2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. The interior controls were user-friendly, though the mix of traditional and push-button gear selectors felt inconsistent.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior updates, retained a familiar look reminiscent of a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude trim featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The High Altitude trim included features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned center console offered increased storage, and the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided a significant improvement in perceived quality and sophistication.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. While the engine operated smoothly, the CVT's simulated shift points aimed to provide a familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness and Eco mode prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, lacked the power and refinement of its competitors. The transmission's reluctance to downshift and the slow automatic stop/start system detracted from the driving experience. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system provided off-road capability. The Compass High Altitude achieved an average of 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 provided a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The QX50 included numerous storage options and charging ports, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned between the Renegade and Cherokee, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard added to the premium feel. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The new center console offered increased storage, though the bin beneath the armrest remained small.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist added to the vehicle's advanced technology offerings, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates to keep it current. The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not the easiest to use.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection. The vehicle's safety systems performed reliably during testing, with no false warnings.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also offered a robust set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. During testing, the safety systems generally worked well, though there were some false positives and overly aggressive responses. The Compass had a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, and Jeep needed to improve headlight performance based on previous IIHS scores.