Jeep Compass vs Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on elegance and simplicity, offered a range of models including the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out for its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. Inside, the NX embraced a minimalist approach, with a decluttered dashboard and a focus on high-quality materials, although some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The F Sport variant added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, and sport-bolstered seats, enhancing its dynamic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, aligning with the aesthetic of larger Jeep models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass featured new wheel designs for the Sport and North models, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. The interior of the Compass Limited test vehicle, with its Granite Crystal paint and two-tone cabin, exuded a sense of luxury, although the high price point raised questions about its value. The Compass offered a comfortable and sophisticated interior, with digital displays and metallic trim enhancing its appeal. However, the high as-tested price made it less competitive compared to other small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive contributed to its dynamic performance, with the F Sport variant offering additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. Despite its impressive handling, the NX's turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's broad torque range and new eight-speed automatic transmission improved the Compass's performance, making it more enjoyable to drive. The Compass featured a Jeep Active Drive AWD system with Selec-Terrain driving modes, while the Trailhawk variant offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. Despite these improvements, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage, affecting its performance on challenging terrain.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting system added to the interior's appeal, although the new dashboard design created a more intimate feel.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control, with higher trims offering leather seats and power-adjustable front seats. The Limited test vehicle provided a luxurious experience, although the hard plastic edge of the centre console detracted from comfort. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. The available foot-activated power liftgate and foldable front passenger seat added to its practicality.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based services. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker sound system, and optional upgrades like a 14-inch touchscreen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems enhanced user interaction, while connected services like Drive Connect and digital key capability added convenience. However, the touchscreen's tendency to collect fingerprints and the lack of a tuning knob were noted drawbacks.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and OTA updates. The system could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in digital assistant offered natural voice recognition, while the parking assist system and surround-view camera added convenience. The Alpine audio system, though bass-heavy, provided good sound quality for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided an added layer of safety, while additional technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist enhanced the NX's safety profile.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder to its safety features, with most trims offering automatic high-beam headlights. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, with upgrades like traffic sign recognition and parking sensors available. The lane-keeping system's inputs were sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The Compass's crash-test ratings were incomplete, with the IIHS withholding a Top Safety Pick rating pending further testing.