2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup by offering a three-row SUV, a segment that had been missing since the poorly received Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a natural extension of Subaru's existing models, resembling a larger version of the Forester and Outback. Its interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that was consistent with other Subaru vehicles, likely to create a sense of familiarity for customers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded infotainment systems and comfort enhancements.

The 2022 Jeep Compass maintained its familiar design, reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee, despite receiving some exterior updates. The High Altitude trim, in particular, featured 19-inch wheels and a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Compass made significant strides in luxury, especially in the High Altitude version, with a redesigned dashboard, premium leather seats, and improved sound insulation. The lineup included several trims, starting with the base Sport and moving up to the High Altitude, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding destination charges. The High Altitude model came fully equipped with all-wheel drive and various option packages, bringing its MSRP to $40,470.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided adequate performance for most driving situations. The Ascent excelled in comfort, offering a smooth ride and responsive handling, making it suitable for inclement weather and light off-roading with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It was also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, aided by a standard Trailer Stability Assist feature.

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. Despite its "Tigershark" moniker, the engine lacked the power to compete with other SUVs, and its performance was further hindered by a nine-speed automatic transmission that prioritized fuel efficiency over responsiveness. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with various driving modes and an Active Drive AWD system, but its powertrain was often criticized for being sluggish and noisy. The Compass had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling light off-road conditions, but its driving dynamics left room for improvement.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered generous cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This made it one of the more spacious options in its class, though some competitors offered more. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows provided ample space, while the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned as a smaller compact SUV, offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model. The Compass High Altitude trim featured premium interior upgrades, including eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system enhanced the cabin's sophistication, while the center console provided increased storage space. However, the rear cargo area was limited compared to larger SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layouts and easy-to-read icons. It came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional tech upgrades included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster than its predecessor. It offered an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth device pairing, and over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it had some limitations in specific scenarios.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, thanks to its strong crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning, along with standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Compass was set to add Highway Assist later in the model year, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. However, some systems were found to be overly sensitive or slow to respond during testing. At the time of review, official safety ratings for the 2022 Compass were not yet available.