2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite updated exterior styling and new wheel designs, maintained a familiar appearance reminiscent of a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Our High Altitude test vehicle was outfitted with classy 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted in a dark, sparkly finish, which complemented the sophisticated appearance of this smaller Jeep. Inside, the 2022 Compass made a strong impression as a premium SUV, especially in the High Altitude specification. A new dashboard design, along with updated digital instrumentation and infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, and luxury-grade leather seats, offered a significantly elevated sense of sophistication. These elements, combined with added sound deadening, gave the Compass a convincing upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the new Wilderness trim level, was tested in the rugged environment of Bend, Oregon, showcasing its utilitarian design. The white paint and dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather indicated functionality over form. The Forester’s massive cladding, suspension lift, and matte-black hood decal gave it an aggressive, off-road-ready look, earning mixed reactions towards its aesthetics. Inside, Subaru emphasized practicality, with copper-colored stitching and accents adding minor flair. Hard plastics and soft surfaces combined for a durable, if somewhat outdated, cabin feel. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system highlighted the straightforward and functional interior.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" nickname, the engine's performance was underwhelming. A turbocharger would have enhanced its capabilities, particularly for drivers with adventurous aspirations. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, often felt strained, struggling with responsiveness and efficiency. Jeep's Selec-Terrain system and Active Drive AWD provided some off-road aptitude, while 8.1 inches of ground clearance allowed for moderate off-road excursions. However, the Compass’s driving dynamics, marked by a busy powertrain and a bouncy ride, needed improvement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating slightly higher outputs of 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Maintaining a CVT and standard AWD across all trims, the Forester Wilderness variant featured a CVT design offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and doubled towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. During testing in Oregon, the Forester averaged nearly the expected 26 mpg fuel economy. The engine, although adequate near sea level, could feel sluggish at higher altitudes due to the lack of a turbocharger. Off-road, the Forester performed admirably, especially with the long-travel suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires enhancing its rugged capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among Jeep's trio of similarly sized SUVs, offered respectable interior space, though it leaned towards the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. The Compass comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage. Notable upgrades included eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats, enhancing comfort. The redesigned dashboard, center console, and premium materials created an upscale atmosphere. Cargo capacity measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Cherokee but trailing larger competitors.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with ease of entry and exit being a notable advantage. The Forester Wilderness’s water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats catered to outdoor enthusiasts. Significant updates included upgraded roof rails supporting a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, accommodating a roof tent. Comfort was high across both seat rows, with back seats offering ample room for two adults or three if necessary. Forester’s cargo space was competitive, with 28.9 cubic feet (without panoramic sunroof) or 26.9 cubic feet (with sunroof) behind the seats, and expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with sunroof) when rear seats were folded, putting it among the roomiest in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, claimed to be five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen came standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and offered a host of modern features like Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims included options for a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and an upgraded nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The voice recognition system was quick and accurate, albeit with occasional hiccups in address search functionality and point-of-interest filtering.

The 2022 Subaru Forester’s base models featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims, like the Wilderness, upgraded to an 8-inch screen, unlocking features like a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, which provided rich and clear audio. The system included a 180-degree forward-view camera, especially useful for off-roading. Remote engine start capability via an active Starlink plan further enhanced convenience. Subaru’s PIN Code Access feature, allowing keyless entry via a PIN, was a standout for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received a safety upgrade with standard features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Planned for later inclusion was Highway Assist, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for highway driving. While parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system were available, issues like false positives from forward-collision warnings and early hard braking in safety systems were noted. Neither IIHS nor NHTSA had published ratings for the 2022 Compass at the time of testing.

Subaru introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system in the 2022 Forester, boasting twice the field of vision of the previous iteration, enhancing its accuracy and smoothness. The new Automatic Emergency Steering system operated at speeds under 50 mph. EyeSight 4.0 included standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering assist. Additional features like a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and Starlink connected services for emergency assistance ensured comprehensive safety. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology detecting drowsiness and distraction, now with gesture control for climate settings. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with IIHS anticipated to continue its “Top Safety Pick+” rating.