2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, maintained a similar look to its 2017 redesign. The High Altitude test vehicle featured appealing 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and a more upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin also featured soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening, enhancing its premium feel. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive version of the Compass, came with standard all-wheel drive and several option packages, making it a sophisticated choice among compact SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy ratings were 22 mpg combined for the four-cylinder FWD model and 19 mpg combined for the VR6 FWD model.

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 for AWD models and a six-speed automatic for FWD models, lacked the power and refinement of its competitors. The transmission was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The Compass High Altitude had an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, but our testing loop averaged 23.8 mpg. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and the Trailhawk trim provided additional off-road capabilities. However, the overall driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, logically laid-out controls, and up to five USB ports and 17 cupholders. However, forward visibility was less than optimal, and higher trim levels offered additional parking aids and safety features.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among compact SUVs, 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 cabin included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and a new center console with increased storage. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, exceeding the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models featured an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing capability and improved voice recognition. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trims, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous generation. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless device charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it had some limitations in providing specific directions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Compass was set to add Highway Assist later in the model year, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for highway driving. Additional available features included a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The NHTSA had carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.