2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was adorned with bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior updates and new wheel designs, retained a familiar look reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee. The test vehicle featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite specification impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening elevated its sophistication.

The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version of the 2022 Compass, with a lineup starting from the base Sport trim. Prices ranged from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges. A Compass Trailhawk Elite with standard 4WD and the Sun and Sound option package had an MSRP of $47,385, including an estimated destination charge to Southern Ontario.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 4,665-lb curb weight, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rating of 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension provided good handling, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked accelerative power, and a turbocharger would have improved performance, especially at altitude. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed automatic for FWD models. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy powertrain character.

The Compass featured Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Compass Trailhawk offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a different AWD system, hill descent control, skid plates, and increased ground clearance. The Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km in testing, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a balanced size, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The battery pack was cleverly placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls and ample storage options.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite specification enhanced its premium feel with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard added to the sense of sophistication. The new centre console provided increased storage, though the bin beneath the armrest remained small. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and up to 1,693 litres with the back seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring included from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected later in the model year. The Compass had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.