2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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, infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a more rugged and seductive design, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a cabin positioned towards the rear wheels. It featured bold fender swells, lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, giving it a rugged appeal. The CX-50's design elements, including a black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing exterior. The interior of the CX-50 displayed Mazda's driver-focused design, with quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The cabin offered comfort and style, with black leather and caramel-coloured accent stitching, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

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 seeking 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 Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and its AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim provided enhanced off-road capabilities with features like a low range, hill descent control, and increased ground clearance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT Turbo trim, with a turbocharged version of the engine, produced between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and increased towing capacity. Mazda's Mi-Drive modes and G-Vectoring Control ensured natural vehicle behaviour in various driving conditions. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it exhibited a hint of torque steer during acceleration. Despite its SUV classification, the CX-50 felt more like a modern station wagon with a higher ride height and ground clearance.

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 added premium features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, integrated air vents, and improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat provided ample room for adults, and rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy access. Storage space was adequate, with a long load floor and side bins in the cargo area. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space, slightly more than the CX-5, and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded.

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 display as standard, with a 10.1-inch option on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and additional features included navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The 10.25-inch display was standard in Canada. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected essential information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

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, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, was expected later in the model year. The Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems generally worked well, though the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. As of the review, crash test results from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and pedestrian collision avoidance results. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful. The adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.