Jeep is blowing into the Windy City with its new lineup of off-road SUVs for the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. That includes the three-row 2021 Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Jeep will also have the new 2022 Compass on display. Like any mid-cycle refresh model, it has an updated exterior, but its biggest changes are inside its more upscale and tech-filled cabin.
The array of available 2022 Compass trim levels includes Sport, Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk and High Altitude Edition. Latitude LUX, equipped with a leather interior, heated front seats, remote start, and more, is a new addition that fills in the space between the Latitude and Limited models.
2022 Jeep Compass Exterior
Exterior styling changes are subtle, but significant. The restyled seven-slot grille sits in between new standard LED reflector headlights; LED projector headlights, LED fog lights and LED taillights are available on Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited. Properly equipped Compass models will have a new front-mounted surround view camera, which sits above the redesigned lower fascia and enlarged bottom grille.
The Trailhawk makes the most noticeable visual departure from its predecessor. It starts at the hood, which features a black and red anti-glare hood decal. Jeep filled the signature seven-slot grille with a new design flourish that it calls "Jeep Teeth," which will appear on future Jeep performance vehicles. A larger middle section allows more air to flow through to aid cooling, which is especially vital during low-speed trail drives. Further down, the Trailhawk features a new skid plate to protect its undercarriage when its 30-degree approach angle stops providing enough clearance.
Wheel designs are new across the lineup and go as large as 19 inches in diameter. Color options are largely carryover, but there are two new choices: Earl and Bright White.
2022 Jeep Compass Interior
There's an undeniable family resemblance between the 2022 Compass's cabin and the passenger compartments of its larger, more expensive siblings. You can see it in the new steering wheel, redesigned dashboard, slim HVAC vents and larger displays.
The main gauges are available in analog and digital form. Sport and Latitude come with a 3.5-inch cluster. A 7-inch color display is available on Latitude and standard equipment on Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk models. Upgrading to the High Altitude gets you a 10.25-inch thin-film transistor digital cluster, which is an option on Limited and Trailhawk.
All Compass variants are equipped with Uconnect 5 infotainment. The new system is five times faster than Uconnect 4 and can accommodate two Bluetooth-connected phones simultaneously while providing wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That's connected to either a 8.4-inch center touchscreen or the 10.1-inch unit that's standard equipment on the Compass Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited.
2022 Jeep Compass Performance
Adventures on paved roads should be more comfortable and engaging thanks to a retuned suspension and more responsive steering. The Compass continues straight ahead into 2022 with the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine. Output remains at 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. When that's routed through the front wheels, the Compass can return up to 31 mpg on the highway and cover 400 miles on a full tank.
Of course, the Compass wouldn't be a Jeep if it was just front-wheel drive. Like its predecessor, the '22 model is available with two 4X4 systems, both of which are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission (Sport and Latitude models with two-wheel drive send their power to the road through a six-speed automatic). Sport, Latitude, and Limited 4X4 models have Jeep Active Drive, a fully automatic system that can send up to 100 percent of available engine torque to the rear wheels. Jeep equips the Trailhawk with a one-inch lift, steel skid plates, red front and rear tow hooks, and Jeep Active Drive Low. That has the same Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud Selec-Terrain modes as Jeep Active Drive, but adds an exclusive Rock mode. The Trailhawk's 8.6 inches of ground clearance, 20:1 crawl ratio, and Hill-descent Control help make the most of its special settings.
2022 Jeep Compass Safety
Most of the 2022 Compass's most significant tech updates aren't as easy to see as a massive touchscreen, but, if necessary, they're ready to make their presence known.
The entire lineup now comes standard with Full-speed Collision Warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection and active braking, Active Lane Management with LaneSense Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection. Latitude and above models are available with a 360-degree Surround View Camera system, which can come in handy whether you're in a parking lot or a pine forest. The coolest driver aids and safety features are optional on the Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude models. Those include Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and the semi-autonomous Drive Assist system. It works with the Compass's available adaptive cruise control, lane-centering tech, cameras, and sensors to provide what Jeep calls "hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving."
2022 Jeep Compass Overall
You can see the most advanced Jeep Compass yet in person at the Chicago Auto Show. But if you can't make it out to the Windy City, don't worry. The 2022 Compass will be in AutoNation Jeep dealerships this fall.
Derek Shiekhi | Jul 21, 2021
