2022 Jeep Compass Wows With Sleek New Interior, Extra Tech

Published on July 14, 2021 in New Models by Guillaume Rivard

The Jeep Compass gets a major update for the 2022 model year and the company used the 2021 Chicago Auto Show today to officially unveil the model.

Look for refreshed styling, a much more modern interior and many new technologies that will help close the gap between the Compass and other small SUVs when it arrives in dealerships this fall.

“The new 2022 Jeep Compass ushers in new levels of comfort and functionality, with premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out,” said Jim Morrison Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. “A stunning new interior design and the addition of several advanced safety features make it even more desirable in the compact SUV segment.”

Slightly More Refined Appearance

SUVs are extremely popular at the moment but they’re also getting increasingly more upscale and expensive. To keep pace with the competition, the Jeep Compass receives some cosmetic changes that result in a slightly more refined appearance. The most notable include thinner new LED headlights, revised grilles with high gloss black trim, a redesigned front bumper and new alloy wheels. In the rear, things are pretty much the same.

The rugged and capable Trailhawk, which is much more off-road oriented, now stands out even more from other Compass models, particularly with a new signature red and black anti-glare hood decal. The grilles are wider and have a matte black finish, combining with the rest of the front end to give the vehicle a more aggressive look. Naturally, the red-painted tow hooks are back, while a new front skid plate reinforces the Trailhawk’s 30-degree approach angle.

For Limited models, an enhanced Elite Exterior Appearance Package now includes black-painted lower trim, along with projector LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED taillamps and 19-inch wheels. A new hands-free, foot-activated power liftgate is available on North models and above, while two new body colours can be selected including Earl and Bright White.

Full Interior Reboot

Inside, the 2022 Jeep Compass is completely changed and we couldn’t be happier. The highlight is the new 8.4-inch standard or 10.1-inch optional touchscreen that prominently displays the excellent Uconnect 5 system. In front of the driver is an available new 10.25-inch TFT colour display with nearly two dozen different menus.
The updated cabin also includes revised controls as well as a combination of materials and textures that significantly elevate the little Jeep’s luxury feel. A redesigned steering wheel, new centre console layout with more storage and an available wireless charging tray for smartphones are part of the mix, too. For the first time, the Compass can be had with heated seats in the second row.

Same Engine, Expanded Safety

The new 2022 Jeep Compass receives a modified steering gear to allow for improved responsiveness and steering efforts for both on-road and parking lot manoeuvres. The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is back, but Jeep’s press release mentions 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque whereas the outgoing model is rated at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet, respectively. Anyhow, maximum cargo capacity is still 2,000 pounds.

Still no word on the eventual Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid, which is already available in Europe. That's strange considering Jeep's electrification plan will cover all models.

The two available 4x4 systems, Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low, can each send 100 percent of the engine’s torque to any one wheel. The latter affords a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for 4x4 Trail Rated capability. Both include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system providing up to four modes (Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud and Trailhawk-exclusive Rock mode).

As for safety, the 2022 Compass boasts Pedestrian/Cyclist Automatic Emergency Braking, a new 360-degree Surround View Camera system and Traffic Sign Recognition. Highway Assist semi-autonomous driving technology will be available on Limited and Trailhawk models at a later date.