2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

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 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its impending redesign and renaming to the CX-50, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a luxury feel. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model lineup included eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 for the 2.5 S to $39,650 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, the 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a Rhodium White metallic paint, bringing its MSRP to $41,655.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked acceleration prowess, and its noisy operation was a drawback. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with AWD, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The EPA estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, but our testing averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass AWD had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.5 Turbo variant provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, offered a more engaging driving experience. The CX-5's structural and suspension improvements enhanced its ride quality, reducing body roll and impact harshness. The turbocharged engine delivered a satisfying rush of acceleration, though fuel efficiency dropped to 21.4 mpg in our testing. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and communicative ride.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The cabin boasted a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard, and a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, with its 2022 updates, improved front seat comfort and support. The Signature trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas and a cramped rear seat. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The lack of a touchscreen infotainment system and limited voice recognition capabilities were notable drawbacks.

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. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had limitations in certain scenarios.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, despite its appealing 10.25-inch display, was a source of frustration. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it challenging to use. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with improved 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 assistance, was set to be added later. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. The Compass had not yet received updated safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering comprehensive driver assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning message for driving without headlights was a concern.