2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its General Motors siblings. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV that combined truck-based durability with upscale features. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing a sophisticated cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more upscale appearance than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, thanks to its intricate grillework and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look with its exterior styling updates, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and upscale interior, offered a more convincing premium SUV experience. Inside, the Compass featured a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite trim, the most expensive in the lineup, provided a range of features including a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned centre console, enhancing both comfort and functionality.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Yukon Denali provided a capable driving experience, though fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon’s new Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential and Traction Select driving modes, improved cornering performance and traction. Despite its size, the Yukon Denali was capable of hustling when needed, though its oversized wheels and tires made pavement irregularities more noticeable.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, produced 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. While the engine lacked the power of its competitors, it was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother experience than a CVT. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its Jeep Active Drive AWD system and Selec-Terrain driving modes, offered decent off-road capability. However, the drivetrain was often busy and unrewarding, with a slow automatic stop/start system and a reluctance to downshift. The Compass averaged 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop, slightly above its expected fuel consumption.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console for added convenience. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse for improved comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to a maximum of 3,480 litres with all seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

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 new Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the interior's perceived quality. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the back seat folded, surpassing the cargo capacity of the more expensive Jeep Cherokee.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, equipped with the Ultimate Package, offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, though it lacked the quality expected at this price point. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though streaming content required some trial and error. Additional technology included a 15-inch colour head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles, enhancing the Yukon's maneuverability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.1-inch display available on upper trims. The Compass 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. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed with its speed and customization options, though it wasn't as intuitive as the best systems in the industry.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features such as adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon’s ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle yet effective driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, enhancing its adaptive cruise control and lane-centring systems. However, the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. Crash-test ratings were not available, but the Compass carried over a three-star rollover resistance rating from the previous model.