2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with the High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. 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 model in the lineup, starting from the base Sport trim and moving up through Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude models, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard AWD and option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

The 2023 Audi Q5 showcased a blend of subtle curves and angular accents, resulting in a classy and sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. The Sportback's spoiler-like element above the taillights provided a more defined transition from hatch to tail section, setting it apart from rivals with awkward rear ends. Inside, the Q5 maintained a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show since its last redesign five years ago. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash offered good materials quality, but the Q5 no longer felt as special as it once did. Rear-seat passengers encountered durable plastic elements, ensuring longevity for families with children and pets. The Q5's sturdy build quality, free from squeaks or creaks, made it a solid choice among competitors like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark" engine, it lacked the power to compete with most other SUVs. A turbocharger would have significantly improved performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for FWD models, which 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 drivetrain engagement. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg on testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass AWD handled light off-roading and snowstorms well. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with features like a low range and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The Compass High Altitude's 19-inch wheels improved grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and uneven pavement, revealing its dated status.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available only with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. Once underway, power was adequate, but passing required planning. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, instilling confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering, managing bumps well. The engine and exhaust remained quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, ensuring a calm cabin.

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 accommodated four adults and their luggage comfortably but offered limited extra space. The High Altitude trim enhanced its premium appeal with features like eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, redesigned dashboard, and Uconnect 5 infotainment screen elevated perceived quality. The center console offered increased storage, though the armrest bin remained small. The hands-free power liftgate provided access to 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, surpassing the Cherokee's capacity.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but aged well. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for reduced distraction, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The rear view was better than average, though parking cameras and sensors were still necessary. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably, even in the Sportback model. Storage options included a shallow pocket under the controls, a fist-sized pocket, and a narrow slot. A wireless phone charger covered the cupholders, which were heated and cooled in the top trim. The door pockets were spacious, accommodating larger drink bottles. The Q5 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback, comparable to rivals like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Uconnect 5 supported dual-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. Additional options included navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was an upgrade. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't the easiest to use.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. However, system boot-up and Apple CarPlay activation were slow. CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless across all trims. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. Audi's native infotainment system had large, easy-to-read on-screen buttons, but CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Audi Connect Care service included a Wi-Fi hotspot and was available for a limited-time subscription, with additional features on mid-range trims.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received improved safety features, 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. A parking assistance system and 360-degree camera were available. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too 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 scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Audi Q5 earned five out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The Premium Plus trim added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a semi-automated parking system, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional on all trims.