2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the design updates introduced in the previous year, featuring a two-motor hybrid powertrain and subtle styling enhancements. It sported "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos, with LED fog lights and a distinct rear bumper setting it apart from its gas-only counterparts. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested with a Platinum White Pearl paint, featured ivory leather and a premium sound system, though the fake wood trim was a notable downside.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while maintaining its familiar exterior design, received updates that enhanced its premium appeal, especially in the High Altitude trim. The test vehicle showcased 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a sophisticated cabin with a redesigned dashboard, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive in the lineup, included features like a heated steering wheel and rear seats, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The Compass offered a range of trims from Sport to High Altitude, with prices starting at $26,020. The test model, equipped with all available upgrades, had an MSRP of $40,470.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, delivering a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack improved its weight distribution and maintained 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Despite some droning under acceleration, it provided a quick and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. While paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine lacked the power and refinement expected in a compact SUV. The transmission's reluctance to downshift and the slow re-engagement of the stop/start system resulted in a less satisfying driving experience. 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. It achieved 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort, with supportive front seats offering 12-way power adjustment and heated options. The rear seat provided ample legroom, comparable to the Honda Accord, and included air conditioning vents and USB ports. Despite the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupying space, the CR-V Hybrid offered impressive cargo capacity, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, accommodated four adults comfortably. The High Altitude trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, though not outdated in appearance, lagged in performance. It featured a seven-inch touchscreen with limited functionality, requiring wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's slow startup and lack of advanced voice recognition were drawbacks, though the Touring trim's nine-speaker audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Compass boasted the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option, and supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system allowed for two-device Bluetooth pairing and included a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. While impressive, the voice recognition system had some limitations in practical use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It planned to introduce Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While the Compass had some false positives in testing, it provided a comprehensive safety package, though official safety ratings were not yet available.