2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder had taken design cues from the new era of the Japanese automaker’s SUV lineup. Upfront, it showcased a reimagined V-motion grille, in sync with models like the Rogue and Armada. The new Nissan logo adorned the three-slot grille, reminiscent of the first-generation Pathfinder. Flanked by LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights, the grille directed the gaze toward the bulky, slated C-pillar, another homage to the original design. Nissan offered the Pathfinder in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a distinctive black roof option crossing over onto the C-pillar.

Its side panels and hood imparted a much beefier appearance than the fourth-generation Pathfinder, now more aligned with the robust designs of SUVs like the Kia Telluride. This muscular look, combined with sleek, thin taillights that wrapped around a large liftgate accented by bold badging, gave the Pathfinder a modern yet rugged aesthetic. The vehicle was made 0.6 inches wider, with a track 1.2 inches broader, offering a more planted look on the road. Despite being 0.8 inches shorter in length, it boasted more legroom than previous models.

Available in four trim levels—S, SV, SL, and Platinum—the Pathfinder featured body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. Privacy glass was standard on rear and side windows, with intermittent wipers exclusive to the Platinum grade. Buyers had the option of adding a panoramic moonroof and roof rack starting from the SV trim. The SUV included seating for up to eight passengers, except for the Platinum trim which had second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the capacity to seven. The higher trims featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, with cloth upholstery standard on the S and SV grades.

Inside, the Pathfinder’s overall aesthetic was either equal to or more upscale compared to its competitors, such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, though it still resembled its 2017 predecessor. The High Altitude test version featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale yet compact Jeep look.

Inside, the Compass displayed significant improvements to exude a premium SUV feel, especially in the High Altitude trim. Upgrades included a new dashboard with updated digital instrumentation, infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening. These enhancements significantly elevated the Compass’ sophistication.

The Jeep Compass lineup included trim levels such as Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude. Prices ranged from $26,020 to $35,085, with the High Altitude being the most expensive, incorporating AWD and multiple option packages, bringing the price to $40,470.

Nissan retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Pathfinder, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Though lacking hybrid or electric options, the engine paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF, replacing the old CVT. This transmission was paired with an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters, offering smooth gear transitions.

The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD, with AWD models featuring seven drive and terrain modes. It had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the FWD models, while AWD configurations slightly improved highway mpg but maintained the same combined mileage.

Substantial improvements to the suspension setup provided a stable ride, with the Pathfinder absorbing most road imperfections. Its steering offered reasonable connectivity, and its tight turning radius was superior compared to competitors like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Telluride, and Palisade. The Pathfinder also featured a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, suitable for trailering needs.

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. Dubbed the “Tigershark,” the engine lacked significant acceleration compared to other SUVs. A turbocharger would have significantly enhanced performance, especially for mountain-bound adventurers.

The engine, though equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models, often found itself revving hard due to the high-power peak. The FWD models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency for the Compass High Altitude was slightly disappointing, averaging 23.8 mpg in combined driving, with an EPA estimate of 25 mpg.

The Compass’ ground clearance of 8.1 inches made it viable for light off-roading and snow excursions, while the Trailhawk trim offered additional off-road capabilities. The high altitude test model’s suspension was less adept at handling town speed humps, revealing its dated architecture. The driving dynamics in general, including steering and braking, left room for improvement.

The Pathfinder’s interior excelled in comfort, thanks to reduced road noise via improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row windows. Nissan emphasized flexibility, making the SUV suitable for various family uses. Features like wide-opening rear doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench, were notable family-friendly inclusions.

Innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology made third-row access a breeze. The removable second-row center console and 13.4 liters of front center console storage further enhanced practicality.

With the third row up, the Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the second row up but the third row folded. Flattening both rows increased the capacity to 80.5 cubic feet. This versatile cargo space made it easy to transport large items like plywood or coolers.

The Jeep Compass, though similarly spacious, was geared differently. Offering enough room for four adults and their luggage, it was ideal for compact SUV buyers. Upgraded features for the 2022 model included eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear seats—all elevating its premium appeal.

A new center console with increased storage divided the front seats, complemented by a hands-free power liftgate for accessing cargo. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with them folded—numbers that surprisingly exceeded the more expensive Cherokee.

The Pathfinder came equipped with an appealing blend of advanced but practical technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, multiple USB ports, and satellite radio. Higher trims featured a 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

The customizable digital driver-information display and the fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel on the Platinum trim offered enhanced user experience, complemented by advanced navigation and connected services.

Meanwhile, the Jeep Compass boasted the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster and more responsive. It offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch version available as an upgrade. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and a WiFi hotspot were impressive inclusions.

The Compass featured a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, enhancing its auditory experience. The voice recognition system worked well, though navigational requests sometimes required extra effort.

The Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder featured up to 11 airbags.

The Jeep Compass received enhancements in safety features for 2022, with standard forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance systems were available, though some issues were noted during testing.

Both vehicles had yet to receive updated crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA at the time of review.