2022 Jeep Compass – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2022 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
Every aspect of the 2022 Jeep Compass is a little more grown-up. The exterior gets a refresh that follows the same DNA we see in the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee. The interior gets a new tablet-style infotainment system and some new trim treatments. Safety gets a boost too with more standard tech like forward-collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Spacious interior
Outstanding off-road ability
Great infotainment system
Needs more power
Expensive considering its rivals
Not much utility
There’s no getting around the elephant in the room. The 177 horsepower motor under the hood of even the most expensive 2022 Jeep Compass High Altitude is laughably under-powered. In its heaviest form, the Compass weighs some 4,750-pounds. For some context, the 2022 Toyota Camry weighs 3,475-pounds and comes with at least 202 horsepower, and the Camry isn’t what you’d call athletic. So the Compass is, to put it lightly, lethargic. Let’s focus on what it’s good at though.
Being a compact crossover SUV, it’s easy to place, easy to park, and easy to see out of. It turns into corners nicely and feels very planted. The front-wheel-drive version uses a six-speed automatic, which is fine. It could use a few more cogs and that’s why we prefer the all-wheel-drive version with its nine-speed transmission. Yes, some have complained that this transmission is slow to respond, but you would be too if all you had was 177 horsepower prodding you.
The cool thing about the AWD 2022 Jeep Compass is the different drive modes that are sincerely good at their job. Considering that this vehicle is basically built on a car chassis, it’s quite good when the road runs out. The Trailhawk model is especially impressive with real off-road technology and the ability to do more than just look tough. The new Ford Bronco Sport has gotten a lot of praise for being good off-road despite its small size, but the truth is, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk did that trick first.
Considering there’s only one engine for the entire range of the 2022 Jeep Compass, they all get just about identical fuel economy. The EPA has rated both the FWD and the AWD versions of this car with a 25 mpg combined score. The FWD version did get a single MPG better on the highway fuel economy at 31 mpg to the AWD’s 30 mpg though.
Where the 2022 Jeep Compass really shines is in the front seats. It’s amazing how much space is crammed into such a small vehicle. The seats throughout the cabin are highly supportive and we love the adjustability of the front chairs. The new dash and infotainment system are fantastic upgrades on what was a largely bland offering the last few years. The interior of the Compass isn’t close to the Wagoneer by any means, but it’s heading in the right direction.
The rear seats are spacious enough for adults, though tall folks will want to call shotgun whenever possible. We like the quality of the upholstery in the back as well. It feels nice to the touch and looks great too. Storage cubbies leave a little to be desired though. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a center storage space and decently-sized door card pockets. Beyond that though, the only real storage is behind the back seats.
There you’ll find just 27 cubic feet of rear cargo space. For comparison, the Hyundai Tucson has more than 38 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold the seats down, they won’t go all the way flat by the way, and you’ll get just shy of 60 cubic feet. Again, that’s well behind many rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V.
Jeep has upgraded the new Compass with their latest Uconnect software, and it’s a big improvement. The new tablet-style infotainment system looks great too. Uconnect is a fast and easy to learn system as well. The navigation system only adds to the value and integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make trips more enjoyable.
We love the big driver information display that comes on the 2022 Jeep Compass High Altitude model. It’s bright and featureful. In fact, it’s probably the best part of that top-of-the-line trim. The drive modes available in the Trailhawk version should get mentioned too as they help this little crossover go further than most vehicles in this segment could ever dream of.
Finally, there’s the new standard safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation. That’s a big boost for Jeep buyers and it’s enhanced by other available tech like adaptive cruise control that can stop and go in traffic. Overall, the Compass is full of great technology.
Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has yet to test the 2022 Jeep Compass. Last year the IIHS gave the Compass mostly “Good” ratings and the NHTSA awarded it four stars in their crash testing. Expect new results this year since Jeep has made significant changes to the exterior of the vehicle.
The base 2022 Jeep Compass comes with 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an 8.4-inch infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets an adjustable load floor and satellite radio. Safety equipment includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure mitigation. Every Compass uses the same 177-horsepower four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is optional on all models except the Trailhawk, Limited, and Latitude Lux where it’s standard.
The Compass Latitude adds on 17-inch wheels, keyless ignition, fog lights, automatic headlights, and faux leather upholstery.
The Compass Latitude Lux is a new trim that gets 18-inch wheels, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded driver information display.
Opt for the Limited Compass and you’ll get automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, parking sensors, and ambient interior lighting.
As the off-roader of the bunch, the Compass Trailhawk gets off-road-oriented tires, tow hooks, under-body skid panels, a full-size spare, and a unique AWD system with off-road modes. It also gets hill descent control, a lift kit, and 17-inch wheels.
The Red Edition is basically a graphics package that only comes in, you guessed it, red. It also gets 19-inch wheels, gray grille rings, a body-colored roof, and the larger 10.1-inch infotainment system.
The High Altitude Compass gets 19-inch wheels as well, but adds a dual-pane sunroof, a full 10.25-inch driver information display, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beams, and LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights.
The 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty offered on the 2022 Jeep Compass is about as small as it gets in the industry. The same can be said of the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. What is well above average is the 3 years of complimentary maintenance that every Compass gets.
2022 Jeep Compass – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2022 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
The 2022 Jeep Compass is trying to fill a small gap in the lineup. It’s not quite as capable as other Jeep models or as economical or balanced as many rivals. Still, for those who want a technologically advanced crossover in a small package that can also get deep into the great outdoors, the 2022 Jeep Compass is kind of perfect.