Jeep Compass vs Grand Cherokee 2022

In driving the new Grand Cherokee the first thing you recognise is the Pentastar V6’s characteristic induction sound. That’s not to say it’s overly loud, just familiar.

But in terms of what it delivers, nearly 90 percent of the engine's peak torque is available from 1800 to 6400 rpm, so you’ve got that mid-range pulling power which is as nice on the highway as it is around town, but also good for people that are into towing.

The eight-speed auto is nice and smooth, as well, and even though it’s a conventional torque-converter unit, manual shifts through the steering wheel paddles are quick.

Suspension is multi-link front and rear, with the top-spec Summit Reserve picking up air suspension and active damping. Major components are alloy to reduce unsprung weight but you can certainly feel the scale of this car. 

It’s 5.2 metres long and weighs roughly 2.2 tonnes, so you’re guiding this sizeable machine along the road. It’s not an involving drive, we’re not in sports car territory here. But it feels stable and predictable in cornering, and body control is well buttoned-down.

The electrically-assisted steering’s weight is nice from parking speeds right up to freeway velocity, but road feel through the wheel is relatively modest.

In terms of the seating position, you do feel as though you’re sitting up and on, rather than down and in the front seats. But when it comes to support, after hours behind the wheel, including off road, the front chairs remained comfortable.

This is a big vehicle, that will often have a boat, van, or something else substantial hitched to the back of it, and the brakes are suitably specified.

Big discs are ventilated all around, clamped by two piston calipers at the front and singles at the rear, and on the off-road section of the launch drive we were by necessity leaning on the brakes for long periods of time.

You could occasionally smell that they were working hard, but the pedal remained firm all day, without a hint of fade.

Speaking of off-highway performance, as part of its development program Jeep tested this new Grand Cherokee in remote parts of Australia, with more than 60,000 km under the wheels of various prototypes. Likely a big help in setting up the local spec. 

And that spec is, four-wheel drive in all models, as well as a single-speed transfer case in the Night Eagle and Limited, with the latter also featuring the ‘Selec-Terrain’ traction management system, controlling torque split (up to 100 per cent of drive to either axle), as well as the brake calibration, steering, suspension, throttle, transmission, transfer case, traction control, stability control, and ABS settings.

The Summit Reserve boasts a two-speed transfer case, with low-range reduction, as well as traction management and air suspension with electronic adaptive damping.

The air suspension incorporates five height settings - Normal, Off-road 1 (40mm lift), Off-road 2 (60mm lift), Park (46mm lower), and when in sport, Aero (21mm lower).

In typical Jeep fashion we attacked challenging fire and forestry trails on the launch drive and a couple of things emerged.

First, on street-focused tyres this car does incredibly well off-highway. And second, the ‘Quadra-Trac II’ 4x4 system with low-range capability in the Summit Reserve, combined with the crawl control function, makes a significant difference. You find yourself feeling that bit more composed and confident tackling very rough sections.

Also in the Summit Reserve, a low-set, forward facing camera allows you to see what’s actually happening at the front wheel via the central media screen, and in the Off-road 2 setting the car feels like it’s up on stilts and able to tackle anything in its way.

And for those that really want to get amongst it, the body clearance data is below.

2022 Jeep Compass Vs. Grand Cherokee

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Two Rugged SUVs: Which Is Right for You?

It’s hard to deny a Jeep SUV a second look with such a rugged frame with chiseled lines and off-road-geared accents—but are you curious which model is better for you between the 2022 Jeep Compass vs Grand Cherokee? After all, both models pack a fun interior and off-roading capability, so it’s a close call—read along with us as we help you pick a model based on your cruising needs. Or, try a first-hand comparison and Visit Wood Motor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (CDJR) Carthage near Webb City, MO, and test drive the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass.

From City Roads to the Off-Roads: Find Your Pace

Across both Jeep SUVs, you’ll find an available Trail Rated® badge, reminding you that you’re cruising with one of the road’s most capable vehicles, whether you want to make a splash through shallow water, articulate around steep boulders, and maneuver around rough terrains and massive obstacles with world-class ground clearance. Also, both come with an available Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System to help you optimize your cruise, from Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, or Mud/Sand, further helping ensure no destination sits off-limits.

The Biggest difference between the models involves the powertrains—the 2022 Compass packs an ultra-efficient 2.4L motor with 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft torque, which gets the job done for your daily commutes or off-road action. If you’re craving massive power, the 2022 Grand Cherokee offers you three powertrains, with the 5.7L V8 engine unleashing 357 horsepower and a towing capacity up to 7,200 lbs, perfect for hauling trailers, boats, and much more.

Mixing Rugged with Luxury: Step Inside

Take a seat inside the 2022 Jeep Compass, and you’ll find a contemporary interior with a clean dash and an available floating 10.1-inch landscape touchscreen powered by Uconnect® 5. Even throw some luxury into your cruises with available front heated seats for getting cozy on chilled winter mornings. Plus, with up to EPA-estimated 59.8 cubic feet of cargo room, the 2022 Compass packs slightly more interior space for your golf clubs, groceries, and even some pieces of furniture.

Step inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the pampering seems to never end with available massaging front seats to help work out kinks while available ambient lighting sets the moods right for your night drives. You can also ride with an available 10.1-inch touchscreen powered by Uconnect 5 for non-stop convenience, ranging from connecting you with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, helping you find directions with the available navigation, and much more. When it comes to the Jeep Compass vs. Grand Cherokee cargo space, the 2022 Grand Cherokee comes close with EPA-estimated 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room, still equipping massive storage space.

Your Dream SUV Awaits: Visit Carthage

Ready to hit the road in an SUV that’s all about rugged action and adventure? Visit Wood Motor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Carthage, your local CDJR dealer near Joplin, MO, to test drive the 2022 Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee. While you’re here, we’ll assist in any way possible, from helping you decide which model is right for you to exploring financing plans.

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