2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in six trim levels, was known for its practicality and standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $25,195 for the base model to $35,295 for the Touring, with an additional $1,125 destination charge. The Forester Wilderness, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a rugged design with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a straightforward cabin design, combining hard plastics and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged Jeep aesthetic. It offered a more upscale look, akin to its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass lineup included five core trims and special editions, with prices starting just under $32,000 and exceeding $40,000. The Limited trim, tested in Granite Crystal paint, featured a sophisticated interior with digital displays and metallic trim, exuding a sense of luxury. However, the high as-tested price of $45,800 made it a costly choice in the small SUV segment, despite its upscale appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, though it averaged 25.9 mpg during testing. The SUV excelled in various environments, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, offering improved ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's long-travel suspension and all-terrain tires made it a compelling choice for off-road adventures, despite its lack of engine power.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Compass offered improved performance over previous models. The Trailhawk trim featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite prioritizing fuel economy, the Compass achieved an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg. The new powertrain transformed the Compass into a more enjoyable drive, though it still exhibited significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, offering easy entry and exit with tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal. The Forester provided ample comfort for passengers, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior for adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim, tested with premium features, provided a convincing luxury experience. Rear seat space was adequate, though legroom was snug. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Compass also offered a foldable front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Compass boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 technology, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Limited trim featured an Alpine sound system, Alexa Built-in, and a parking assist system. The surround-view camera proved useful, though the parking assist was less necessary for the compact SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS features included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.