2020 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand similar to the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while the High Altitude upgrade for the Compass Limited with all-wheel drive was priced from $32,645. Our test vehicle, a 2020 Compass Limited with AWD and numerous options, totaled $39,755, including the destination charge. Despite its premium features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried over familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The F Sport variant featured sportier design elements, including a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The interior boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for leather and wood trim. The NX's material fit and finish were excellent, though the center stack design appeared outdated compared to newer models.

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. However, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and nearly non-existent passing power. The test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, while the automatic engine stop/start system compromised air conditioning performance on warm days. 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 sensitive. Despite these drawbacks, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2021 Lexus NX, while not designed to be sporty, was capable with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX's adaptive suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX also had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Jeep Compass 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. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space was 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing reduced luggage room. Interior storage was limited, with awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seat offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options. The cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and featured appealing graphics, though some functions were buried in menus. The voice recognition system worked well for most commands, but navigation required specific prompts.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote engine start, climate control adjustment, and vehicle-finder functions. Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts and a 10-year subscription was included.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These features were optional and included in the Safety and Security Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.