2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's resemblance to a minivan and the exterior's lack of appeal were noted drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained its familiar design, reminiscent of a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The Trailhawk Elite trim, with its 19-inch wheels, presented an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a redesigned dashboard, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its premium SUV status. The Trailhawk Elite was the priciest model, offering a sophisticated cabin experience, though its exterior dimensions limited interior space.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and refined power. A nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced its performance, with driving modes for various conditions. Fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generated 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine's performance was underwhelming, lacking a turbocharger for better acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission was standard with AWD, but the powertrain's character was busy and unrewarding. Fuel efficiency averaged 9.9 L/100 km. The Compass excelled in light off-roading with its ground clearance and Trailhawk's capabilities, though its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, while second-row captain’s chairs provided additional comfort. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with a power tailgate revealing 524 litres of cargo space, expandable to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, accommodated four adults comfortably. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard. The centre console offered increased storage, though the cargo area was limited to 770 litres, expandable to 1,693 litres. Despite its compact size, the Compass provided a premium interior experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked user-friendly features like a tuning knob. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 system, significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a premium sound system. Voice recognition was effective, though navigation required refinement. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed with its capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with some areas for improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Compass enhanced its safety features, with key systems available from the Trailhawk grade. These included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was expected later in the year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were functional but needed refinement. Crash-test ratings were pending, with previous models indicating areas for improvement.