2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its appearance from its 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that matched its upscale, compact Jeep aesthetic. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The High Altitude trim, the priciest in the lineup, offered a range of models from the base Sport to the Trailhawk, with prices ranging from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with standard all-wheel drive and additional option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a practical SUV alternative with its conventional rear doors. Starting at $33,700 plus a $1,195 destination charge for the base LS with front-wheel drive, the Traverse lineup extended to the High Country at $53,400 plus destination. All-wheel drive was optional across the range, though its 7.5-inch ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The 2022 model received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices. Our RS test vehicle, positioned between the LS and LT models and the upscale Premier and High Country trims, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's styling, with its crisp lines and tasteful details, made it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Our silver RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895, including destination.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Dubbed the "Tigershark," this engine lacked the power to compete with most other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved its performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, often felt busy and unrewarding, with a slow automatic stop/start system. The Compass AWD offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading, while the Trailhawk trim provided enhanced capabilities. Despite its nimble feel, the Compass exhibited bouncy dynamics on uneven pavement, and its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Traverse offered Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine, though slightly whiny under acceleration, provided adequate power for the Traverse's size. The AWD model achieved 20.9 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse's ride quality was pleasant, though it required caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On highways, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt athletic, with its V6 drivetrain, steering, and brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's tires and the vehicle's soft feel at higher speeds detracted from its handling.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned among Jeep's similarly sized SUVs, offered 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, with its dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard, exuded sophistication. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its RS, Premier, and High Country trims, offered seven-passenger seating due to captain's chairs in the second row. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated third-row access. The Traverse's cabin, though all-black, was comfortable, with generous legroom and headroom. The third-row seat accommodated adults, though not as comfortably as larger SUVs. The Traverse excelled in storage, with hidden compartments and ample cargo space. It offered 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with over-the-air updates. Additional features included a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch display for higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services. The Premier and High Country trims featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was to be added later. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS had not yet published ratings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The Safety Package added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 crash-test ratings.