2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, especially in the High Altitude trim, which featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The High Altitude was the priciest Compass model, with a lineup starting from the base Sport trim and moving up through Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. The test vehicle, equipped with standard AWD and option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a design that eliminated almost all chrome, transforming it into a sleek, dark presence. However, it quickly accumulated dust, diminishing its appearance. The GX's design, reminiscent of its first-generation model, appeared dated despite modern elements like the spindle grille and LED headlights. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's reputation for quality, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, only interrupted by the V8 engine's faint roar. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark," this engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement during acceleration. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass was suitable for light off-roading, but the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities. The Compass's driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement and a dated suspension.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's shape contributed to a high drag coefficient of 0.35, impacting fuel efficiency, which was estimated at 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX returned 16.8 mpg on the testing loop, slightly better than expected. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, enhanced the GX's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, positioning it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. It comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage, with limited extra space. The High Altitude trim offered premium features, including eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The cabin featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and improved storage. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, surpassing the Cherokee's capacity.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. The rear seat was challenging to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate complicated loading, and the cargo area offered limited space, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and voice text-to-reply. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not the best in the industry.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent. The GX's system was preferred over the next-generation Lexus infotainment system in the 2022 NX. Lexus also made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received safety upgrades, including 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. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS had not yet published ratings for the updated model.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on standard Lexus Safety System+ features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, but this absence contributed to a favorable driving experience without interference from driving aids.