2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass received some exterior updates and new wheel designs; however, it retained a familiar look reminiscent of its 2017 redesign. Critically, it appeared like a shrunken-down version of the Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle boasted attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted in a dark, sparkly finish, matching the overall upscale yet compact Jeep aesthetic.

Inside, the 2022 Compass displayed a significant upgrade, particularly noticeable in the High Altitude specification. The redesigned dashboard featured updated digital instrumentation and infotainment systems, soft-touch surfaces, and luxury-grade leather seats. Additional sound deadening contributed to a quieter, more refined cabin. The interior sophistication of the High Altitude gave it a premium SUV feel.

The High Altitude represented the pinnacle of the Compass lineup, starting with the base Sport trim and progressing through Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and finally High Altitude. Prices ranged from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, fully loaded with standard AWD and optional packages, had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard Grand Cherokee, stretching 11.4 inches longer to accommodate a third row of seats and adding five inches to the wheelbase for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. This extended body integrated seamlessly into the overall design, giving the standard Grand Cherokee a truncated look by comparison.

The Grand Cherokee L's design was elegant and distinctly Jeep. Signature design elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches were complemented by modernized lighting and improved paint and panel fit. From the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, all trim levels radiated an impressive aura. High-end models featured black roofs, larger wheels, and additional chrome.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L pulled off a luxury feel akin to its Mercedes-based predecessor. The cabin incorporated dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof liner, making the interior layout and tactile quality feel worth the investment. With generous insulation, even an all-black interior remained visually stimulating and comfortable.

Every 2022 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite its fierce name, this engine was anything but aggressive, lacking the turbocharged boost that would enhance its performance at high altitudes and during quick accelerations. The engine's noise was often unpleasant at high revs, frequently necessitated due to its lofty power peak.

Depending on the drivetrain configuration, the Compass had either a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models or a six-speed automatic for FWD versions. The transmission, aiming to maximize fuel efficiency, was often reluctant to downshift and eager to upshift, resulting in an unsatisfying driving experience. Additionally, the automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage the engine, causing frequent hard engagements during acceleration.

Standard features like the Jeep Selec-Terrain system offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, with the AWD system able to redirect all engine power to the rear wheels when needed. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg during testing, despite an EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it was capable of light off-roading and snow excursions. The rugged Trailhawk trim increased ground clearance to 8.6 inches and added more off-road features.

On the pavement, the 19-inch wheels contributed to better grip, and the compact size made the Compass feel nimble. However, uneven surfaces revealed its dated suspension system, leading to a noisy and unsettled ride. Improvements in cabin quietness and acceptable steering and braking contributed somewhat to the driving experience, which still required significant enhancements for true refinement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission available in either RWD or 4WD configurations. While a 48-volt hybrid system was available for the Ram pickups, it did not make it to the Grand Cherokee L. Instead, the upcoming 4xe plug-in hybrid promised a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine combined with a 17.3-kWh battery pack and two electric motors to produce 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine, tested during our review, seemed underpowered for the vehicle's weight. Despite its 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the engine required high revs to deliver sufficient performance, being most noticeable when fully loaded. Engine noise penetrated the cabin during acceleration, with the transmission's early upshifts not aiding the driving experience.

Choosing the more powerful V8, which delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, promised a better driving experience. However, the V8 was only available on the higher Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. The V6 achieved decent fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 fared worse at 14/22/17 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L's stellar chassis was its redeeming feature, providing taut and direct steering feel unparalleled for a vehicle this size. Optional air suspension offered varying ride compliance, switching from soft to firm as needed and nearly eliminating body roll, pitch, and dive. With five ride height settings, it offered versatile adjustments for different driving conditions, from easy access to off-road capability.

Driving modes similar to Land Rover's Terrain Response adjusted the vehicle's systems for optimal performance on various surfaces. The Grand Cherokee L excelled on rough roads, thanks to its commendable approach and breakover angles. However, it was designed more for on-road comfort, unlike the purely off-road Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for RWD models to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

Among Jeep's similarly-sized SUVs, the 2022 Compass stood out for offering spacious accommodations for four adults and their luggage but left little room for anything extra. However, the 2022 updates, especially in the High Altitude trim, made it feel more like a premium-brand SUV. Notable features included eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a redesigned dashboard with a high-mounted Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, and an array of revised controls and soft-touch materials.

Jeep increased the center console storage space, although the bin beneath the armrest remained small. An available hands-free power liftgate provided access to the cargo area, which offered 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet when folded down—impressive figures that even surpassed the larger, more expensive Cherokee.

On the other hand, the 2022 Grand Cherokee L provided a cabin that was both spacious and accommodating, with a seating capacity for six or seven, depending on configuration. Even the third row was comfortable for average-sized adults. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench as an option. The panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports contributed to passenger comfort on long journeys, although the air vents were somewhat underwhelming, necessitating higher (and noisier) fan settings.

Notably, the L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was simplified and enhanced with sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate control, seat adjustments, and stereo were intuitive and satisfying to use. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen, though some legibility issues and interface lags were noted. A new 10.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen and dual 10.1-inch rear touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV were available as options.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 system, boasting a fivefold improvement in speed over its predecessor. Standard models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.1-inch display available. Uconnect 5 supported the pairing of two Bluetooth devices and featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Amazon Alexa skill, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates ensured the system stayed current throughout the Compass's lifetime.

Optional upgrades included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless charging pad. A nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was also available. Voice recognition was impressively fast and accurate, allowing temperature adjustments via voice commands. However, it occasionally struggled with specific location-based queries.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, particularly in upper trims, offered an array of luxury features comparable to premium brands. Its options included multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system for semi-autonomous highway driving.

New for 2022, Jeep introduced a 10.3-inch front passenger touchscreen and dual 10.1-inch rear touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors were standard. Additional advanced features, such as automatic parking and a rear-facing cabin camera, were available on higher trims, along with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system.

The 2022 Jeep Compass saw significant safety feature improvements. Standard across all trims were 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. Later in the model year, the Compass was to add Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for easier highway driving. Additional options included a 360-degree camera and parking assistance.

At the time of review, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had published safety ratings for the updated model. However, based on previous scores, Jeep needed to improve headlight performance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had yet to be tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. Standard safety equipment included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert system, trailer sway control, and various advanced driver aids. Higher trims offered additional safety features such as automatic parking, traffic sign recognition, and a rear-view cabin camera.