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2022 Jeep Compass Review By Larry Nutson


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2022 Jeep Compass
Function with Style

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Jeep took the wraps off its new 2022 Jeep Compass back in July at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show Special Edition…the mid-summer version of the Covid pandemic delayed auto show that is usually held in February.

We had a good look at the new Compass with its freshened exterior and all-new modern interior. The new Compass has lots of new technology and advanced safety and security features, including semi-autonomous driving, making it the most connected, technologically advanced Compass ever.

Just recently I got more than another look at the 2022 Compass. I climbed into the driver’s seat right behind the steering wheel and took the Compass for a drive to experience it all for myself. Jeep brought the new Compass to the Midwest Automotive Association 2021 Rally at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This was the first opportunity for any automotive media to drive the new Compass and I didn’t want to miss the chance.


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The Compass was last redesigned for 2017. For 2022 the exterior has some styling updates including a fresh look to the Jeep seven-slot grille. There are also new front fascia designs with slim headlamps and advanced LED lighting. However, the big news is in the interior.

Jeep has been rocking it with new interiors as exemplified by the new Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer and also the new Grand Cherokee L. There’s a progression that is evident and the Compass is part of that plan. I myself consider the overall design of the interior more important than the exterior. I need to like the exterior but, after all, inside the cabin is where we spend our time.

The 5-passenger Compass has a new instrument panel that features a digital instrument cluster and floating 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The center console is also new. There is an overall more upscale look and feel in the materials as well as a techy upgrade.


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The Limited trim Compass I drove with its black, sepia and steel grey interior was quite eye-opening. You could say, stunning. Gloss black finish on the center console provides a rich look.

For 2022, the all-new Jeep Compass lineup consists of five models: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX (4x4 only), Limited (4x4 only) and Trailhawk (4x4 only).

The powertrain is carryover with a 177-hp 2.4-L four-cylinder engine that makes 172 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is used in 4X2 (front-drive) models and 4X4s get a ZF nine-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 4X4 are 25 mpg combined with 22 city mpg and 30 highway mpg. The 4X2 models have the same city rating and one mpg more on the highway at 31 mpg.

Overall the Compass is a nicely sized compact SUV that will suite both the young in age and the young at heart alike. The cabin is spacious considering its exterior size. Rear cargo room is good for a weekend getaway or camping, or simply for groceries, household items or that after school sports equipment bag.


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The powertrain doesn’t put the Compass in the super-quick zero to 60 mph bunch of vehicles that are all the rage today. But, do you really need that. The engine and transmission combo get the job done. I especially like the 4X4 with its nine-speed transmission that helps keep the engine operating in its peak performance range.

Jeep offers a Compass plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Europe. We’ll have to wait and see if a PHEV is in the cards for the U.S. in the future.

Advanced safety (ADAS) features are now standard across all trims including Full-speed Collision Warning with active brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection, Active Lane Management with LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection.


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There are two different 4X4 systems depending on model. The Trailhawk model is Trail Rated. Not just a marketing term, the Trail Rated rating is determined by distinct capabilities that are fulfilled by engineering evaluations and signed-off on by the Jeep engineering team.

More facts and figures on the 2022 Jeep Compass can be found at www.jeep.com.

The 2022 Jeep Compass starts at a U.S. MSRP of $24,995, plus the $1,495 destination charge. The full lineup is: Sport – 4x2: $24,995 (add $1,500 for 4X4), Latitude – 4x2: $26,525 (add $1,500 for 4X4), Latitude LUX – 4x4: $29,595, Trailhawk – 4x4: $31,395 and Limited – 4x4: $31,395.

The Jeep Wave customer service program is available to the entire Jeep brand lineup, including all trims on the 2022 Jeep Compass. This premium owner loyalty program is filled with benefits and exclusive perks, including: Three years of worry-free maintenance at Jeep dealerships, 24/7 support via phone or online chat, Vehicle protection including 24/7 roadside assistance and first-day loaner coverage and VIP access to select, exclusive Jeep brand events.

Happy motoring!

© 2021 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy