2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec Package sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 for a fully equipped model with SH-AWD and extra-cost paint.

Inside, the A-Spec Package added sporty touches like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, and the design was more sporty than typical compact crossovers. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin felt more sophisticated, thanks to added sound deadening and soft-touch surfaces.

The High Altitude was the most expensive Compass trim, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $40,470. It came with standard AWD and option packages that included every possible upgrade. The interior featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The new Uconnect 5 infotainment system and redesigned controls added to the premium feel.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness.

The A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching for the 10-speed automatic transmission in Sport or Sport+ mode was a drawback. Despite these issues, the RDX A-Spec was fun to drive, thanks to its broad torque curve, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models, lacked the power and refinement of the RDX's turbocharged engine. The transmission was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, and the drivetrain felt sluggish.

Jeep Selec-Terrain offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, while the Active Drive AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The Compass High Altitude had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. However, the driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride on uneven pavement and excessive lateral motion.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable seating position.

Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The trunk was accommodating, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Despite the modest official measurements, the cargo area was practical and versatile.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The interior upgrades for 2022, including a redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, significantly improved perceived quality and sophistication.

The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These numbers exceeded those of the more expensive Cherokee model. The new center console provided additional storage, but the bin beneath the armrest remained small.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen and was an improvement over Lexus' approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous generation. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, but it struggled with specific requests like finding the nearest hospital.

Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't as easy to use as the best technology in the industry.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Highway Assist, a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system were also available. However, the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives, and the adaptive cruise control struggled with the underpowered engine. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS needed to improve headlight performance.