Chevrolet Equinox vs. Jeep Compass
1. Introduction
The Chevrolet Equinox and the Jeep Compass are both compact SUVs that are strong sellers for their respective manufacturers. They are loved for their practicality, functionality, and value. Both models were redesigned in 2017, and with each now a few years into this current generation, I thought it would be a good time to compare them. We are hoping to accomplish this soon when we get our hands on an Equinox for a long-term test. Today we are solely looking at the specs to help explain some of the key differences in fuel economy, interior room, and off-road ability of these two crossovers. Due to the huge number of trims and options available on both models, we are going to simplify things considerably and just generally compare a very fuel-efficient FWD configuration of the new Equinox to a Compass with the most capable but still efficient Trailhawk 4x4 package. The Equinox has grown quite a bit in this latest generation, it is a full 5.2 inches longer than the Compass. Surprisingly though, the Equinox is still around 200 lbs lighter. This extra weight may be partially due to the fact that the Equinox has more room inside, it has a full 5 inches of extra legroom for rear seat passengers, and slightly more space for their heads and shoulders as well. Both vehicles offer good cargo space with the rear seats up, but the Equinox has 3 cubic feet extra with the rear seats down. This might not sound like a lot, but the more upright boxy shape of these SUVs means that the 3 cubic feet makes a more significant difference than you might expect. This greater interior space, or more efficient use of space, is one of the key points Chevy is pushing in differentiating the Equinox from competitors. This should be a potential draw for potential Traverse buyers who are finding that it has gotten rather large because the new generation is nearly the same size as the old U body.
1.1 Overview of Chevrolet Equinox
The 'Nox offers a choice of two engines comprising of the base 1.5L turbo that's used in various other GM models. It's a tad lethargic but does the job, is quiet, and makes for decent fuel economy. The upgrade is a more enthusiastic 2.0L that's one of the torquier engines in the class. Neither engine offers great fuel consumption relative to rivals due to Equinox's curb weight and AWD models being set up in a more truck-like grip, but pick the engine that makes the most sense for you and the price. A third engine, a diesel that was a unique proposition in this class for 2018/2019, has been axed but you could still find leftover new or CPO models of this. Available with certain powertrains, Equinox can tow up to 3500 lbs—another key differentiator from many of its competitors.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover that assembles seating for five in a very reliable interior and a commendable deal of features for the advantageous price. It contends in a multitude of segments including some of the larger compacts like the CR-V and Escape, and the smaller ones like the HR-V and Mazda CX-5. It's the brand's second best-selling vehicle in Canada and the United States after the Silverado, as well as the second best-selling crossover after the smaller-sized Chevy Trax.
1.2 Overview of Jeep Compass
ND 1.1 (2017-2019) 10-02 Front+side view 10-03 Front+Rear view 10-04 Trailhawk. This trim and the Limited are overshadowed by the smaller yet similar Jeep Renegade. The 2017 Compass replaced both the prior Compass and Patriot, but concerns have risen about internal competition with the Renegade and a similar-sized Cherokee. Prices have wavered, and the FCA US Belvidere Assembly Plant's discontinuation of the Dodge Dart and 2017-19 Jeep Cherokee has increased margin and capacity to produce more competitive Compass models. Simulation data suggests that the 1st gen Compass will end production in 2021 or 2022, paving the way for a second generation while maintaining a balance between compact and departing subcompact segments. Compiled sales of the old Compass and outgoing Patriot will be used as a reference.
ND 1.0 (2017-2019) is offered in Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited trims. Notable standard features currently include a capless fuel filler, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start. Common options include sunroofs and power liftgate. Sport trims are quite basic and don't include a spare tire, while Latitude trims are better equipped and Trailhawks are a bit rugged. The Compass's interior is often critiqued for its material quality, feature availability, and pricing, and it has seen frequent adjustment in trim and equipment. GetModel year changes have been light. In addition to mechanical and feature updates, elNR 1.1 (2017-2019) the displacement of the Compass's sole engine changed from 2.0L to the 2.4L aforementioned. The Compass has seen an approximate MSRP increase of $500.
