2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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 that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass Trailhawk Elite stood out as a premium SUV 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 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The new wheel designs and colours, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, added to its appeal. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, similar to other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared a minimalist interior design with quality materials, offering a spacious feel. The base model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, and the interior updates for 2023 improved functionality, including a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

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 been beneficial, especially for those seeking mountain adventures. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, except for front-wheel-drive models, which had a six-speed automatic. The transmission aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass featured 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 version offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a different AWD system, hill descent control, and increased ground clearance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive “B” setting available. While it lacked one-pedal driving, the ID.4 provided a familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, positioning it on the smaller end of the compact SUV spectrum. It comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage, with front seats offering 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The cabin featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and improved storage in the centre console. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control, enhancing functionality.

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 as standard, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current, and additional features included a navigation system, connected services, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in filtering search results.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, with software updates improving responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a choice of display views, with natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though voice recognition often made them redundant. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Jeep Compass saw improvements in safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring included from the Trailhawk grade. Highway Assist was expected to be added later, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Compass also offered parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with acceleration. The NHTSA carried over a three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.