2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Jeep Compass had exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, but it retained a familiar look reminiscent of the 2017 redesign—a resemblance to a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle sported 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, contributing to its upscale appearance. Inside, its High Altitude specification brought a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and additional sound deadening. These enhancements made the interior feel more sophisticated and premium. The lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the High Altitude model, with prices starting at $26,020 and climbing to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot received a full redesign, showcasing a more rugged and substantial look. Its upright grille and boxier styling contributed to it actually being bigger, with an increase of 3.4 inches in length, up to 1.5 inches in width, and 0.8 inches in height compared to the previous generation. These changes aligned well with the TrailSport model, which featured legitimate off-road parts such as a taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior had a more conventional design compared to its predecessor but remained attractive, functional, and versatile. Materials quality was on par with class expectations, contributing to a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic emphasizing function without compromising attractiveness.

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, known as the “Tigershark” engine. Despite its name, it lacked significant acceleration power. A turbocharger would have greatly improved its performance, especially for adventures in mountainous regions. The engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel drive models and a six-speed automatic for front-wheel drive models. However, the drivetrain's character was busy and unrewarding, with a slow automatic stop/start system and disappointing acceleration. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, while the Jeep Active Drive AWD system could send all engine power to the rear wheels when necessary. The EPA estimated it should have achieved 25 mpg in combined driving, but it averaged 23.8 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most models, with all-wheel drive available and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot's initial acceleration was responsive, and the V6 provided adequate power with a pleasant hum when revved. The brake pedal was soft and easy to modulate, contributing to a smooth stop. While the Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV, it wasn't designed for sporty driving. The TrailSport trim offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, which added subtle vibrations on pavement but enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Pilot balanced daily family duties and outdoor adventures with commendable composure and comfort.

The interior of the 2022 Jeep Compass was spacious enough for four adults and their luggage, but it lacked extra room for additional cargo. The High Altitude model featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof, redesigned dashboard with a Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and new center console significantly improved perceived quality. The cargo area offered 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Jeep Cherokee.

Comparatively, the 2023 Honda Pilot's interior, though more conventional, provided ample convenience features. The entry-level trims had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims offered a nine-inch display. Primary controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, and the front seats had a handy dash shelf and storage areas for phones and accessories. The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, which could be easily removed to create a pass-through to the third row. The second row was spacious for adults over six feet tall, though the third row was less comfortable. The cargo area behind the third row seats offered 22.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats down. This capacity was approximately 30 percent more than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than the previous version. Standard equipment included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch version available. The system supported dual-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and buyers could opt for navigation, connected services, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was mostly effective, with some limitations in filtering search results.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly in EX-L trim and higher, came equipped with a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and USB ports for all three rows. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system responded quickly, with a logical layout and large buttons. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, navigation, Bose premium audio, and remote monitoring via a smartphone app were available in higher trims, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included Highway Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. However, some safety systems exhibited false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with smooth acceleration. Safety ratings were not yet available, but the previous model's ratings suggested room for improvement.

The 2023 Honda Pilot expected top safety scores and received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite trims offered surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The safety features performed well during testing, with no false alarms and smooth adaptive cruise control functionality.