The Compass's sole powertrain is a 180 horsepower 2.4L "Tigershark" inline-4, shared with the Cherokee, connected to a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission depending on trim, and either a front-wheel drive or 4WD drivetrain. Most 4WD Compasses have a traditional single-speed system but Trailhawk trims feature a more sophisticated 4WD system with a low range.
The Compass made its US debut for 2007. It shares FCA's Compact US Wide platform with the likes of the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot and GT, and the now-defunct Compass, and is a compact-sized crossover SUV. Although the Compass was positioned as a low-cost entry-level offering, Car and Driver has remarked that "its mission has evolved considerably since then". True enough, the 2017-2019 Compass is only a size larger than its predecessor, yet straddles the line between the subcompact and compact crossover SUV classes. This vehicle provides an alternative to the generic Japanese models from less ambitious American brands, and to high-end trims of genuinely small SUVs, generally costing $3,000-$5,000 more.
2. Exterior Design
The Chevrolet Equinox went through a redesign in 2017 to much acclaim. As an already popular choice in the compact SUV market, Chevrolet is attempting to broaden the only complaint of the vehicle, which was its lackluster styling. They have addressed this by adopting a similar look to the rest of their lineup, particularly the successful Cruze. The front end of the Equinox is now more in line with the rest of the Chevrolet family, featuring a two-part grille with black and chrome inserts. The headlight design is sharp and narrow, a feature that is shared with numerous compact crossovers such as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Equinox features LED daytime running lights on all trim levels, and LED headlights are an available option. These are features that are not yet common in this vehicle class. Moving along the side of the vehicle, a prominent character line runs along the bottom of the doors towards the rear and kicks up at the D-pillar. This adds a sporty and upscale look to the Equinox, a look that is drawn from modern automotive design trends. At the back of the vehicle, the Equinox features a spoiler integrated into the rear end. Lack of a rear spoiler was one of the only visual detractors of the prior generation. LED taillights are now standard, and the exhaust tips are now integrated into the rear bumper for a more polished look. This new design represents a huge leap in terms of styling for the Equinox, an effort that will certainly be rewarding for Chevrolet. A new car that is derived from the GM platform and will be similar to the Equinox is the GMC Terrain, scheduled for a redesign in early 2017.
2.1 Styling and aesthetics of Chevrolet Equinox
The very first moment you look at Equinox, the acute boxy structure of the car stands out in search of a distinct identity. (All measurements are in inches unless otherwise indicated). The car comprises a wheelbase of 112.5 with a width of 71.4 and a height of 65.7. The acute long wheelbase enhances the stability of the car, while the width gives it a strong masculine look. The car has a ground clearance of 8 inches and turns heads with its flared fenders and muscular stance. The car has a very smooth body flow with lines that run throughout the body, giving it a form of continuity. The car has been given a dual port grille flanked by Chevrolet's ice blue headlamps. The LED tail lamps at the rear create a very contemporary look. One very important feature to note here is that despite keeping a decent width and wheelbase, the length of Equinox is only 187.8, which gives it a very compact and butch look at the same time. Step into the shoes of the car, and you will find 17-inch aluminum wheels as standard on LS and 17-inch as optional on LT 1. LT2 and LTZ each come equipped with 18-inch as standard. The tire stance adds to the muscularity of the car. Overall, the car carries a very smart and crisp look on the exteriors, creating a perfect blend of style and aggression matching an SUV personality. The gloss metallic finish, available in both 2 interior colors, adds to the elegance of the car and makes it stand out at the same time. It is built keeping in mind the tastes of customers from across the globe and looks like a car that can tackle harsh county and city roads while still being capable of bearing a long suburban or off-road drive.
2.2 Styling and aesthetics of Jeep Compass
The Compass has also added nice touches for those who venture off-road. The lower section of front and rear bumpers flow underneath and behind the wheels for improved off-road approach and descent angles. Boot space is maximized with an integrated rear spoiler and the Compass is topped off by a set of roof rails. Let's not forget the requirement of a body kit of the modern day SUV. Step in the Compass Limited that features painted lower body panels and wheel arch flares, yet further differentiation from the base model on its range of steel wheels. The Compass definitely has a touch of class roughly $10k more than its asking price.
