2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass impressed with its premium feel, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems, along with soft-touch surfaces and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, often seen as a glorified minivan, offered a practical alternative for those seeking an SUV. Starting at $39,498 in Canada, with a $1,900 destination charge, the Traverse came standard with all-wheel drive. It received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices. Our test vehicle, in RS trim, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, and a well-laid-out interior design. However, hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, especially on the upper door panels, which could be uncomfortable on long trips.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration power, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for mountain adventures. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement when accelerating. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities with a low range and 21.9 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and offered Snow and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the official fuel economy rating was 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections. On the highway, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with its V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the vehicle's tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, 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 housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the new centre console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,693 litres with the back seat folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its RS trim, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. It offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third-row seat. The Traverse provided ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third-row seats, 1,637 litres with them folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch option available on upper trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with certain requests.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch high-definition display on other trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system performed well, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance systems included from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected to be added later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked as intended, though the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. As of the review, crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, including adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Acceptable in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA crash-test ratings were not available at the time of the review.