Compare the2022 Mitsubishi OutlanderVS 2021 Jeep Compass

The Mitsubishi Outlander has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Compass doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Outlander has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Compass doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Outlander has standard Rear Automatic Emergency Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Compass doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Outlander SE/SEL has a standard Multi View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Compass only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Outlander has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Compass’ blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Outlander has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the Compass and isn't available on the not available.

The Outlander’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Compass doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Outlander and the Compass have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and lane departure warning systems.

The Outlander comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Compass’ 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Jeep covers the Compass. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Compass ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Outlander’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Compass’ (7 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 11th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi 13th in reliability, above the industry average. With 25 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 24th.

The Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 1 more horsepower (181 vs. 180) and 6 lbs.-ft. more torque (181 vs. 175) than the Compass’ 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander gets better fuel mileage than the RDX:

The Outlander has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Compass doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Outlander’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Compass:

The Outlander’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Compass are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Outlander has larger tires than the Compass (255/45R20 vs. 215/65R16). The Outlander’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Compass (255/45R20 vs. 235/45R19).

The Outlander’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Compass Sport’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Outlander has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Compass Sport. The Outlander’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the Compass 4x4 Latitude/Limited.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Outlander’s wheelbase is 2.7 inches longer than on the Compass (106.5 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Outlander is 2 inches wider in the front and 2.8 inches wider in the rear than on the Compass.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Outlander’s second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Compass doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Outlander’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Compass doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Outlander SEL Touring has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Compass doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Outlander S-AWC has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Compass doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outlander to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Compass doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Outlander SEL is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Compass’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Outlander and the Compass offer optional heated front seats. The Outlander SEL also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Compass.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mitsubishi Outlander SE/SEL has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Compass doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.