Jeep has updated its Compass compact crossover for the 2022 model year with an all-new, more premium interior, a new infotainment system, some styling tweaks, and more. I last spent some time with a Jeep® Compass back in 2019, and while I liked it overall, I had two glaring complaints. Did Jeep resolve them for 2022? Read on, or watch the video above to find out. 

My tester was a mid-level Trailhawk model finished in Sting-Gray, with nice options like the panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 system with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera system, and more. Jeep also offers a range-topping Trailhawk Elite model which includes all the Trailhawk’s off-road goodies, but adds heated and cooled full leather seats, adaptive cruise, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, and more as standard equipment. 

Interior:

For 2022 the Compass gets an all-new dash design, with more premium materials than the outgoing version. The dash is laid out very well with all relevant controls logically placed and in easy reach of the driver. The 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 screen sits up nice and high on the dash making it much easier to navigate without taking your eyes off the road. Also new for 2022 is a digital gauge cluster with tons of customization options just like its bigger Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer brothers. Interestingly unlike the other Jeep models with the new digital cluster, I wasn’t able to display the navigation map on the screen in the Compass.

Jeep also made another small but important change in the Compass’ interior. Back in the 2019 Compass review I complained about the front seat head rests. They used to be non-tilt adjustable and were angled in such a way that at least for me, they would constantly push your head forward which I found uncomfortable. In this 2022 Compass, the headrest angle was much more relaxed and is also now tilt adjustable, providing much better seat comfort. 

Exterior:

For the most part, Jeep has left the rugged exterior design of the Compass alone. While the design is familiar 2022 brings new headlights and front bumper designs, while the changes are subtle they do clean up and modernize the exterior a bit. 

LED headlights are now standard across the board with LED reflector housings standard in all trims aside from the Trailhawk Elite, which gets standard LED projector headlamps. LED projector headlights and LED fog lights are also optional in Latitude LUX and Limited trim levels. 

Around-back styling is familiar although Jeep did add a kick-to-open feature for the power-activated liftgate. LED taillights are also an option on Latitude LUX and Limited trim levels. 

Safety Tech:

The 2022 Compass gains a lot of standard and optional safety technologies such as Active Lane Management, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Pedestrian/Cyclist Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path detection systems now standard on all models. Optional are a 360-degree camera system, highway assist system, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and traffic sign recognition systems. 

On The Road:

Jeep has tweaked the suspension and steering for 2022 which has contributed to a more direct steering feel and improved ride compared to the outgoing model. Wind noise is well controlled leading to a fairly quiet cabin experience. I did notice some road noise from the tires over some surfaces which didn’t surprise me with the more aggressive, off-road-oriented tires on the Trailhawk. 

The one complaint that carried over from 2019 I reviewed previously is unfortunately the powertrain. The 2.4 liter Tigershark 4 cylinder just doesn’t have the power or refinement to compete in today’s market. I noticed a rough idle on a few occasions that transmitted through to the interior, along with unpleasant engine noises in the cabin when wringing it out. Unfortunately wringing it out is something you will have to do as the engine is pretty anemic in today’s world, I would often find myself at half throttle just leaving a traffic light to keep up with the flow of traffic. 177 horsepower and 172 lb ft. of torque just don’t cut it in today’s world. 

ZF’s 9-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Trailhawk and was a bright spot in the powertrain. While there were a lot of complaints about shift quality and gear hunting in earlier units, the programming of the transmission in my tester was spot on. Gear changes smoothly and I didn’t notice any gear hunting to speak of during my week with the Compass. 

While I do understand that overall power probably isn’t high on the list for people looking for a compact crossover, it’s the lack of refinement that really gets me with the Tigershark engine. I would love to see Jeep drop the 2.0 Turbo out of the Cherokee in the Compass in the near future. Not only would it solve the power issue, but it would greatly increase refinement and should increase fuel economy as well.

For a more in-depth review of the 2022 Jeep Compass, check out our review video at the top of the page. 

2022 Jeep® Compass Trailhawk Image Gallery Gallery:

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