2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models, yet the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted leather seats, and sound-deadening technology, making it a posh choice in the minivan market.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar exterior design reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee, despite updates and new wheel designs. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass made significant strides in sophistication, particularly in the High Altitude trim, with a new dashboard design, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening. The lineup ranged from the base Sport trim to the top-tier High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020. The High Altitude model came with standard all-wheel drive and various option packages, resulting in a well-equipped vehicle with a premium feel.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, a new addition after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, generating 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. While lacking a turbocharger, the engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models and a six-speed automatic for FWD models. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy powertrain character. The Compass offered 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 EPA estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, but testing averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading, with the Trailhawk trim offering enhanced capabilities. Despite its nimble feel, the Compass exhibited bouncy dynamics on uneven surfaces, and the drivetrain was the least appealing aspect of the vehicle.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical features. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, and the Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, 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 option package added premium leather upholstery and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard housed the Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and the new center console provided increased storage. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, surpassing the Cherokee model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors in mid-grade models and above. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern, customizable experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Jeep Compass boasted the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Uconnect 5 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 some limitations in specific scenarios. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't the easiest to use compared to industry leaders.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later. The Compass experienced some false positives with the forward-collision warning system, and the NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet published ratings for the updated model.