

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 worked as advertised, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and headlight performance needed improvement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the new Forester, but it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating.