2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design, which added 6 centimetres to its length. These changes gave the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor, although the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered somewhat cheesy. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, offering a standard seven-seat configuration and options for leather upholstery on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for being below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a similar exterior design to its previous models, with updates to wheel designs and styling. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, in particular, stood out with its premium features, including luxury-grade leather seats, a new dashboard design, and enhanced sound deadening. The Compass lineup offered various trims, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795. The Trailhawk Elite, equipped with standard 4WD and additional options, had an MSRP of $47,385. The interior of the Compass was significantly upgraded, featuring a redesigned dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and a new infotainment system, contributing to a more sophisticated feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system could switch to front-wheel drive to save fuel but provided power to the rear wheels when needed. The Atlas's driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. Despite its off-road features, the Atlas was best suited for pavement due to its lack of a low-range 4WD system. The VR6 models offered a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for 4WD models, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The Compass's engine was criticized for its lack of power and noisy operation. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass featured Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a low-range AWD system and increased ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating, offering 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, it sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a user-friendly layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also offered up to 17 cupholders. The tall driving position provided a commanding view, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and optional active park assist were available to aid in parking.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim featured premium interior upgrades, including 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard housed the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and the centre console offered increased storage. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded. An available hands-free power liftgate facilitated access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on upper trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. The system offered over-the-air updates, a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. A nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was available. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, although it had some limitations in providing directions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

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 was expected to be added later in the model year. The Compass offered a parking assistance system and a 360-degree camera. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, but the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Crash test results for the 2022 Compass were not available at the time of review.