2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some 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 in a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. 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 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical choice with its minivan design. Our test model, the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, featured body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging and accents. The exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels in a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior, though dark, was sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and a dash with sweeping lines. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky, but their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its name, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial, especially for those planning mountain adventures. 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 modes, and the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities with a low range, hill descent control, and skid plates.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. Our testing exceeded these numbers, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in the city but quickly depleted on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a CVT and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum, 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 dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, 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 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid catered to families with features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the standard Pacifica.

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 Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also featured the Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester included the optional rear seat entertainment system with two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid provided ample charging options with USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features for 2022, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected to be added later in the model year. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The Compass had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking and acceleration. Additional features like parallel parking assist required a package or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.