2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. The 2017 model was the first to include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, maintaining a look similar to its 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a premium appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude boasted a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening, enhancing its premium SUV feel. The lineup started with the base Sport trim and included several other trims, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. The High Altitude model came with standard AWD and various option packages, resulting in an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission directed power to either FWD or AWD. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving experiences. Chevrolet planned to introduce a retuned engine for the 2022 Trax, increasing horsepower to 155.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration and was noisy at high revs. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with AWD, aimed to maximize fuel efficiency but resulted in a busy and unrewarding powertrain. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, and the drivetrain felt sluggish. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The EPA estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, but testing showed an average of 23.8 mpg. The Compass had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading, with the Trailhawk trim offering enhanced capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. The front featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement. The Trax offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat for larger items. These cargo figures were average for the subcompact SUV segment, and there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, similar in size to the Renegade and Cherokee, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Elite Interior Group package added premium leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The cabin included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and improved perceived quality. The center console offered increased storage, but the bin beneath the armrest remained small. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the Cherokee.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Uconnect 5 supported dual Bluetooth device pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. Additional features included navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in specific queries. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not the easiest to use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, the Trax lacked advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking, which were standard in many rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was to be added later. Available features included parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was overly insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, but the previous rollover resistance rating was three stars, and headlight performance needed improvement.