2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 that matched its upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The model lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020 and reaching $35,085, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with all-wheel drive and various option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. Inside, the GX's interior featured a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials. The test vehicle included heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. However, the GX's low sales volume meant Lexus focused on easy manufacturing rather than extensive research and design.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was powered by 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" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with all-wheel drive, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with its linear power delivery. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but its fuel economy, estimated at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, lagged behind modern SUVs. The GX's weight contributed to predictable and controllable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities. The GX's driving dynamics, though not updated in 14 years, remained surprisingly communicative.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The High Altitude trim included premium leather upholstery and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and a new center console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. The GX's physical controls, including hard buttons, were a welcome feature for those averse to touchscreens. The second row offered comfortable seating, while the third row was tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting faster load times and response. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already appeared dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player. While the infotainment technology lagged behind competitors, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later. The Compass experienced some false positives with its forward-collision warning system, and safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While lacking some top-end features, the GX's safety technology was commendable, though crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.