2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, the Escalade maintained a familiar aesthetic, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. It sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. The Escalade was available in various trims, starting from the Luxury model priced just over $90,000 CAD, with options for more luxurious trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport, both priced at $99,898 CAD. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, came with a host of features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Performance Upgrade Package, bringing its price to $119,988 CAD. The interior offered a mix of leather and wood trims, though some plastic elements were less impressive given the price point.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while receiving exterior updates, retained much of its design from the 2017 redesign, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, adding to its upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive trim, with prices starting at $29,495 CAD and reaching $42,795 CAD. The test model, equipped with 4WD and the Sun and Sound package, had an MSRP of $47,385 CAD. The interior upgrades, including a redesigned dashboard and improved sound insulation, elevated the Compass's premium feel.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering robust acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology for improved efficiency, with a combined fuel consumption of 14.8 L/100 km. The turbo-diesel option, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined average of 10.6 L/100 km. The Escalade's ride quality was enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled experience. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. While paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine lacked the power and refinement of its competitors. The transmission was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with 4WD, averaged 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered various driving modes, and the Compass's ground clearance made it capable of light off-roading. However, the drivetrain was the least appealing aspect, and the suspension struggled with uneven pavement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's interior benefited from a new independent rear suspension, allowing for a lower floor and increased interior volume. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available. The second-row offered heated captain's chairs or a bench seat, with improved leg support. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and comfort, a significant improvement over the previous model. Cargo capacity was generous, with 722 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, with up to 4,044 litres of cargo volume.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. Despite its compact size, the Compass offered a premium feel with its interior upgrades.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display for instrumentation and infotainment, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system. However, the user interface could be improved for easier navigation. The Escalade's voice recognition system struggled with some commands, and physical controls were often more convenient. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system provided exceptional audio quality, with separate volume control for front and rear passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It featured an 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and Alexa Built-In. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with some location-based requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was a significant improvement, though not the best in the industry.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for potential hazards. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, the system occasionally issued false alarms during testing. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass also offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the lane-keeping assist was overly insistent at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally issued false positives. The Compass had not yet received updated safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous ratings indicated room for improvement in headlight performance.