2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test model featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with its premium feel, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification. The cabin boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems, along with soft-touch surfaces and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its redesign from 2022 with minimal changes, except for the new Rock Creek trim. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional elements with forward-thinking design, ensuring its relevance for years. The interior featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder's trims in Canada included S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, SL Premium, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from all-wheel drive to advanced infotainment systems.

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 acceleration power, and a turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive 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 and hill descent control.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight power increase. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and quiet operation, although the new shifter design was less intuitive. The Pathfinder included a rotary drive mode dial with options like Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, enhancing its versatility. The Rock Creek trim offered additional off-road capabilities with a taller suspension and off-road shocks. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached up to 2,720 kilograms with the Rock Creek trim.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, positioning it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. It comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage, with front seats offering 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With all seats upright, it provided 470 litres of cargo space. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder included 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with practical roof racks on the Rock Creek model.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. 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. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch option on higher trims. While the graphics were not the most advanced, the system was user-friendly with real buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The SL trim added wireless charging, and the Pathfinder offered multiple USB ports throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance starting from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA rollover resistance rating was three stars, and headlight performance needed improvement.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot Assist. The SL trim added traffic-sign recognition, and the Platinum trim featured rain-sensing wipers. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with the 2022 model achieving high crash protection scores.