A particularly strong styling feature is the side profile of the Compass. The sloped roof, high waistline, narrow raked back windows, black backed windshield and small rear window are clear references to the Cherokee. It all leads to the Compass being right on the money with the latest Euro and US design trends, a far cry from Jeep's previous attempts at producing a soft-roader.
The Compass is unmistakably a smaller, less aggressive version of the Grand Cherokee. It wisely features the 7-slot front grille that is an unmistakable Jeep cue with its raked back angles. The bonnet is ridged and slightly lowered adding to the aerodynamics and a smooth transition into the raked windscreens.
The Compass has a traditional Jeep look. It looks like someone put a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee into the photocopier at 75% and then printed the result. The end product is a handsome little 4x4 that looks more expensive than it is. Jeep has done a great job with the styling. You could mistake the Compass for being a close relation to either of its bigger stable mates, but there is enough differentiation to give the Compass its own identity.
2.3 Comparison of exterior features
Another strong feature of the Equinox are its dual-element tail lamps that wrap around to the side of the vehicle. This design allows other drivers to see when you are braking or using a turn signal from a greater angle, and it is an important safety feature not found on the compass. Both vehicles have optional 17" wheels - the compass offering them on the Limited along with even larger 18" wheels not available on the Equinox. Finally the Compass has available features such as a color contrast on the roof or lift gate - both of which are not often available on the Equinox or other competitors.
In comparison, the Compass is built on a car (Dodge Caliber) platform, and it shows in that it is more reminiscent of a tall hatchback than a true SUV. A more unitized appearance with less dramatic lines gives it a softer, more friendly appearance that may not attract those looking for a traditional SUV. Though the Compass has a greater overall height, it is also more narrow than the Equinox. Step-in height is lower for those who do not like to "climb" into their SUV. While the Compass's appearance more buyers now than in its first year, some still find it to look awkward or out of place for a Jeep. Finally, Compass is available without the Freedom Drive I 4WD system, and those models have further reduced ground clearance and do not have "trail rated" capability.
Here are a few of the areas buyers consider important in the presentation of a car, and the ways in which the two vehicles compare. One of Chevrolet Equinox's main strengths is its distinctive styling that, while not for everyone, is not easily confused with other SUVs. A larger overall vehicle with the Jeep, Equinox has an aggressive stance and a wide track in comparison, and many customers enjoy the feeling of driving something that feels "big" and heavy. The grille's chrome accents are a nice touch that adds a touch of class, and while the LT model lacks fog lamps and other options it is only the LTZ that includes projection-style headlamps that are almost a necessity for safe driving at night. Side rails are standard on all Equinox models.
3. Performance and Handling
It may be seen that the Equinox offers a broader range of engine choices that can better fit differing needs of power, fuel efficiency, and price. The Compass is limited to a single engine choice and has the option of four-wheel drive as an additional feature that incurs extra cost. Both Chevy and Jeep have improved their processing power and features, and now offer a new range of engines that are steadily catching up in performance against competition from other brands with proven SUV popularity. It is the 2018 or 2019 Equinox with its new range of engine options and advanced powertrain that is besting the Jeep Compass engine with a whole lot more power and handling. Both of these engines put their respective models on a competitive footing with similar size and feature SUVs, and the gap in the manufacturing quality of these engines isn't big.
For 2018 and 2019 models, the Compass is limited to 1 engine choice and one optional all-wheel drive system. Each trim except the Trailhawk is powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder engine that bears 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is mated with a 6-speed manual or optional 9-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive models have four-wheel drive as an available feature instead of the standard front-wheel drive.
For the Chevrolet Equinox, in the 2019 model, two engine choices have been stored. For the L, LS, and LT trim ranges, the standard 1.5L Turbo four-cylinder offers 170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque and is teamed with a 6-speed automatic. New for the 2019 Equinox is a 2.0-liter turbo engine in the LT and Premier models that replaces the 2.4-liter engine that provided 182 horsepower, 172 lb-ft of torque and was teamed with a 6-speed automatic. The new engine offers improved performance with 252 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque and 9-speed automatic. The LT Diesel and Premier trims are available with the 1.6L Turbo-Diesel four-cylinder that has 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque and is teamed with a 6-speed automatic.
