2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite receiving some 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 in 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. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening, elevating its sophistication. The High Altitude was the most expensive version, 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The new wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lit up, added to its appeal. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it shared this characteristic with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a minimalist interior design with a sense of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver's seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023.

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 most other SUVs. A turbocharger would have significantly improved its performance, especially for those planning mountain adventures. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, although front-wheel-drive models had a six-speed automatic. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard drivetrain engagement. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg on our testing loop, slightly below the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled light off-roading and snowstorms well. The Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities. The Compass felt nimble but exhibited excessive lateral motion on uneven pavement, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling prowess. It excelled in comfort and refinement but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system didn't support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2022 Jeep Compass shared similar interior dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee, offering 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 Elite Interior Group option package added premium leather upholstery and light-gray contrast stitching. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a redesigned dashboard, and a new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen enhanced the interior's sophistication. The Compass offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it excelled among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, improved phone storage, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. Additional features included a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa Built-In, and a wireless device charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, although it struggled with certain requests.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface featured sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, but it was easily overlooked.

The 2022 Jeep Compass received improved 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, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, was to be added later. A parking assistance system and 360-degree camera system were available. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, but the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA carried over the previous three-star rollover resistance rating, and the IIHS scores indicated a need for improved headlight performance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. Emergency Assist 3.0 and Park Assist Plus were also standard.