2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 Trailhawk Elite impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, enhancing its premium SUV appeal. The lineup offered various trims, starting from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more athletic and robust design, thanks to its rear-drive platform. The Explorer's long hood, short front overhang, and tapering greenhouse contributed to its taut appearance, while blacked-out roof pillars created a floating roof effect. The interior of higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality materials, though some elements felt less premium. The Explorer lineup included six models, with prices from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The new ST-Line trim added a sporty look to the popular XLT version, while the Timberline trim catered to those seeking ruggedness.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and its performance was further hindered by a transmission that was reluctant to downshift. The Compass offered a nine-speed automatic transmission for 4WD models, while FWD models had a six-speed automatic. The drivetrain was criticized for its lack of responsiveness and noisy operation. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance, was capable of light off-roading, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kg. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The top-tier ST and Platinum trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with the Timberline trim offering enhanced off-road capabilities.

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 housed the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and the centre console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Explorer's cargo space measured 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,132 litres with both rear rows down. However, the interior lacked practical storage solutions.

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, with a 10.1-inch option available on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, often misinterpreting commands. The Explorer also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, though the outdated Sync 3 system highlighted the need for an upgrade to Sync 4.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available from the Trailhawk grade. However, some features required higher trims in Canada. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly effective, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA rollover resistance rating remained at three stars, and the IIHS had not yet published updated ratings.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems generally operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year's ratings were mostly five stars.