2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand akin to the Grand Cherokee. It offered four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special editions to enhance the lineup. Starting at $22,280 for the Compass Sport with FWD and a six-speed manual transmission, the price could climb to $39,755 for a fully loaded Compass Limited with AWD. Despite its upscale features like soft-touch surfaces and premium leather, the Compass also had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it was a step behind in engineering compared to newer models. The F Sport Black Line test car showcased a sporty appearance with a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and Grecian Water paint. Inside, the design felt familiar, with a stepped center console and Black Line-specific features like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery. However, the material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury.

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 these figures, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, below the EPA rating of 25 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the suspension allowed too much vertical motion. However, the Compass excelled off-road, especially in Trailhawk trim, with features like an Active Drive Low AWD system and Rock driving mode.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 194 horsepower. It was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The hybrid system focused on fuel efficiency, but the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, emphasizing comfort over excitement.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with the Luxury Seat Group, featuring premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents and charging ports for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded. However, storage inside the cabin was limited, with awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. Despite this, the front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered visibility, but the dashboard design was functional. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats down, less than the gasoline model. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WiFi. It included SiriusXM Guardian services, navigation, and an Alpine audio system. Uconnect was intuitive, though some features were buried in menus. Voice recognition worked well, and primary controls were separate from the display.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. It supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The graphics felt outdated, and the menus were text-heavy. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for headlight performance, and mixed ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.