3.1 Engine options and powertrain of Chevrolet Equinox
The 2020 models of Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Compass both offer a choice between 2 engine options, both of which are 4 cylinders. The Equinox offers a turbocharged 1.5L engine in the L, LS, LT, and Premier models, and a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine in the sportier-looking LT and Premier models. The base model L has the option of Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD), however, the LS comes standard in FWD but offers an upgrade to AWD while the LT and Premier models come standard AWD. The AWD is on-demand and switches between FWD and AWD as it senses the road conditions, also offering a 3-mode traction select system. The 1.5L engine produces 170 HP at 5600 RPM and 203 lb-ft of torque at 2000-4000 RPM. Although the AWD 1.5L engine is heavier, performance is still strong thanks to the wide torque band. The 2.0L engine focuses on better performance with 252 HP at 5500 RPM and 260 lb-ft of torque at 2500-4500 RPM. The more torque produced combined with the 9-speed automatic transmission means quicker acceleration. This results in a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lb for the 2.0L engine and 1,500 lb for the 1.5L engine. The Compass offers the same 2.4L MultiAir engine throughout all models with no alternative. This produces 180 HP at 6400 RPM and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3900 RPM. Stepless variable valve timing optimizes performance and fuel economy while variable intake manifold (VIM) technology on the intake valves improves combustion for a smoother drive. The MultiAir engine then pairs with either the standard FWD with a 6-speed automatic transmission or an upgrade to the 9-speed automatic transmission with an AWD engine, which also includes a Selec-Terrain traction management system for off-road use. This engine is then capable of towing up to 2000 lb.
3.2 Engine options and powertrain of Jeep Compass
Jeep has worked hard to offer a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard powertrain on the Sport and Latitude is a 2.0L 158 hp and 141 4-cylinder made by Chrysler, which serves as a major improvement over the previously offered 2.4L 4-cylinder that was known for being slow and getting poor fuel economy. Optional on the Sport and Latitude and standard on the Limited is a 172 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder with 165 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with a CVT2 transmission or a new 6-speed transmission that is provided by Hyundai. This transmission is meant to provide a smoother shift for customers who were unhappy with the CVT2's noisy and unresponsive feel. During the 2011 model year, the CVT2 was reworked for better feel and performance. The Compass has differentiated itself from the Patriot with the option for a Freedom Drive I all-wheel-drive system or a Freedom Drive II off-road package. The Freedom Drive I package is meant to provide 4-wheel-drive traction if the front wheels slip, where the Freedom Drive II package is meant for the customer who is interested in some light off-roading and wants the Trail Rated badge. This will help differentiate the Compass from its platform-mate, the Patriot, and make it more competitive with similar offerings from other manufacturers.
3.3 Comparison of performance metrics
In comparison, the Jeep Compass breaks the average mold set by its competitors. The new Compass has a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 foot-pounds of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on Sport and Latitude models, and allows for the 0-60 dash in a lengthy 8.6 seconds. An automatic is optional on those models and standard on the higher-end Limited. If manual, it will be a 6-speed, and automatics will be 9 speeds. It is also offered with a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox with a back drive or all-wheel drive configuration. Fuel economy does not differ too much between the two transmissions, with an estimated 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The manual has a rating of 22 mpg urban and 31 mpg interstate. Now the horsepower is not very impressive when matched with the vehicle's weight, but what's intriguing is that rotational force and increased fuel economy on the automatic will be a result of an upcoming new transmission on the 2018 Compass. An all-new nine-speed automatic gearbox will act as a replacement for the less efficient CVT that impaired the first generation and really help the vehicle return to its roots by making it a more capable off-roader.
