Jeep Compass vs Lexus RX

The 2024 Compass Sport carries over last year's major powertrain upgrade without any increase to the base price: $28,400. That's less than the littlest Jeep, the Renegade, and nearly $10,000 below the similarly-sized Cherokee. It's also cheaper than a Ford Escape and many other compact SUVs but without the bargain-bin interior of older Compass models. While upper trims get too pricey for their britches, the base-model Compass we tested provides real value in an era where new-car prices increase every few months.

Verdict: The 2024 Jeep Compass offers good tech and impressive safety features, and it arrives with a sub-$30,000 base MSRP. The Compass still lags behind some of the competition in terms of materials quality and performance. Now in its second year past a 2023 facelift, however, it’s many strides better than older iterations.

The Lexus RX crossover SUV sticks to its core strengths by delivering an abundance of comfort and luxury while returning impressive fuel economy figures. While it may not be as exciting to drive as its rivals and its styling leaves some puzzled, it's a solid pick for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Verdict: The RX comes up short on performance and driver engagement, but should appeal to those who prioritize comfort and refinement.