2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX retained a familiar Lexus design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior, similar in dimensions to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster familiar to Lexus drivers, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a functional and comfortable interior, albeit with limited small-item storage.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs but maintained a look similar to its 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV feel.

The High Altitude was the most expensive Compass model, starting at $26,020 and reaching up to $35,085, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard AWD and various option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470. The interior upgrades, including the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1 packages, significantly improved the Compass's sophistication and comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth than newer eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration power. A turbocharger would have improved performance, especially for mountain adventures. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models and a six-speed automatic for FWD models.

The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, causing hard engagement when accelerating from a stop. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg. The AWD system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance for light off-roading. The Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row 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 2022 Jeep Compass offered similar interior dimensions to the Renegade and Cherokee, positioning it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. The Compass comfortably accommodated 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 Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and light-gray contrast stitching.

A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, redesigned soft-touch dashboard, and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the interior's sophistication. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch screen available. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including 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 features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, adding forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass also offered parallel and perpendicular parking assistance and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.