2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lexus RX

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 in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Lexus RX, entering its fifth generation, was built in Canada and featured a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase than its predecessor, while maintaining the same overall length. It offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than rivals. The RX's design appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang, softer lines, and a floating roof effect. The front showcased a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and elevated hood. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality levels were high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede. The RX was available in various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Known as the "Tigershark" engine, it lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved performance, especially at higher altitudes. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for front-wheel-drive models, which had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass featured Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km, but testing showed 9.9 L/100 km. The Compass felt nimble but exhibited excessive motion on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 Executive displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels, but the F Sport 3's suspension reduced unwanted motion. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with fuel economy estimated at 9.9 L/100 km, though testing showed 10.5 L/100 km and 10.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, offering 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 cabin included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment screen, and improved perceived quality. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfort with semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel in the Executive trim. The F Sport 3 trim featured Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models offered exceptional comfort, with roomy and supportive rear seats. The RX's cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded, an improvement over the previous generation.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It included an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with some requests.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, which responded quickly and accurately. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and Digital Latch door handles. A colour head-up display was available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring starting from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was to be added later, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Compass also offered parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were available. LSS+ 3.0 was impressive but had issues with HUD visibility and curve-speed reduction technology.