2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, retained much of its familiar look since its last redesign in 2017. It resembled a smaller version of the Grand Cherokee, with our High Altitude test vehicle featuring attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels 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. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The High Altitude trim, the most expensive 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 various option packages, had an MSRP of $40,470, including destination.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design, reminiscent of the larger Range Rover's profile, was scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and the signature Land Rover grille. The Velar's exterior featured subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. Special details included taillight lenses with mirrors for depth and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Our test car, the base Velar S trim, featured the optional Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, creating a sharp contrast against the Fuji White paint. Inside, the all-black cabin, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and sophisticated functionality.

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," this engine lacked the accelerative prowess of its competitors. A turbocharger would have enhanced its performance, especially for those venturing into higher altitudes. The engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, often felt busy and unrewarding, with a reluctance to downshift and a tendency to upshift quickly. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard drivetrain engagement. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass handled light off-roading and snowstorms well, while the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities. The Compass High Altitude's 19-inch wheels improved grip, but the suspension struggled with uneven pavement and speed bumps.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the engine provided average response, the Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, especially with the optional air suspension. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided higher performance, with the R-Dynamic HSE offering 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system reduced fuel consumption and emissions, enhancing the Velar's appeal to luxury buyers.

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 dual-pane panoramic sunroof and redesigned dashboard with soft-touch materials elevated the interior's sophistication. The Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, integrated into the new design, provided a modern touch. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its exterior design. The sleek profile reduced headroom and visibility, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design also introduced ergonomic challenges, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky hand grip that obstructed controls. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the Velar's redesign of critical controls for cost-cutting purposes was frustrating.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with over-the-air updates to keep it current. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch upgrade available. The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't the easiest to use.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions and off-road capabilities. The instrument panel provided customizable displays, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was set to be added later. The Compass' adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.