2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and LT trims featured unique grille patterns, while the RST trim boasted a sporty blacked-out appearance with 22-inch wheels. The Z71 trim was designed for off-roading, incorporating a rugged front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the High Country trim exuded luxury with a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its slab-sided appearance, larger wheels enhanced its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293. The interior featured a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, leather seating from the LT trim upwards, and a focus on storage capacity, though the control layout was somewhat compromised.

The 2022 Jeep Compass retained its familiar design, reminiscent of a compact Grand Cherokee, with updated exterior styling and new wheel designs. The Trailhawk Elite trim, tested with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, presented an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive model, with prices starting at $29,495 and reaching $42,795. The test vehicle, equipped with 4WD and the Sun and Sound package, had an MSRP of $47,385. The interior upgrades for 2022 elevated the Compass's premium feel, with features like a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard, and improved storage. The Compass offered a comfortable ride for four adults, though cargo space was limited compared to larger SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-litre V8 engine, available in all trims except the High Country, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with 4WD optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle a payload of 831 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality, and the Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension options further enhanced comfort. The 5.3-litre V8 engine provided ample power, and the Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel efficiency, with a combined driving estimate of 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The engine, known as the "Tigershark," was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for 4WD models, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement during acceleration. The Compass's drivetrain was its least appealing feature, with a combined fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim provided enhanced off-road capabilities with features like a low range, hill descent control, and skid plates. The Compass's driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement and excessive lateral motion.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from an independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a notable feature, offering a large storage tray and a locking drawer. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, positioning it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. The Compass Trailhawk Elite offered a premium feel with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen and improved controls. The 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, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seat folded. These figures exceeded those of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though main-menu shortcut icons were somewhat hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though the climate system was not voice-activated. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility for rear passengers. A wireless charging pad and a mid-grade Bose audio system were also included.

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 display available on upper trims. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio, with over-the-air updates to keep the system current. The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not as user-friendly as the best systems in the industry.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, crash test results were not available from NHTSA or IIHS.

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, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, was expected later in the model year. A parking assistance system and 360-degree camera were available. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally issued false positives. Crash test results were not available, but the NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating.