2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a 0.8-inch increase over other Outbacks. This model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. The roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint added to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness had a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated seats, and a black headliner. The interior also featured Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. The rear seatbacks and cargo tray were waterproof, enhancing its practicality. Priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, the Outback Wilderness offered a blend of ruggedness and style, appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, maintaining its resemblance to a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening enhanced its premium feel.

The High Altitude trim, the most expensive version of the Compass, offered a range of features, including standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and option packages like the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1. Priced from $26,020 to $35,085, plus a $1,595 destination charge, the Compass High Altitude test vehicle had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination. The interior upgrades and sophisticated design made the Compass High Altitude a convincing premium SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Weighing 3,896 pounds, it had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters was less engaging than a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) would have been.

The Outback Wilderness featured all-wheel drive (AWD) and a taller stance with 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It had 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, improving off-road grip. The redesigned bumpers provided better approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual function X-Mode traction system, hill descent control, and revised final-drive ratios enhanced its off-road capabilities. On pavement, the Outback Wilderness felt quick but limited by its tires, while off-road, it excelled on challenging trails.

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. The "Tigershark" engine lacked the power of a turbocharged engine, making it less competitive. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Compass had a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, and the drivetrain felt sluggish.

The Compass featured Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes. The AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed, and the EPA estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 23.8 mpg. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low range, hill descent control, skid plates, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. On pavement, the Compass felt nimble but exhibited excessive lateral motion on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather. While effective in cold weather, it caused discomfort in hot and muggy conditions. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment and the front passenger seat 8-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered spacious seating 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 Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and light-gray contrast stitching. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen enhanced the interior's sophistication. The cargo area provided 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While physical knobs and buttons were available for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less responsive to natural commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. The PIN code entry technology allowed keyless access, ideal for active lifestyles.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in specific queries.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. Steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning were also included. The Outback Wilderness lacked the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology available in higher trims. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Compass included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later. The Compass also offered parallel and perpendicular parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system had some false positives. The 2021 Compass had a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, and Jeep needed to improve headlight performance based on IIHS scores.