Jeep® Shows Off Its New 2022 Jeep Compass Lineup For The Japanese Market:

The Jeep® brand is continuing its global rollout of its updated 2022 Jeep Compass. The updated Compass has gained a lot of praise from automotive journalists around the globe thus far, for its stylish new exterior looks, classy and modern interior, and the introduction of the turbocharged 1.3-liter Global Small Engine family (GSE-T4) inline-four cylinder engine. 

While Jeep has yet to release any details about the North American version of the new Compass, it did introduce the new model to the Japanese market, earlier today.

Available in Sport, Longitude, or Limited trim levels, we were surprised to see that the 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four cylinder engine would return to the Japanese market. The performance of the 2.4-liter has been a huge topic for owners of the current model, especially in North America. 

The Tigershark produces a modest 177 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque and features engine stop-start (ESS) technology. Many owners feel that the Tigershark lacks the get-up-and-go performance other four-cylinders in the compact SUV segment have. So for certain markets, Jeep has replaced the Tigershark with the turbocharged GSE-T4 from the Renegade.

The GSE-T4 cranks out the same amount of horsepower as the Tigershark, despite being 1.1-liters smaller in displacement. However, it adds quite a bit more punch thanks to an additional 38 lb.-ft. of torque. The 1.3-liter features direct injection and when mated to the 9-speed automatic, like it is in the Renegade, it also inherits ESS technology, making it very efficient for such a small displacement engine. We are continuing to hope that the 1.3-liter will be standard across the lineup in North America for 2022.

What really stands out about the Compass update is the completely revamped interior. Originally thought to be a tablet design for the infotainment system, is, in turn, the same 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system showcased on vehicles like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 2021 Dodge Durango, and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Instead of being integrated into the instrument panel (I/P), this time the Compass features it in a new floating form. Both the Sport and Longitude models for the Japanese market will get an 8.4-inch version, still using the same Uconnect 5 software. In order to get the 10.1-inch display in Japan, you must opt for the Limited model.

The completely new I/P is the highlight of the interior. The new contemporary styling drastically updated the Compass’ overall interior appearance. There is a new double-stitched leather mid-bolster that looks more like it belongs in a Tesla than the Jeep models we have come accustom to. There is plenty of brushed aluminum-like trim and Gloss Black interior pieces that help make the interior look and feel more premium than ever before. 

Only four exterior colors will be available for the Japanese market across all three trim levels, Exotica Red, Bright White, Minimal Gray, and Brillant Black. The Compass will join the recently launched Renegade 4xe, Renegade, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler in the Jeep Japan lineup.

The Japanese market continues to grow for the Jeep brand. Currently, the Jeep brand makes up over 50% of the former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sales in the country. Last year, the Jeep brand sold 13,562 units in the country last year. This comes off the recent decisions to end the Chrysler and Dodge brands in the country and focusing on the expansion of Jeep. Currently, there are 83 Jeep dealers across Japan and the plan is to reach 100 dealers by 2024.

It sounds like the Jeep brand is all in, in the Japanese market. The new Compass should play a very important role in the future expansion of the brand.

Japan-Spec 2022 Jeep® Compass Limited 4×4 Image Gallery:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.