2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass underwent exterior styling updates and new wheel designs, but it retained the distinctive look it had since the 2017 redesign. It resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee, described humorously as if the model had shrunk in the dryer. Our High Altitude test vehicle featured attractive 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with a dark sparkly finish that almost matched the vehicle's paint, presenting an upscale, compact Jeep appearance.

Inside the cabin, the 2022 Compass proved far more convincing as a premium SUV, especially in its High Altitude trim. It showcased a new dashboard design with updated digital instrumentation and infotainment systems. The soft-touch surfaces, luxury-grade leather seats, and enhanced sound deadening provided a more sophisticated atmosphere. The High Altitude trim represented the top of the range, starting from the base Sport to Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and peaking at High Altitude, with prices spanning from $26,020 to $35,085, before adding the $1,595 destination charge.

Our test model came loaded with every possible upgrade, including standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and option packages like the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1, driving the MSRP up to $40,470.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid showcased a different design philosophy. While lacking the adventurous proposition of an SUV, its practicality shined through. Sporting the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, the Pacifica Hybrid flaunted body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents. Its exterior featured standard LED headlamps and tail lamps that spanned the width of its rear, affording a modern, refined look. The 18-inch wheels with a “Foreshadow” finish contributed to its sophisticated, if somewhat simpler, design.

Inside, the Limited trim's black interior seemed a bit dark, but the Nappa leather seats and sweeping lines on the dash added a touch of sophistication. The controls, though easy to use, sometimes led to confusion between HVAC and transmission selector dials due to their proximity. Overall, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior emphasized practicality blended with comfort.

Every 2022 Jeep Compass variant 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,” the engine was frequently criticized for its lack of punch. Our test vehicle, a compact SUV weighing approximately 3,500 pounds, felt underpowered and performed less impressively at higher altitudes where turbochargers generally excel. Its nine-speed automatic transmission, though preferable over a CVT, tended to shift prematurely in urban settings, leading to an unrewarding driving experience.

Despite the rather busy powertrain, the Compass High Altitude differentiated itself with its Selec-Terrain system offering Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, along with the Active Drive AWD system to optimize fuel economy when AWD wasn’t necessary. An average mileage of 23.8 mpg was achieved during our testing loops, slightly underperforming the EPA’s 25 mpg combined estimate.

With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass was capable enough for light off-roading. The Trailhawk trim offered even better capabilities with an Active Drive Low AWD system, a low crawl ratio, hill descent control, skid plates, and 8.6 inches of clearance.

Conversely, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, achieving an official EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. Our real-world testing even surpassed these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range.

The Pacifica Hybrid demanded diligent battery maintenance to maximize efficiency, particularly useful when driven in urban settings, although electric power depleted swiftly on highways. Charging the battery using a Level 2 home charger only required two hours, while the standard outlet took roughly 14 hours.

Delivering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid’s acceleration was moderate, favoring smooth highway passing rather than blistering speed. The CVT performed discretely, maintaining efficiency without intrusive noise. However, it was limited to front-wheel drive and couldn't be equipped with a towing package or spare tire, unlike its gasoline-only counterparts.

In terms of interior space, the 2022 Jeep Compass positioned itself among Jeep's trio of similarly-sized SUVs, sharing close dimensions with the Renegade and Cherokee. It offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, making it a practical choice within the compact SUV category.

Highlighted by features like eight-way power adjustments for the front seats, heating, ventilation, and a heated steering wheel, the Compass High Altitude was equipped with premium leather upholstery and a redesigned dashboard for enhanced perceived quality. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof further accentuated the interior's openness. Cargo-wise, the Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing Jeep’s more costly Cherokee model.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid transformed practicality into an art form, particularly for families. The FamCam interior camera enabled vigilant parents to monitor children in both the second and third rows. The hybrid model’s front seats, accompanied by heating and cooling functions, ensured comfort, while the spacious center pathway facilitated adult access to the ample third-row seating.

Although the flat-fold Stow ‘n Go seats were exclusive to the non-hybrid Pacifica, cargo capabilities remained unchanged. It provided 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the seats down, and a total of 140.5 cubic feet, although competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered slightly more space.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, boasting a fivefold increase in responsiveness compared to its predecessor. It featured an 8.4-inch standard touchscreen with an available upgrade to 10.1 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, and voice texting capabilities were all part of the system's extensive suite. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained up-to-date.

Voice recognition was mostly effective, although it struggled with filtering specific queries like emergency addresses. Optional features included a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, navigation, connected services, and a wireless charging pad.

For the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen came as standard across all trims. This system was praised for its user-friendly interface, clear graphics, and capabilities like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It could connect two phones via Bluetooth, enhancing connectivity.

Our test model featured an additional rear-seat entertainment system, comprising two 10-inch screens with Amazon Fire TV streaming, HDMI ports, and built-in games. Despite its appeal, the $2,795 price was hard to justify considering many kids already carried tablets or phones. Charging devices was convenient with numerous USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets distributed throughout the cabin, along with a 115-volt outlet and wireless charging.

Jeep considerably upgraded the Compass’ safety technology for 2022. Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Later in the model year, the Compass was set to introduce Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Options such as parallel parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system were available. However, some systems generated false alarms or unnecessary braking.

As of this review, official safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for the updated 2022 Compass were pending, although previous models indicated areas for improvement, particularly in headlight performance.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard features: blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like parallel parking assistance required higher trims or optional packages.

Although the 2023 Pacifica Hybrid hadn't been rated by NHTSA, its virtually identical 2022 counterpart earned an overall five-star rating. The IIHS awarded it Good marks overall, with some room for improvement in features like seat belt reminders and headlight performance.