To keep up with the competition in the compact SUV segment, the 2022 Jeep Compass received a host of upgrades for this model year, including new exterior styling, an improved interior as well as new safety and security features.
It is offered in six trims, — Sport, North, Trailhawk, Limited, (RED), and Trailhawk Elite.
The Sport trim starts just under $30,000, while our Limited tester has a base price of $39,895 before options and fees. As tested, the Limited 4X4 is priced at $48,975.
Some of the options include a really nice Laser Blue Pearl paint colour ($395), as well as driver assist group 1 ($1,895) which adds items like a wireless charging pad, highway assist system, a 360-degree surround view camera, parallel/perpendicular park/unpark assist and adaptive cruise control.
The $3,300 Elite Group adds on features such as a 10.25−inch colour driver information display, second−row heated seats, ventilated front seats, satellite radio, leather seating, power liftgate, premium Alpine audio system a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and more.
Powertrain: The Compass lineup is powered by a Tigershark 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder engine featuring start/stop technology. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4X4 setup.
It features a Selec-Terrain management system that allows the driver to select the appropriate setting based on driving conditions via a simple toggle switch in the centre console. You can select between Sand/Mud, Snow, and auto settings (Trailhawk trims also get a Rock mode).
The engine delivers 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, but acceleration is not very responsive, and the powertrain is quite noisy at times.
Jeep claims that the Compass Limited has a combined fuel economy rating of 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, but I averaged no better than 11/1 L/100 km.
Unlike several of the competitors in the segment, there is no alternative fuel option on this model.
Exterior: As mentioned, the exterior styling of the Compass has been revised and the overall look is nice – especially the black on blue contrast of our tester and the Elite Group option.
That adds black painted front and rear lower fascias, and nice 19-inch wheels. The package also includes LED projector headlamps and LED taillamps.
Those touches are on top of the redesigned front fascia design featuring slim headlights, and an upgrade to Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille.
Interior: The Compass cabin is where you will see the most drastic change as the layout, materials and design are all very good and deliver a welcoming environment.
Especially in the Limited with the Steel Grey interior and Sepia accents in the cabin that give off a more upscale appearance and feel. While a grey and brown-ish mix might not seem like an intuitive pairing, it actually works.
The entire layout was rethought, with slim vents that are almost imperceptible, a 10.1-inch touchscreen (8.4-inch is standard), a redesigned centre console with modern switches and a wireless charger.
Drivers benefit from a 10.25-inch full-colour digital gauge cluster that can be customized to your liking.
The seating in the Compass is comfortable, and outward rear seats are also heated.
My one issue with the updated cabin is the decidedly old-school look and feel of the control lever for the turn signals and windshield wipers. They just seem awkward to me for some reason, and were in stark contrast to modern features throughout the rest of the cabin.
Infotainment: That large touchscreen is powered by the latest generation Uconnect5 infotainment system. It remains one of my favourite systems on the market and this newest iteration of it is easy to operate and navigate, with excellent response times.
It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the premium audio system in the Limited produces excellent sound for your listening enjoyment.
Drive: With a bit of lacklustre performance on the acceleration front, the Compass doesn’t get off to a quick start.
The transmission also is not always as smooth as you would expect.
Once up to speed though, the SUV handles well and does a good enough job handling some rougher pavement.
While the engine can be noisy at time, road noise intrusion in the cabin is not overly disruptive.
Conclusion: This version of the Compass is a much better version of itself, especially in terms of exterior and interior styling.
It still has a few things to work through, however, including the powertrain. With so many competitors in the segment, many now offering hybrid versions, the Compass could be crossed off the list by some before it even had a chance to showcase its new features.
2022 Jeep Compass Limited 4X4
Price as tested: $48,975.00
Freight: $2,095.00
Configuration: Front engine/Four-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder/ 9-speed automatic
Power/torque: 180 horsepower/ 175 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (61 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.5 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.1 L/100 km
Warranties: 5-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, GMC Terrain, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota RAV4
Links: Jeep Canada