2023 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, with Geyser Blue as an exclusive paint option. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a robust and functional interior environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass embraced a more refined and upscale design ethos. It shared design elements with larger Jeep models, such as the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, offering a sophisticated look. The Compass featured new wheel designs and special edition models with distinct paint options. Inside, the Compass provided a comfortable and stylish environment with available leather upholstery, a dual-pane sunroof, and a range of premium features. The Limited trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with its high-quality materials and advanced digital displays.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems, making it the most capable Outback model.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard Jeep Active Drive AWD system. The Compass offered Selec-Terrain with three driving modes, while the Trailhawk trim added a low-range AWD system and a Rock driving mode for enhanced off-road capability. Despite its improved powertrain, the Compass's performance was limited by its tall and narrow design, resulting in noticeable body motions on uneven surfaces. The Trailhawk trim demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, though it occasionally struggled on challenging terrain.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical and spacious interior, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery covering the seats. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat provided ample room for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Jeep Compass offered a comfortable interior with seating for adults in both rows. The Limited trim featured leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small. The Compass also offered a wireless smartphone charging pad and a dual-pane sunroof for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the system required touchscreen interaction for most functions, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for enhanced voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on other trims, but offered a PIN code entry system for secure access without a key fob.

The 2023 Jeep Compass featured 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. The Limited trim included an Alpine premium sound system, Alexa Built-in digital assistant, and a parking assist system. The surround-view camera proved useful, though the Compass's compact size made parking assistance less necessary.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings in previous years.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder system as standard features. It offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Trailhawk, Limited, and High Altitude trims featured Highway Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. While crash-test ratings for the 2023 Compass were incomplete, the previous model received a Top Safety Pick rating.