2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. The exterior design was slightly more aggressive, with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar for a unique look. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights had a new design with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear featured larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by an M Sport Package for certain models, offering sportier aesthetics. The X3 came in nine finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed, featuring dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The cabin offered various seating options, including SensaTec synthetic leather and Vernasca leather, with ambient lighting providing 11 color combinations.

The 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, moving away from the rugged Jeep ethos. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, with gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was offered in five core trim levels, with special editions like the Altitude and High Altitude. The base price ranged from just under $32,000 to over $40,000, making it a pricier option in the small SUV segment. The Limited trim, with extras like the Elite Group and Sun and Sound Group, had an MSRP of $45,800. The Compass Limited resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, with a two-tone black and gray cabin featuring caramel accents. Despite its high price, the Compass offered a sophisticated interior with digital displays and metallic trim, though some felt the price was steep for its segment.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The M40i variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3 provided a balanced driving experience, with the M40i offering more dynamic performance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. The Compass featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system, with Selec-Terrain offering Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes. The Trailhawk model had a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio and additional off-road features. The Compass achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 23.8 mpg. The new engine improved the driving experience, offering better acceleration and refinement compared to previous models. However, the Compass still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces, and the AWD system was slow to engage.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with seating for five, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The X3's SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The vehicle's ergonomics improved with a redesigned center console and larger infotainment system. The X3's sport seats were supportive, though the thigh-support cushion's control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The power tailgate and optional hands-free opening added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, with a narrow design that aided maneuverability. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Compass offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim provided a luxurious feel, though the hard plastic edge of the center console could be uncomfortable. The rear seat offered adequate space, with generous foot room and supportive cushions. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system offered navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 came with a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats and a head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Compass also had a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, though the vehicle's size made the parking assist less necessary.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered traffic jam assistance, lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and a rear-seat reminder. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims offered Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2023 Compass, and the IIHS had incomplete results, with the previous model earning a Top Safety Pick rating.