2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. The Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before design choices. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, among other features. Higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as leather upholstery, larger touchscreens, and advanced safety features.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, like the Grand Cherokee, was a handsome SUV available in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trims. Jeep offered various packages and special edition trim upgrades to enhance the lineup. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a six-speed manual transmission, while the High Altitude upgrade for the Compass Limited with all-wheel drive (AWD) was priced from $32,645. The test vehicle, a 2020 Compass Limited with AWD, was loaded with options, including a power panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and premium sound system, totaling $39,755. Despite its premium features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures, such as low-rent glossy plastic pieces and flimsy-feeling parts, which detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a modest improvement over the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of torque was noticeable, and the absence of the more powerful 2.0XT turbocharged engine option from the previous year was disappointing. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, offered Intelligent and Sport modes to enhance throttle response and power delivery. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its lackluster acceleration, the Forester provided a smooth ride, minimal body roll, and impressive fuel economy, averaging 28.9 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite its promising specifications, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and nearly non-existent passing power. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, further hindering performance. The test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg combined rating. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. The steering was heavy and vague, and the brake pedal was overly sensitive. However, the Compass excelled in off-road conditions, especially in Trailhawk trim, with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system. The Limited trim's simpler AWD system included a 50:50 Lock mode and Selec-Terrain traction system, handling moderately difficult trails with ease.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive interior space, with the base trim providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims had 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance was beneficial for both off-road conditions and ease of entry for older buyers. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, with a tall greenhouse providing excellent visibility and a commanding driving position. The combination of legroom, headroom, and rearward visibility made the Forester a practical and comfortable choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Compass test vehicle featured the new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver's settings. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing reduced luggage room. The cabin had limited storage space and awkwardly positioned cupholders, which could be frustrating for those carrying many personal items.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, was responsive, intuitive, and featured high resolution. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made smartphone integration seamless. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified the driver when the vehicle ahead moved away from a stoplight. This feature, along with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, contributed to the Forester's reputation for safety.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system was intuitive, with appealing graphics, though some features were embedded in menus rather than accessible via buttons. The voice recognition system worked well for most commands, though navigation required more specific prompts. The test vehicle also included a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system, providing decent sound quality for the segment.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional standard safety features included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. These high-tech systems, combined with the Forester's excellent visibility, made it a very safe vehicle.

The 2020 Jeep Compass extended the availability of its driving assistance and collision avoidance technology to the base Sport trim level. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting or being overly insistent. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but received mixed ratings from the NHTSA.