2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition upgrades. The base model started at $22,280, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with AWD and numerous options could reach $39,755. Despite its attractive features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal, such as low-rent glossy plastic pieces and flimsy-feeling parts. However, it was a significant improvement over the original Compass model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its timeless design, combined rugged utility and upscale sophistication. It offered a wide range of trims, from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and even performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed to its success, making it a versatile SUV that could be categorized as mainstream, luxury, or performance. The Summit trim, priced at $68,185, featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, premium interior materials, and a Platinum Series Group that enhanced its appearance. While the exterior styling remained timeless, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite its promising specifications, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg rating. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the automatic engine stop/start system could be inconvenient. While the Compass's suspension controlled body roll, it allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capabilities, especially in Trailhawk trim, with features like an Active Drive Low AWD system and a Rock driving mode.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology, achieving 18.2 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management made it highly capable off-road. On the road, it was speedy and responsive, though the V8 consumed more fuel in the city.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, storage space inside the cabin was limited, and the cupholders were awkwardly positioned.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, with quilted and perforated leather seats and leather-wrapped interior panels. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Grand Cherokee provided practical features like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate, but interior storage was limited, especially with the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. It also included SiriusXM Guardian connected services, a navigation system, and an Alpine premium audio system. While Uconnect was intuitive and easy to use, some features were embedded in menus rather than accessible through physical buttons. The voice recognition system worked well, though navigation required specific prompts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, offering a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology was effective, allowing control of various features through voice commands. The Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional driving assistance and collision avoidance technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting in certain situations. The Compass received Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had safety ratings that were a concern. While it received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. These features worked well, and the Grand Cherokee offered parking assistance systems for added convenience.