2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite being built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango's design was distinct, featuring a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, especially in the SRT Hellcat model. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior schemes. Inside, the Durango boasted a modernized dashboard with a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belts, providing a blend of functionality and style.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while receiving some exterior updates, retained a familiar look akin to a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude model featured 19-inch wheels and a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Compass impressed with a redesigned dashboard, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats, especially in the High Altitude trim. The lineup ranged from the base Sport to the premium High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020. The High Altitude model came with AWD and several option packages, elevating its MSRP to $40,470. The interior upgrades, including a dual-pane sunroof and premium materials, enhanced the Compass's appeal as a premium SUV.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower to a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 delivering 710 horsepower in the SRT Hellcat model. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was available. The Durango's performance was robust, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads. The SRT models featured performance pages for track enthusiasts, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped 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, lacked the power and refinement of its competitors. The Compass's drivetrain was focused on fuel efficiency, resulting in a less engaging driving experience. The Jeep Active Drive AWD system and Selec-Terrain modes provided some off-road capability, but the overall performance was underwhelming. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many rivals. With 21 seat options, the Durango provided versatility and comfort. Cargo space was average for its class, but the SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly, enhancing its appeal as a quality family vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment system. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the interior upgrades improved perceived quality, the Compass's overall space was limited compared to larger SUVs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on higher trims with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system offered connected services, wireless smartphone integration, and a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though the lack of a head-up display was a drawback. The Durango's technology package was comprehensive, enhancing its appeal as a modern SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also featured the Uconnect 5 system, with an 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system supported wireless smartphone integration, voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The Compass offered a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and an optional premium sound system. While the Uconnect 5 impressed with its speed and customization options, it was not as intuitive as some competitors' systems.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a rearview camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing results were pending.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety offerings, with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional options included Highway Assist, parking assistance, and a surround-view camera. While some systems were overly sensitive, the Compass's safety package was comprehensive. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.