2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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 model featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Compass made a stronger case as a premium SUV, especially in the Trailhawk Elite specification. It boasted a new dashboard design with updated digital instrumentation and infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. Our test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and was equipped with several packages, including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II. While the Terrain was GMC's entry-level model, it offered a range of features, though the quality of materials and execution of details left room for improvement. The pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray were notable oversights in an otherwise spacious and comfortable interior.

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 other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially at higher altitudes. 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 from a stop. 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. Despite its shortcomings, the Compass Trailhawk was capable off-road, thanks to its Active Drive Low AWD system, hill descent control, and 21.9 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power was modest, the torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, though there was a delay off the line. The Terrain's turbocharging helped it perform better at elevation compared to naturally aspirated engines. The AT4 model offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways and city streets, but off-road, it struggled with ground clearance and grip. The powertrain met fuel economy expectations, with a combined rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller compact SUVs, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The Trailhawk Elite trim added premium features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, integrated air vents, and improved controls. The Compass provided 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour contrast stitching, adding an upscale touch. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items, enhancing its practicality.

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 on higher 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 some navigation requests.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition screen on the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological offerings.

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 available from the Trailhawk grade. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, the lane-keep assist was overly insistent, and 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 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of the review.