2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL and RXL Hybrid, which offered a third row of seating. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior boasted standard features such as NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, with options for semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior updates and new wheel designs, retained a look similar to its 2017 redesign, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude trim featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a more upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin also benefited from added sound deadening, enhancing its premium feel. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive version, came with standard all-wheel drive and option packages that included every possible upgrade, resulting in a sophisticated and well-appointed interior.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid managed up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX F-Sport model offered a sportier driving experience with adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX could reach 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured 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 for all-wheel-drive models, was criticized for its lack of power and noisy operation. Front-wheel-drive models used a six-speed automatic transmission. The Compass High Altitude achieved an average of 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, while the Active Drive AWD system provided additional traction when needed. The Compass Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low range, hill descent control, and increased ground clearance. However, the overall driving dynamics of the Compass were found lacking, with a busy and unrewarding powertrain character.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, though the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, 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 interior upgrades for 2022 included a redesigned dashboard, a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and premium leather upholstery. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, surpassing the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model. A hands-free power liftgate was available for added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system, while functional, was criticized for its dated appearance and the cumbersome Remote Touch controller.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new 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 touchscreen available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current. Additional options included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass also offered a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system and a 360-degree surround-view camera. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems generally worked well, there were some issues with false positives and abrupt braking. As of the review, the IIHS and NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the updated 2022 Compass.