2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 made a stronger case as a premium SUV, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification. It boasted a new dashboard design with updated digital instrumentation, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers who preferred its classic truck look. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, including the windshield and lower front bumper. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. The Defender offered various accessory packages and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, providing unmatched choice in the SUV market. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with a mix of rubbers and plastics, exposed screws, and a basic yet unique interior that maintained its hardcore character.

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" name, 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 Trailhawk Elite, with its 4WD system, offered decent off-road capabilities, but the drivetrain remained the least appealing aspect of the vehicle.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was flawless, making the Defender a formidable performer. However, on-road, the Defender's Old World charms became cumbersome, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the V8's fuel economy was less impressive. Despite its on-road shortcomings, the Defender's engines saved it from mediocrity.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim elevated its premium feel with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing perceived quality. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in versatility, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered optional third rows. The 130 provided up to eight seats, with features like a separate moonroof, climate zone, and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a practical choice for adventurers.

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 as standard, with a 10.1-inch option on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. While the voice recognition system was fast and accurate, it struggled with certain requests, such as finding the nearest hospital.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen provided better legibility. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender came with heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected to be added later in the model year. However, the Compass received some false positives from the forward-collision warning system during testing. As of the review, crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags, which was a notable omission.