Acceleration is the measure of how well and fast a car can achieve its maximum rate of speed. Chevrolet equipped the new 2018 Equinox with a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 203 foot-pounds of torque. This equates to a claimed 0-60 time of 9.0 seconds flat. There is also an optional upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that churns out 252 horsepower and foot-pounds of torque. Lead foots can now expect a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds. Both engines come in FWD or AWD configurations. The 1.5-liter is mated to a 6-speed automatic, while the 2.0-liter is mated to a 9-speed automatic. The diesel model available mid-year will sport a 1.6-liter turbo diesel that will be mated to a 6-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive models have an average rate of fuel efficiency with an estimated 26 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models are rated at 24 mpg city and 30 mpg on the interstate. Overall, the Equinox has a very good fuel economy to horsepower ratio. This will be a pleasant alternative for those who miss their old sports cars. Acceleration will provide enough power to boost ahead of the general population while leaving soccer practice, and the gas mileage will assuage the guilt of those who miss the open road.
3.4 Handling and driving experience
This department is subjective and similar as both cars are built on the same state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Jeep Compass is based on a small wide 4×4 architecture, on the other hand, Equinox is a CRS platform vehicle. Both cars provide options of front-wheel drive as well as an all-wheel drive system. According to the general perception about SUVs, we consider them as good off-roaders. Considering this, Compass has better ground clearance, 8.2 inches, than Equinox, which has only 7.8 inches, so better off-road driving can be expected from Jeep. Car's maneuverability is defined by the turning radius. Compass has a small turning radius of 5.6 meters, as compared to Equinox, whose turning radius is 6.1 meters. Considering this, Compass has an edge over Equinox in city driving and parking. Jeep Compass steering wheel is more hard and will provide better feedback to the driver; people who like rough and tough steering will love the Compass steering feel. Although it also makes it a little harder to turn the steering at slow speeds. Equinox has an electric steering wheel which provides an ease of driving at low speeds and better fuel efficiency, but confidence in steering feedback can only be achieved by a hydraulic steering wheel. So considering these factors, city drivers and older drivers prefer light steering while young driving enthusiasts will like the steering feedback of Compass.
4. Interior and Technology
The interior of the Jeep Compass is better when it comes to quality. With its stylish look, it has a visual edge over the Chevrolet Equinox. Color contrast trim and higher-grade materials on the dash give it a premium feel. On the downside, interior aesthetics are ruined by the large amount of cheap plastics used in the cabin. The Chevrolet Equinox comes with a two-tone color option specifically designed to enhance the visual appeal of the interiors. The availability of leather seats on the higher-end models further enhances the premium feel of the vehicle. Large improvements have been made in the brand new Equinox. It boasts a stylish and sophisticated interior with an upscale look. It comes with a large number of features and high-grade materials, which gives it a refined look. Both vehicles have comfortable seating, but the Chevrolet Equinox has superior spacing whether it is in the front or back. The Chevrolet Equinox is lower to the ground in comparison to the Jeep Compass. However, this is beneficial as it does not have a high step-in, and combined with the rear seats being able to slide 8", the Chevrolet Equinox is more favorable for people of all heights. It also comes with innovative rear seat safety features such as a rear seat reminder, which alerts you to check the back seat for children or pets before exiting the vehicle. The sliding second row also means leg space can be adjusted between rear passengers and cargo space. Step-in height for the Compass is higher; however, the rear seats are able to be adjusted for recline as well as having a 60/40 splitting feature. Both vehicles are adjustable to make room for extra cargo space.
4.1 Interior design and comfort of Chevrolet Equinox
Thus, the Chevrolet Equinox is a compelling choice in the compact SUV market. Offering a plethora of comfort amenities only makes the 5-passenger SUV that much more desirable. The design of the interior leads you to believe you are in a much more expensive vehicle than one that comes with such an affordable price tag. High-quality materials are placed throughout the cockpit of the vehicle. The gauges and temperature controls are accented in brushed aluminum and chrome, which adds to the style of the dash. The optional two-tone brown and black leather combination is very impressive when matched to the dark espresso accents, all the way down the door panels and into the center console. This is a very warm and inviting combination. Chevrolet has also included ambient lighting under the dash in the center console and in the back of the vehicle. Pricing for the LTZ and 2LT model also includes a sunroof, which is a nice added feature for taking in a lazy summer day. The standard model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, and the LS model includes a nifty remote start for heating up the vehicle in the winter. Step into the back of the vehicle, and you will notice that the back seats are on tracks and can slide forward and back. This feature is very convenient for the days you need more cargo room. With the back seats in the rearmost position, rear legroom is quite abundant. Each trim level has remote release handles in the rear cargo area that will release either the 60/40 split rear seat or the 40/40 dial sliding seat in the LTZ model for maximum cargo space and the convenience of not having to walk around to each side to drop the seats. With a total of 31.4 cu ft of cargo space and 63.7 cu ft with the seats down, there is plenty of room for transporting any goods that require moving from point A to point B.
