2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights, giving the Q5 a classy and modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained a familiar look reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude model featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass made significant strides in sophistication, especially in the High Altitude trim. It boasted a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems, along with luxury-grade leather seats and added sound deadening. The High Altitude was the most expensive version, offering a range of trims from Sport to High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020. The test vehicle included standard all-wheel drive and various option packages, resulting in an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked acceleration prowess. The Compass featured a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive versions had a six-speed automatic. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy powertrain character. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. It offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system provided off-road capability. However, the drivetrain was the least appealing aspect of the Compass, with a slow automatic stop/start system and disappointing acceleration.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among smaller compact SUVs, provided enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The interior featured premium leather upholstery, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with color/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting. The Prestige Package included a Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had limitations in certain scenarios.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was to be added later. The Compass had some issues with false positives in the forward-collision warning system. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars.