2022 Jeep Compass | Automotiveng image
Competes with: Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4
Looks like: The 2021 Compass with an upgraded cabin
Powertrain: 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; front- or four-wheel drive; nine-speed automatic (4×4) or six-speed automatic transmission (4×2)
Hits dealerships: Fall
The 2022 Jeep Compass has been unveiled for the 2021 Chicago Auto Show with a revamped interior, smarter tech and a new Latitude Lux model. The Compass plays in a tightly packed field of compact SUVs, but its balance of on-road practicality and off-road chops (particularly in the Trailhawk trim) has lent the SUV a competitive advantage.
With the arrival of the Ford Bronco Sport, and the recent introduction of the rugged Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road and Subaru Outback Wilderness models, the competition is heating up. Here’s what you can expect from the 2022 Jeep Compass.
1/42022 Jeep Compass | Automotiveng image
The 2022 Compass’ cabin has been redesigned to be more premium and practical, according to the automaker. A new multimedia system with a larger touchscreen, improved storage, updated materials and more creature comforts comprise the key upgrades inside.
The 2022 Compass gets the next-generation UConnect 5 Android operating system with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system can be accessed via the standard 8.4-inch multimedia display, which grows from 7 inches in the outgoing model and makes it what Jeep claims is the largest entry-level standard touchscreen in its class, or an available 10.1-inch digital touchscreen. Jeep also adds an available full-color 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with customizable menus to the Limited and Trailhawk models, while lower trims come with either a standard 3.5-inch cluster or an available 7-inch full-color cluster.
The top-tier Limited trim gets a new black and gray interior with sepia-wrapped accents and soft-touch materials. Heated backseats can be had for the first time on the Compass Limited and the Trailhawk trims.
1/62022 Jeep Compass | Automotiveng image
The exterior changes for the 2022 Compass aren’t dramatic, but they aim to differentiate the on-road and off-road models. Most of the changes can be seen from the front with a new grille featuring gloss-black accents, a larger lower grille and new LED headlights. The off-road-focused Compass Trailhawk is set apart with a new red and black anti-glare hood decal, matte-black grille, a new front skid plate and a larger middle grille for airflow.
The 2022 Compass also gets new wheel designs with available 19-inch and blacked-out options.
A new Latitude Lux model arrives for 2022 with standard leather heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 7-inch color gauge cluster and 10.1-inch digital touchscreen. The Latitude Lux also offers off-road capability with standard four-wheel drive, Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system and 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. The Latitude Lux also gets available upgrades like wireless charging and a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.
Available on the Limited trim is the High Altitude Package, which introduces body-color painted lower trim with gray accents, painted side flares, a dual-pane panoramic moonroof and LED lighting. The look is accentuated with 19-inch painted Satin Granite Crystal aluminum wheels.
Jeep adds some important advanced driver-assist features to the 2022 Jeep Compass, most notably a Highway Assist semi-autonomous driving system. The adaptive cruise control with lane centering uses radar and camera technology to steer the vehicle at highway speeds, but still requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and pay attention to the road. Arriving after the initial launch, Highway Assist will be available on the Limited, Trailhawk and High Altitude trims.
Traffic sign recognition is available on Limited, Trailhawk and High Altitude models. The system displays speed limit, school and work zone signs in real time along with trailering and weather information and do-not-pass signs. The Compass lineup also gets standard pedestrian and cyclist detection with automatic emergency braking.
Though performance improvements were made to the 2022 Jeep Compass, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine carries over from the previous model — disappointing given the lackluster power we experienced in the 2020 Compass. The 2022 model actually gets reduced power at 177 horses versus the outgoing model’s 180. The four-cylinder engine, which produces 172 pounds-feet of torque, can be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission in 4WD models or a six-speed in 2WD models.
Although it loses some power, Jeep says it focused on efficiency in the 2022 Compass with an enhanced, fuel-saving stop-start system. The system has been refined to minimize early engine restarts and reduce noise and harshness, but it’s not yet been rated by the EPA (the Compass currently has a 25 mpg combined rating).
The 2022 Compass will be available in five trims including the new Latitude Lux: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The Trailhawk is the most off-road-capable thanks to Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system with hill descent control, Selec-Terrain Rock mode and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The Limited, meanwhile, offers an upscale interior and unique exterior appointments including 18-inch aluminum diamond-cut wheels with a gloss-black roof and accents. Adding four-wheel drive to the Sport and Latitude trims adds $1,500.
