2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the AT4 being a new addition designed for off-road adventures. The Denali trim, however, was the epitome of luxury within the Yukon lineup, featuring an exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels. The Yukon Denali's exterior was marked by its intricate grillework and chrome accents, making it stand out from its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart. Despite its upscale appearance, the Yukon Denali came with a hefty price tag, especially with the Denali Ultimate option package.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass maintained a familiar look with subtle exterior updates, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude trim, in particular, featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a sophisticated cabin with luxury-grade leather seats and a new dashboard design. The interior upgrades, including a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned infotainment system, elevated the Compass's premium feel. Despite its compact size, the Compass High Altitude offered a convincing premium experience, though it was more compact compared to the Yukon.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided robust acceleration and a classic V8 sound, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon also boasted an independent rear suspension and optional Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. Its Active Response 4WD system improved cornering and traction, making it capable of off-roading and towing up to 8,400 pounds with 2WD.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower. While paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine lacked the power and refinement of the Yukon's V8. The Compass's drivetrain was characterized by a busy and unrewarding powertrain, with a slow automatic stop/start system. However, it featured Jeep's Selec-Terrain system and Active Drive AWD, offering decent off-road capability with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg on a testing loop, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though they lacked a massage function. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, while the third-row seat provided ample thigh support and comfort for adults. The Yukon Denali offered impressive cargo capacity, with up to 122.9 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while smaller, provided 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 redesigned dashboard and Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the interior's sophistication. 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.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali came equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Ultimate Package added a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera systems for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Compass also offered a navigation system, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The ADAS systems operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The Compass was set to receive Highway Assist later in the model year, enhancing its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems. However, the lane-keep assist was sometimes too insistent, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Safety ratings were not available at the time of review.