2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, but it retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign. It resembled a smaller Grand Cherokee, especially in the High Altitude trim, which featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that matched the paint, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. Soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and added sound deadening contributed to a sophisticated cabin feel.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan stigma, offered a unique package with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It wasn't visually striking, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The base Touring L started at $49,095, while the Limited trim cost $54,095, and the Pinnacle version was priced at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Pacifica Hybrid Limited, included extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, bringing the MSRP to $57,680. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but the rounded, flowing design felt dated compared to more modern, architectural styles.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped 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" engine, it lacked the power to compete with other SUVs. A turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The engine was noisy at high revs, and the nine-speed automatic transmission, while better than a CVT, was reluctant to downshift and quick to upshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, and the drivetrain felt sluggish. The Compass High Altitude averaged 23.8 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading and snow well, but the Trailhawk trim was better suited for serious off-road excursions. The Compass felt nimble and maneuverable, but its driving dynamics needed improvement.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. One motor acted as an electrically variable transmission, while the other drove the front wheels. A 16-kWh battery pack under the second-row seats provided up to 32 miles of electric-only range. The total system output was 260 horsepower, and the electric drive system's torque was immediately available. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It averaged 37.1 mpg on a test loop, outperforming the Toyota Sienna's 36 mpg combined rating. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver input. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a sometimes unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery weight.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, making it spacious enough 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 dual-pane panoramic sunroof, black headliner, and redesigned dashboard with a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen added to the premium feel. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, exceeding the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options included extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, surpassing the cargo capacity of a Chevy Tahoe.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. Uconnect 5 supported dual Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. Additional options included navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate but struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 was impressive but not the best in the industry.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. Uconnect 5 included simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but might be unnecessary if passengers have their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, which pairs adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, was set to be added later in the model year. The Compass' adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well but had some issues, such as overly insistent lane-keep assist and a sluggish engine response with adaptive cruise control. The forward-collision warning system occasionally produced false positives. The NHTSA rollover resistance rating was three stars, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist but had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.