2022 Jeep Compass vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's design was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn't quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while updated with new exterior styling and wheel designs, retained much of its look from the 2017 redesign, resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude test vehicle featured 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and an upscale appearance. Inside, the Compass High Altitude impressed with a new dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The cabin upgrades, including soft-touch surfaces and added sound deadening, significantly enhanced the Compass's premium feel. The High Altitude model, the most expensive in the lineup, came with standard all-wheel drive and various option packages, making it a well-equipped and sophisticated choice.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked the power to compete with most other SUVs. A turbocharger would have improved performance, especially at higher altitudes. The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy and unrewarding powertrain. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement when accelerating from a stop. The Compass's drivetrain was its least appealing feature. However, the Jeep Selec-Terrain system and Active Drive AWD system provided good off-road capability, with the Trailhawk trim offering even more rugged features. The Compass averaged 23.8 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The unique twist-grip gear selector freed up some storage space, but the narrow center console limited space for larger items. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, positioned between the Renegade and Cherokee, offered enough space for four adults and their luggage. The High Altitude model 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 a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment system improved perceived quality and sophistication. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, exceeding the cargo capacity of the more expensive Cherokee model.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier adjustments, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a Tron-like vibe, communicating information through color changes and light patterns. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.1-inch screen available. Uconnect 5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and over-the-air updates. The system allowed for the pairing of two devices via Bluetooth and 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 was impressive but not as user-friendly as the best systems in the industry.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Jeep Compass came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was to be added later in the model year. The Compass also offered a parking assistance system and a 360-degree camera. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though the lane-keep assist was too insistent at lower speeds. The forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2022 Compass, but the previous three-star rollover rating was carried over, and headlight performance needed improvement.