2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 model 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 premium feel with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The Trailhawk Elite was the most expensive version, with prices ranging from $29,495 to $42,795, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a unique and rugged experience. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style, and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, reflecting its design for rugged, open-air driving, and it featured floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. This "Tigershark" engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, lacked the power and refinement of its competitors. The transmission was reluctant to downshift, leading to a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass's automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, resulting in hard drivetrain engagement. Despite its shortcomings, 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 Compass Trailhawk Elite, with its 20.6 cm ground clearance, was capable of light off-roading and snowstorms, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was well-suited for challenging weather conditions. However, it consumed 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing, highlighting its thirst for fuel. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults and their luggage, with upgrades for 2022 enhancing its premium feel. The front seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while a dual-pane panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's appeal. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the centre console offered increased storage. The Compass could carry 770 litres of cargo behind the rear seat and up to 1,693 litres with the rear seat folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position required acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

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, 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 requests.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

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 later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. However, the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds, and the forward-collision warning system produced false positives. The NHTSA carried over a three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores suggested a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. Despite these features, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested a need for extra care when driving.