2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased a significant evolution in Cadillac's design philosophy, reflecting the brand's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. The XT5's exterior was marked by a more refined and snub-nosed appearance, with distinct trim level differentiation and standard LED lights that accentuated its robust proportions. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal design lines and a focus on straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded elegance with its cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, reminiscent of the finery found in the Escalade.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of a compact Grand Cherokee. However, the interior of the Compass, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification, received significant upgrades, enhancing its premium appeal. The new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats contributed to a more sophisticated cabin experience. The Trailhawk Elite, the most expensive version, offered a range of features, including a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned centre console, which improved perceived quality and sophistication.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6, standard on the XT5 Sport, provided immediate throttle response, though it could benefit from additional low-end torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5 handled the road with ease, offering a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, delivered 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the AWD system, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass averaged 9.9 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km. The Compass's driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement and a dated suspension system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV offered 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The XT5's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space 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 centre console improved perceived quality, while the Compass's cargo capacity of 770 litres behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the seat folded down exceeded that of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rotary controller on the centre console aided in system navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror, a digital instrument cluster, and an available head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The Compass also offered a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance systems available from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass also offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though the latter was not yet available in Canada. The forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with smooth acceleration.