2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door model, with a variety of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. It also included the Xtreme Recon package with a 1.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on functionality over luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined and upscale design ethos, moving away from the rugged look. It featured new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass was available in five core trim levels, including the base Sport, mid-level Latitude, and upscale Limited, with special editions like the Altitude and Red. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of luxury, with sophisticated digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price point of the Compass Limited made it less appealing compared to other small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. Despite an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, the Wrangler averaged 16.8 mpg during testing. Known for its unique driving experience, the Wrangler was loud, with vague steering and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top open and doors removed.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD, the Compass offered improved performance over previous models. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio and off-road enhancements. Despite a fuel economy rating of 27 mpg, the Compass averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The new engine was quieter and more refined, providing a more enjoyable driving experience compared to its predecessors.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a close driving position. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised by design elements. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a more accommodating interior, with seating for adults in both rows. Standard features included an air filtration system and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Interior storage was adequate, though some areas were limited in size.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with satellite radio and a premium sound system. The Wrangler also offered remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and could be paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. Additional features included an embedded navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Compass also featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were subpar, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder as standard features. It offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims featured Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. While the NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2023 Compass, the IIHS had not yet completed testing for the model year.