Jeep Compass vs GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and revised taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level brought a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. However, despite these enhancements, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000. The pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive, and the storage solutions were not well thought out, leaving the cabin feeling less luxurious than anticipated.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass adopted a more refined and upscale design, aligning with the aesthetic of its larger siblings like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Compass featured new wheel designs and special edition models with unique paint options. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, exuded a sophisticated look. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents felt upscale, thanks to digital displays and metallic trim. However, the high price tag of the test vehicle raised questions about its value compared to small luxury SUVs.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power delivery required some adaptation, the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV within its torque band. The Terrain's ride quality was smooth on highways and city streets, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire grip. The AT4 model offered 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was less than some competitors, and the sport-terrain tires lacked grip in curves and corners. Fuel economy was a strong point, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, and the test vehicle achieved 26.2 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, transformed the Compass's driving experience. The Trailhawk version offered enhanced off-road capabilities with a lifted suspension, skid plates, and a Rock driving mode. However, the Compass's AWD system was slow to engage, and the SUV's tall and narrow design contributed to body motions on uneven surfaces. The EPA rated the Compass at 27 mpg, but real-world testing yielded 23.8 mpg.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, and the cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Terrain's interior featured numerous storage solutions, although some were not well-designed for modern needs.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults comfortably in both rows, despite its narrow design. The interior featured an air filtration system, dual-zone climate control, and available leather upholstery. The rear seat offered adequate space, and the cargo area provided 27.2 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. Interior storage was limited, but a wireless charging pad was available.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim included a digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and an Alpine sound system. The Alexa Built-in assistant was effective, and the Compass offered a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included a GMC Pro Safety Package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, but a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added drowsy driver detection and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Assist was available on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Compass had not yet been fully evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS for the 2023 model year.