2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $47,385, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, boasting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions compared to the previous generation. The Pilot's interior took a more conventional styling route, focusing on functionality and versatility. It offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with the TrailSport model gaining legitimate off-road parts. The Pilot emphasized function over form, providing a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that appealed to those seeking a family SUV with off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and 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 offered various driving modes and an AWD system, with the Trailhawk trim providing enhanced off-road capabilities. However, the drivetrain was the least appealing aspect of the Compass, with driving dynamics needing improvement.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed. It prioritized comfort over performance, with light steering and noticeable body roll in corners. The TrailSport trim offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it an excellent choice for families seeking an SUV that could handle both daily duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, offering enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim elevated its premium-brand SUV status with features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior focused on practicality, with a dash shelf for the front passenger and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with a stowable second-row centre seat and ample space for adults in the second row. The third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. The Pilot offered 635 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,219 litres with the seats folded down, providing significantly more capacity than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of customization options. The system supported multiple device pairings, over-the-air updates, and voice recognition, although it had some limitations in navigation and emergency assistance.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's infotainment system, available from the EX-L trim, included a larger touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, and a head-up display. The system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system enhanced the Pilot's technological offerings.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. However, some features required higher trims in Canada. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, but the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The Compass had not yet received crash test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added parking sensors and surround-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms during testing.