2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification, offered a more convincing premium SUV experience. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite was the priciest version, with the lineup starting at the base Sport trim and moving up through various models, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual stunner even with the S Appearance Package, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. The base Touring L started at $55,995, with the Limited trim at $58,995, and the Pinnacle model at $60,995, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Pacifica Hybrid Limited, included extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, bringing the MSRP to $64,960. Despite its higher price, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a design that felt somewhat dated compared to more modern motifs. However, it didn't shy away from its minivan identity, offering practicality and efficiency, especially with the $5,000 federal EV rebate and additional provincial incentives.

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. Dubbed the "Tigershark" engine, it lacked the power to compete with most other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for front-wheel-drive models, which had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but often resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass featured 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. Despite its 20.6 cm ground clearance, the Compass felt bouncy on uneven pavement, and its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. It delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped capture energy and improve efficiency, resulting in an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid lacked AWD, it offered a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power, with no need for manual powertrain settings. However, its driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a somewhat unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery weight.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim enhanced its premium feel with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded down, surpassing the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

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. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. It also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. While the voice recognition system was generally accurate, it struggled with specific requests, such as finding the nearest hospital.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also featured the Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and the available 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided decent audio quality with some adjustments. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for its rear-seat entertainment system, though our test vehicle's passengers preferred their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features added convenience, though the latter was deemed less useful than traditional driving skills.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, 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, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. However, the Compass's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems needed refinement, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist were standard on the Pinnacle trim, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the only concern being a four-star frontal-impact protection rating.