2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Jeep Compass, even with its fresh exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, maintained a look reminiscent of its 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test version boasted 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, lending it an upscale, compact appearance akin to a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The interior was where the Compass truly shined, especially in the High Altitude specification. A redesigned dashboard with updated digital instrumentation, luxury-grade leather seats, and soft-touch surfaces provided a high-end look and sophistication. Trim levels ranged from the base Sport to the luxurious High Altitude, with prices from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination fee. Our test vehicle, equipped with every upgrade, carried an MSRP of $40,470.

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded an entirely different aura. Its rugged, take-no-prisoners design was evident in its blocky exterior, a continuation of the fourth-generation JL’s style. Available in two-door and four-door variants, the Wrangler sported Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille and round headlights. Unique features like the fold-down windshield and various top options, including the limited-edition Reign color, offered a mix of practicality and flair. The interior was straightforward with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. However, it lacked ambient lighting and luxury seating options, sticking to a functional, no-nonsense approach.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 177 hp at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. While the name 'Tigershark' suggested ferocity, its performance was more akin to a docile sea creature. The lack of a turbocharger made acceleration sluggish, and the engine’s unpleasant sound when revving only added to the discontent. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain felt busy and unrewarding. The AWD system’s Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, combined with an 8.1-inch ground clearance, made light off-roading feasible, but its fuel efficiency was modest at an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined—23.8 mpg on our loop.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, built for off-road prowess, offered a plethora of engine options. The standard V6 engine churned out 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 hp and a massive 442 lb-ft of torque. The 392 Rubicon, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine generating 470 hp and an equal amount of torque, epitomized power. Our test vehicle, the 392, was a fuel-guzzling beast but possessed extraordinary off-road capabilities and a staggering 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Despite its off-road mettle, the 392’s on-road performance left much to be desired due to vague steering and inadequate brakes. Other models not as powerful as the 392 didn’t face these issues as acutely.

Oddly, Jeep offered three SUVs of similar size, with the Compass positioned among the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. Inside, the Compass was spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim elevated its premium feel with eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear seats. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof added a touch of elegance. The redesigned dashboard featured a high-mounted Uconnect 5 infotainment screen and modernized controls. Cargo capacity stood at 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to a notable 59.8 cubic feet—exceeding even the costlier Jeep Cherokee.

The Wrangler’s front seats offered comfort, but features like heated seats were reserved for higher trims or packages. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and access was cumbersome due to small rear doors. Storage for small items was limited, with small glove boxes and center consoles. Larger cargo space was also constrained, providing 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—slightly less than competing models but still practical for adventures. The Wrangler’s multiple top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, offered flexibility for open-air experiences, but some configurations were more user-friendly than others.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, touted as five times faster than its predecessor. The standard 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen provided various customization options. It supported dual device pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system were optional. Voice recognition was generally accurate but occasionally faltered on specific tasks. Overall, the Uconnect 5 impressed but still had room for improvement.

In the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, the standard Uconnect infotainment ran on a 7-inch display, with an 8.4-inch screen available in higher trims. The interface initially seemed cluttered but proved user-friendly with time. Off-road pages supplied vital information for enthusiasts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard features. The Wrangler’s technological approach was no-frills, offering practical features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches but lacking advanced options like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

Jeep enhanced the Compass’s safety suite for 2022, equipping it with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An available Highway Assist feature would later integrate adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. However, during testing, certain functionalities, like lane-keep assist at lower speeds and forward-collision warning on winding roads, proved less reliable. At the time of review, official safety ratings had not been published, but past evaluations indicated need for improvement in certain areas.

By contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety offerings were sparse. Standard features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were only available in higher trims or as part of an option package. Lane-keeping assist was notably absent. The IIHS provided mixed ratings, with some aspects scoring “Good” and others “Marginal” or “Poor.” The NHTSA awarded it four stars in the frontal crash test and three stars for rollover resistance.