2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our 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. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers over the Discovery. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, creating a classic truck look. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, including dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel and tire mounted on the hatch. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and body styles, providing unmatched choice and versatility in the SUV market.

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. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for high-altitude adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, while better than a CVT, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass was capable of light off-roading, but the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while permanent 4WD provided confidence. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines delivered strong performance, with the V8 producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered a balance of power and efficiency, while the V8's fuel economy was less favorable.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with premium features in the High Altitude trim. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats were heated. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, redesigned dashboard, and Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the cabin's sophistication. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in interior flexibility, offering seating configurations for up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. Large glass areas and panoramic moonroofs provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's interior was equipped with practical features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, though navigation required some effort.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender's Pivi Pro infotainment system was available with a 10-inch or 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system was quick and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender offered a range of features, including heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added luxury features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was set to be added later. The Compass had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous rollover resistance ratings were carried over.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It featured six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.