2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. 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 look. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening contributed to a sophisticated cabin experience. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $32,695 to $46,395, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with a standard powertrain, showcased a Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, providing an upscale and cohesive interior.

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. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite averaged 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km. With 20.6 cm of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, passing and climbing power was lacking. The Outback averaged 9.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension tuning was excellent, offering a firm ride at lower speeds and soaking up bumps at higher speeds. The Outback handled well, but the standard engine left something to be desired.

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 featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen enhanced the cabin's sophistication. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seat folded down, exceeding the Cherokee's capacity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with heating, a heated steering wheel, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided ample legroom and comfort for long trips, though wind noise was noticeable on the highway. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the rear seat and 2,141 litres with the seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps to access the roof rack, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A navigation system, connected services, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system were available. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio available on higher trims. The voice recognition system was less effective, struggling with basic commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Compass received some false positives from the forward-collision warning system, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with smooth acceleration. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and Jeep needed to improve headlight performance.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the IIHS. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback's adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways. The Outback's safety features were comprehensive, but some systems needed refinement.