2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 that matched the paint, giving it an upscale look. 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as an all-new model in 2021, was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seats. Its elegant design, with a seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and modernized lighting, made it recognizable as a Jeep. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, Palermo leather seating, and a faux-suede roof. The Grand Cherokee L's design and tactile quality were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel without sharing parts.

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" name, the engine lacked acceleration power, making it less competitive among SUVs. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with the engine, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 4WD system, offered decent off-road capabilities, but the driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, provided 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, offering better performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 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 seats folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its spacious interior, accommodated up to seven passengers. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs as standard in the second row. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was loud.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. The system also offered navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, especially in upper trims, offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and the Uconnect system supported wireless connectivity for two phones. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had some issues, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. As of the review, crash test results were not available from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.