2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear added a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted Nappa leather seats, and upscale finishes. The minivan's sound deadening technology was also improved, providing a quieter ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained much of its previous design, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The Trailhawk Elite specification elevated the interior with a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening. The Compass offered a range of trims, with the Trailhawk Elite being the most expensive. The interior featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and improved storage. The Compass provided a premium feel, but its compact size limited interior space compared to the Pacifica.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the hybrid model used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, though front-wheel-drive models had a six-speed automatic. The Compass's transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy powertrain character. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered different driving modes, and the Compass Trailhawk featured an Active Drive Low AWD system for off-roading. The Compass had a combined fuel consumption of 9.9 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the expected 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. The minivan featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The second-row under-console storage and power-adjustable driver's seat added to the convenience and comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while spacious enough for four adults and their luggage, offered less interior space than the Pacifica. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and the new centre console provided improved storage. The Compass's cargo area offered 770 litres of space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the back seat folded down, exceeding the capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system lacked a head-up display but offered easy-to-use navigation and a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

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

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted up to 116 safety features, with key features like automatic pedestrian emergency braking and blind spot monitoring available from the Touring-L grade. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring included from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass was set to add Highway Assist later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.