The class of vehicles called crossovers has become very crowded in the past decade, with seemingly every automaker offering at least one of these compact SUV models. In order to stand out from the crowd, automakers will take steps to improve their crossovers, either by making an incremental change to an existing platform or doing a complete revamp. Jeep and Chevrolet have taken different approaches to their crossover models, which is why it is important to compare the 2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Chevy Equinox.
Jeep has decided to do a complete revamp of the Compass for 2022, making major changes to its exterior appearance and interior features, as well as revamping the available 4×4 system, stopping just short of a new generation on this model. The Compass now has a resemblance to its larger linemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In contrast, Chevy has taken the approach of making some slight modifications on the front grille of the 2022 Equinox, as well as adding the performance RS trim to the lineup of their popular crossover. Let’s take a closer look at these two models so you can see whether the directions point to the Compass or the balance favors the Equinox.
Powertrains
Both the 2022 Compass and 2022 Equinox feature 4-cylinder gas engines. The Jeep Compass sports a 2.4-liter TigerShark I-4 gas engine arranged in a single overhead camshaft configuration. It uses port fuel injection to produce 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a 6-speed automatic with an available 9-speed automatic transmission on higher trim levels. Each transmission comes with a manual-shifting mode.
The 2022 Chevy Equinox is equipped with a 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine. It features an intercooled double overhead camshaft configuration with direct fuel injection and is capable of 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Every model of the 2022 Equinox pairs its engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode.
As you can see, the powertrain Jeep Compass produces a greater amount of horsepower, while the Chevy Equinox gives you greater torque. The key difference between the two powertrains is the availability of a 9-speed automatic transmission on the Jeep, which will give you greater control and more efficient engine performance.
Verdict: Slight Edge to the 2022 Jeep Compass.
Four-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel Drive
The base models of the 2022 Jeep Compass and 2022 Chevy Equinox are front-wheel drive. This means that the engine’s power and torque are transferred only to the front axle. While this will give you greater fuel economy than an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system, it does not give you the same traction, especially in inclement weather or on dirt roads.
Jeep features a standard 4×4 drivetrain on the top four trim levels of the 2022 Compass. The Jeep Compass Sport and Latitude are front-wheel drive only. Chevy takes a different approach, making an all-wheel drivetrain available on all trims of the 2022 Equinox, but requiring an additional fee for this feature.
Many people confuse all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive. In an all-wheel drive system, the engine uses a center differential to send a variable amount of torque to each axle depending on road and driving conditions. In contrast, a 4×4 has a transfer case to send a fixed amount of power to both the front and rear wheels, rather than having it fluctuate. As a result, a four-wheel drivetrain is ideal for off-roading, where you need better articulation between the wheels. Also, you have the ability to switch off the four-wheel drive system on the Jeep Compass, allowing you to get the improved fuel economy of front-wheel drive. In general, all-wheel drive systems are ideal for improving road grip and traction but are not really suited to off-roading.
Verdict: Advantage to the 2022 Jeep Compass.
Towing Capacity
Some folks like having the ability to tow trailers or recreational equipment with their vehicles. While many crossovers aren’t suited to this function, both the 2022 Jeep Compass and 2022 Chevy Equinox provide you with the ability to tow trailers with an available hitch kit. While the Equinox will allow you to tow up to 1,500 pounds, the Compass easily eclipses with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
Verdict: Towing Is Better With the 2022 Jeep Compass.
Standard Safety Features
Both Jeep and Chevrolet should be commended with making safety standard in their respective vehicles. Each has taken a number of active safety features from their respective platforms and equipped them on every model of their 2022 crossover. The 2022 Jeep Compass features a suite of active driver assistance systems as part of the Advanced Safety Group, while the 2022 Chevy Equinox uses a number of features of the Chevy Safety Assist package.
In comparing the two vehicles, we see a number of similar systems as well as two additional features on the Jeep. Both models have a backup camera, called the ParkView rear backup camera on the Jeep Compass, and a Rear View camera on the Chevy Equinox. In addition, each has a form of forward collision warning that will alert you if you get too close to the car in front of you and the system senses that a crash is imminent. Called Forward Collision Warning by Jeep and Forward Collision Alert by Chevy, this will also automatically engage the emergency brakes to reduce the chances or outcome of an impact. The two vehicles also have a specialized form of this system to reduce the chances of striking a pedestrian, called Pedestrian and Cyclist Emergency Detection by Jeep and Front Pedestrian Braking by Chevy.
Sometimes, drivers get tired and start to drift out of their lane. This is a major cause of collisions, especially on highways. Fortunately, both the Jeep Compass and Chevy Equinox have an emergency feature to address this. The Chevy system is called Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Jeep’s is called LaneSense Active Lane Management. Each will alert you if your vehicle starts to drift into another lane and will use slight adjustments to steering to get you back on the straight and narrow, avoiding a collision with another vehicle.
The 2022 Chevy Equinox has IntelliBeam high beams, which automatically turn on and off when driving at night. The Compass does not have automatic high beam headlights as a standard feature. However, the 2022 Jeep Compass does have an active feature that is not standard on all models of the Equinox. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection will alert you if there is another car in your path if you are looking to change lanes or back up in your Compass. Chevy does make this feature available on the Equinox, but you will either have to pay for it as additional equipment or buy a higher trim level.
Verdict: Slight Advantage to the 2022 Jeep Compass.
That’s Infotainment!
Where once we were content to have a functioning AM/FM radio on our vehicles, we have all come to rely more and more on our infotainment systems as they have become more elaborate over the years. Every model of the 2022 Jeep Compass and the 2022 Chevy Equinox feature their automaker’s respective infotainment systems. Each model of the 2022 Compass features the Uconnect 5 system with Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto Compatibility. The 2022 Equinox features the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, also with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The higher trims of both models come with more advanced systems based on the basic platforms, with such things as navigation, larger touchscreens, and premium audio systems.
The key difference between the Uconnect 5 on the Compass and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system on the Equinox is the size of the touchscreen. The standard Uconnect 5 on the Compass measures 8.4-inches, while the Equinox has only a 7-inch touchscreen. Even if you buy a higher trim with the Infotainment 3 Plus system, the screen only measures 8-inches, which is still smaller than the standard one on the Compass. Furthermore, the higher trims of the Compass feature the Uconnect 5 with an enormous 10.1-inch touchscreen, which looks like a tablet computer.
Verdict: Advantage to the 2022 Jeep Compass.
Two Great Crossovers With One Clear Winner
The 2022 Chevy Equinox has many features to be proud of, but it’s just not going in the same direction as the 2022 Jeep Compass. While both have plenty of room for up to 5 passengers in a sporty crossover design, the Compass gives you the option of a 9-speed automatic transmission, the ability to go off-roading with a 4×4 instead of all-wheel drive, a larger infotainment system screen at all trim levels, and more standard active safety features.