4.2 Interior design and comfort of Jeep Compass
In terms of room, the Compass proves to be a rather roomy interior when considering its status as a compact vehicle. Upfront, head and legroom come in at 40.7 and 40.6 inches, respectively. At the rear, head and legroom come in at 39.9 and 39.4 inches, respectively. This allows for a spacious drive and a comfortable interior. A downside to the interior of the Compass comes in the form of its cargo storage space, which measures in at 22.7 cubic inches. This is a rather low figure, which puts the Compass behind many of its competitors. Overall, the Compass provides a spacious, comfortable, and stylish interior.
The Sport model comes with cloth upholstery, but the optional Premium Sound and Sun/Sound group add a nine-speaker Boston Acoustic sound system with two flip-down speakers, tailgate speakers, an audio jack input, and illuminated speakers. The Sun/Sound group further adds a power sunroof with two articulating speakers. The Latitude model comes with premium cloth upholstery and the same sound system and options as the Sport, to which one can also add uConnect Phone, which is an in-vehicle hands-free communication system using Bluetooth and Voice Command. High Altitude and Limited models feature leather-trimmed upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with the Limited model adding heated front seats.
The interior of the Jeep Compass is one that very much reflects the vehicle's basis and nature. The Compass is a Jeep which is designed first and foremost for off-road driving and adventures in the great outdoors. This basis is reflected in the interior, which, while all models feature a 60/40 split folding rear seat, the materials and style of such things as seats and trim level reflect that this vehicle will spend much of its time getting dirty.
4.3 Technological features and infotainment systems
The Jeep Compass has an available MusicGate power sound system which features 9 speakers that swing down from the opened liftgate and two articulating speakers in the liftgate, a SiriusTV satellite radio, and two flip-down liftgate speakers. Also available is uConnect Tunes which features 30GB of hard drive that includes a song separation capability, voice command feature, and audio jack.
The Chevrolet Equinox has a six-speaker audio system (standard in all models) and also has an 8-way driver seat with power lumbar. The 1LT model includes an 8-speaker Pioneer audio system and the option for a 6-way power adjustable driver seat and a rearview camera system, OnStar, and Bluetooth for telematic and cellular functions. The 2LT model includes a rearview camera standard and is also equipped with an 8-way driver seat with power lumbar, Bluetooth, OnStar, and remote start. The LTZ model is equipped with memory driver seat and mirrors and automatic climate control. All models also include a USB port.
4.4 Safety and driver-assistance technologies
Both Equinox and Compass have an ability to upgrade to all-wheel drive versions, with Jeep offering an actual low range and transmission mode to optimize off-road performance. The Equinox all-wheel drive system incorporates some driver-selectable modes to optimize performance and is adaptable to driving conditions. This is all very useful but differs from the driver safety features mentioned above and should not be confused as a driver safety technology.
The Equinox comes with a provision to 7 airbags compared to Jeep's 6, and also includes GM's Teen driver system, a feature intended to promote safe driving and an overall safer driving experience for teenage drivers. Jeep claims its safety and security pack differentiates itself from its rivals, and includes features like electronic roll mitigation and a three-mode electronic stability control system, however, it's a little ambiguous how much extra safety is actually offered above the base safety rating.
Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Compass both have five-star safety ratings (Jeep states that this is the highest safety rating possible) and receive good ratings in all crash test categories. As expected, both come with a whole array of safety features including ABS, traction and stability control, airbags, back up cameras, crash mitigation systems designed to apply the brakes in certain scenarios where a crash is imminent, and blind spot monitoring technology.