Jeep Compass vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative, almost anonymous look. This design approach might have appealed to those previously put off by Lexus's bolder designs. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, and with additional packages, the MSRP reached $67,869. The interior, though dark, was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Compass was tested in Michigan, showcasing a more utilitarian design. The test model, a Compass Sport, was a fleet vehicle with a white exterior, black plastic door handles, and small wheels, making it blend in with other small crossovers. The Compass Sport's exterior was generic, lacking distinctive Jeep features unless outfitted as a Trailhawk. The interior of the Compass, however, was commendable, especially in the 2023 Compass Limited trim, which featured a black and gray color scheme with caramel leatherette accents. The base Compass offered supportive cloth seats with blue stitching and textured inserts, along with a 10-inch infotainment screen and appropriate plastics for its price. Despite its generic exterior, the Compass's interior design and quality were notable improvements over previous models, aligning with competitors like Honda, Hyundai, and Kia.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving situations, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 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 smooth city and highway driving. The engine noise was minimized, and the Compass had three driving modes to optimize traction. The Trailhawk model included additional off-road features, though it was more expensive. The Compass's steering and handling were less impressive, with too much play and low grip. However, the ride was comfortable and well-damped. The Compass had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers reduced second-row comfort. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Jeep Compass excelled in utility and ease of use. The driver’s seat featured clear analog gauges and a large color display. The Compass had good visibility and spacious headroom, especially without a sunroof. The rear seats offered ample legroom and headroom, along with rear vents, USB ports, and a fold-down center armrest. The central cubby and door pockets were small, but cargo space was competitive, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold, allowing for easy transport of longer items.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked ones, causing distraction. The head-up display was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Jeep Compass featured a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 software, offering clear and simple menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, 4G Wi-Fi, and USB-C ports were standard. Factory navigation was optional, with a wireless charging pad available. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, with additional features available through the Elite Group package. A semi-automated driving system, Active Driving Assist, was optional on higher trims. The Compass offered a panoramic moonroof and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was included, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Jeep Compass had not been rated by the NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2022 model received four out of five stars. The 2023 Compass was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Adaptive cruise control was optional on certain trims, with parking sensors and 360-degree cameras available on higher trims. Rain-sensing wipers were standard on Limited and above trims.