Jeep Compass vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

View pricing & specs

Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2025 Lexus NX

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

1.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Dislikes

Overall drive experience
Badly executed driver assist systems
Poor value for money

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

View full pricing & specs

2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2025 Lexus NX

Verdict

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a curious beast. On the one hand, it looks pretty cool, and it has a well-executed new interior, featuring one of the best multimedia set-ups in the business. It’s spacious and has a long list of standard comfort and safety gear.

Sadly, that’s where the positives end.

It is way too expensive for what you get, especially when you consider the quality of some of its rivals from mainstream and premium brands.

The driver assist features are badly in need of recalibration and the overall drive experience is a letdown.

If you really want a diesel-powered small SUV, perhaps look at one of the much better diesel models at the smaller end of the medium-SUV segment.

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Jeep Compass vs Lexus NX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?