Jeep® Unveils It’s Updated Compass For 2022, In Chicago!

The Jeep® brand has pulled the covers off of its highly-anticipated 2022 Jeep Compass lineup at the Chicago Auto Show, this morning. While the debut isn’t a huge announcement as the 2022 update has been shown throughout the globe over the past year, it is the first time we are getting to see the updates for the North American model. 

While the updated model has a strong aesthetic character, the exterior has been updated with new front-end styling that looks more like an evolution of the current Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) than the outgoing Compass. The front styling is more refined and looks more upscale than before. It also incorporated a set of all-new full-LED headlamps that enhance the exterior design while widening the field of vision for the driver for nighttime driving. All models get LED headlamps with reflector versions on entry-level models and projector ones on the higher trims. LED fog lamps have also been added and help add visibility for greater safety.

From the side, the Compass looks virtually identical to the current version. This also goes for the rear styling, however, Jeep has updated the taillights with a new LED design. The new design helps blend the Compass styling more in line with the new Grand Cherokee (WL) and Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) models.

What really stands out about the Compass update is the completely revamped interior. Gone is the modest heavy-plastic instrument panel (I/P), in favor of a new floating form design that features class-leading materials. The completely new I/P is the highlight of the interior. The new contemporary styling drastically updates 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. 

There is a tablet-styled version of the new Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.1-inch version available on higher-end models. The same 10.25-inch Uconnect 5-based digital cluster from the all-new Grand Cherokee L can also be found on the new Compass. Letting the driver to custom tailor their information presented in the display.

A dual-pane panoramic sunroof lets the sunlight into the new cabin, while an Alpine 9-speaker audio system offers plenty of power to crank up the best tunes for your next road trip. The Jeep team even redid the HVAC controls to make them feel more upscale and by repackaging the center console, you can now equip your Compass with wireless charging for the first time from the factory.

The biggest disappointment of the updated Compass has to be what lies under the hood. Instead of putting the much more responsive and fun to drive turbocharged 1.3-liter FireFly inline-four-cylinder from the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family as it did for South America and Europe, Jeep will carryover the lackluster naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four. The Tigershark delivers 177 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired to either a 6-speed automatic (front-wheel-drive) or 9-speed automatic (4×4).

The Tigershark carries over the same fuel economy ratings of 22 city, 31 highway, and 24 combined on front-wheel-drive models and 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined on 4×4 models.

The updated Compass now offers Level 2 autonomous driving and is equipped with the latest generation Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes Traffic Sign Recognition, which reads and interprets the road signs; Intelligent Speed Assist, to automatically keep the car within the speed limit advertised; Drowsy Driver Alert, to alert the drivers when their attention falters or if they drop off for a moment; and Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, which slows the vehicle down to a complete stop, to avoid (or mitigate) accidents that could occur.

But the biggest new feature is the Highway Assist, combining Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering, to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed and trajectory. The vehicle therefore automatically stays in the middle of the lane, at a sensible distance from the vehicle in front, for a driving experience with total peace of mind.

The 2022 Jeep Compass lineup will consist of four core trim levels (Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk). A new Latitude LUX trim following in the footsteps of the Cherokee, will also join the lineup and adds some luxury features from the Limited without adding the extra bling.

According to Jeep, it has made revisions to the suspension and steering which should make it more responsive and feel more refined. The off-road-oriented Trailhawk returns will some minor tweaks for the 2022 model year, with ground clearance being improved from 8.5 inches to 8.6 inches. Articulation has also been improved, with the Compass having up to 6 inches of it upfront, and 8 inches in the rear. As for the approach, break-over, and departure angles, they all remain the same as the 2021 model. The Trailhawk adds skid plates, red tow hooks, a “Rock” drive mode, revised front and rear bumper, and more aggressive Falken Wildpeak H/T tires.

As for pricing, the 2022 Jeep Compass Sport has a U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,490 for front-wheel-drive, the Compass Sport 4×4 will have an MSRP of $27,990. That is an increase of $500 over the 2021 model and does not include destination charges.

As we said before, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe offerings will not be part of the lineup for 2022. 

The updated Jeep Compass should be arriving in dealer showrooms, in the fall. North American models will be built at the Toluca Assembly Plant, in Mexico.

North American-Spec 2022 Jeep® Compass Image Gallery:

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