2022 Jeep Compass vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite its exterior updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, especially in the High Altitude trim with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels. 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 lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the top-tier High Altitude, with prices from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with all-wheel drive and several option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a new front end, redesigned LED headlights, and a restyled grille. The aggressive appearance was further enhanced by dark gray vertical cladding, a simulated skid plate, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, available with both base and turbocharged powertrains, offered a more accessible starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo version. The Outback lineup included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845, plus a destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with the standard powertrain, had an MSRP of $41,070.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with all-wheel drive, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, 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, but the driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of the power at lower speeds, but passing and climbing power was limited. The Outback averaged 25.6 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA's estimate of 28 mpg. For better performance, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback's suspension provided excellent ride quality, and its off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to the X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior 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 redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality and sophistication. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, exceeding the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback offered 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made it easy to get in and out, and the interior provided ample legroom and storage space for passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in finding specific locations.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, dual-zone climate control buttons, and defroster buttons. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, subscription-based Starlink connected services, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Depending on the trim, a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system were available. The voice recognition system was less effective, often failing to find specific locations or change settings. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later in the model year. The Compass also offered a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with smooth acceleration.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback Limited and Touring offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were effective but introduced an artificial feel to the steering. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, causing jarring stops.