Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2022 Jeep Compass is shown parked on a rock ledge.

Where Will Your Compass Lead? The New 2022 Jeep Compass

Having proven its ability to deliver ruggedly capable vehicles like the Wrangler, Jeep extended its reach into the compact crossover segment in 2007 with the debut of the stunning, sophisticated, and capable Compass. The Compass easily found its footing among Jeep fans and earned its Trail Rated badge by 2011, making it even more attractive to drivers looking for a compact SUV that could easily handle itself both on and off the pavement. This versatility is at the heart of what we find in the redesigned 2022 Jeep Compass that builds on the Jeep tradition by delivering more power, more capability, and more innovation than ever before.

Exceptional Capability to Go Anywhere

It’s only fitting that our spotlight on the 2022 Jeep Compass shines brightest on the compact SUV’s capability. Staying true to its Jeep heritage, the Compass is designed to perform both on and off the road. To do this, Jeep equips the Compass with one of two advanced 4×4 systems: Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. Both systems utilize a rear axle disconnect and a power transfer unit that maximizes performance and efficiency.

Jeep Active Drive is an automatic 4×4 system that constantly monitors the terrain to deliver torque to the rear wheels to improve traction when the SUV needs it most. Jeep Active Drive Low, which is standard on the Compass Trailhawk, builds on the Active Drive system by adding a lower gear range to boost the SUV’s ability to handle harsher terrain like rocks, mud pits, or water crossings. Both systems come with Jeep’s exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system, which gives you the ability to customize how the crossover performs by selecting between Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock modes, the latter of which is exclusive to the Trailhawk trim.

The black and brown interior of a 2022 Jeep Compass shows the steering wheel and infotainment screen.

Discover More in the Compass Trailhawk

The 2022 Compass is available in five different trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. The trims offer a progressive suite of features, with the Trail Rated Trailhawk extending the Compass’s off-road capability to deliver even more adventures than you can imagine. As mentioned, the Trailhawk comes with Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system and the extended Selec-Terrain traction management system, but what else makes the Trailhawk so ruggedly capable?

The Trailhawk is equipped with Hill Descent Control that gives you more confidence on the trail as you descend steep grades. The tool actively controls the vehicle’s speed without input from the throttle or the brake, which allows you to focus on the road and any obstacles ahead. You’ll also find the Trailhawk is equipped with a 1-inch factory lift that delivers 8.5 inches of ground clearance and 19 inches of water fording capability. The addition of red front and rear tow hooks, 17-inch all-season tires, and unique front and rear fascias make the Trailhawk instantly recognizable.

Intuitive Tech Everywhere You Look

Jeep promises the 2022 Compass will be the “most connected and technically advanced yet.” How does Jeep deliver on that promise? The Compass boasts an all-new interior that’s resplendent and modern. Inside, the Compass doesn’t feel like a compact SUV and, instead, adds a new level of sophistication, luxury, and innovation to deliver a unique experience whether you’re in the driver’s seat or riding as a passenger and taking in the scenery.

Intuitive technology is at the heart of the Compass’s new design, and we see this in the standard 8.4-inch touchscreen display, which is the largest standard display in the segment. You can upgrade to a 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen and enjoy even more state-of-the-art tech through the Uconnect 5 infotainment system that gives you access to your favorite apps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can also add a 10.25-inch frameless digital instrument cluster that puts all the data you need, like speed, mileage, fuel level, and driver-assist notifications, within eyesight.

Aside from the noticeable tech features, the 2022 Compass also has a suite of advanced safety and security features working behind the scenes to keep you safe on the road. The Compass offers over 75 standard and available safety tools that include Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. For 2022, Jeep adds several new features, including Highway Assist, which automates your time behind the wheel on compatible roads by using sensors, radars, and cameras to monitor the roadway and your vehicle’s performance. Other additions to the suite include Traffic Sign Recognition, Pedestrian/Cyclist Automatic Emergency Braking, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Plenty of Power, Yet Wildly Efficient

The 2022 Compass is one of the most versatile SUVs in its class, and that’s because of its power and efficiency. It can easily and efficiently navigate your weekday commute and then, without missing a beat, take you down the trail for a weekend adventure. So, what’s at the heart of this versatility beyond Jeep’s legendary 4×4 technology and traction management system?

The Compass’s heartbeat comes from the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine under the hood. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission on 4×4 models or a 6-speed automatic transmission on front-wheel drive vehicles, this engine is one of the most efficient and capable in the segment. It produces 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque while averaging 31 mpg on the highway. This translates to a driving range of over 400 miles and a towing capability of up to 2,000 pounds, which makes the Compass a capable hauler and gives you even more possibilities for adventure.

The front of a white 2022 Jeep Compass is shown parked in front of a bay.

Replacing Worry with Confidence: The Jeep Wave

Have you heard of the Jeep wave? While it’s easy to talk about everything the 2022 Compass has to offer in terms of tech, capability, power, and safety, it’s also important to know what you’re getting when you join the Jeep family. Jeep drivers are known for their camaraderie, which is apparent in the symbolic Jeep wave you’ll see among drivers. Fortunately, that Jeep wave takes on even more meaning when you’re behind the wheel of the Compass.

Jeep wants you to have confidence in your purchase and, to ensure that happens, customers who purchase a 2022 Compass are eligible for the Jeep Wave customer service program. The premium owner loyalty program is one of the best in the industry and includes three years of hassle-free maintenance at Jeep dealerships, exclusive access to Jeep events, and 24-hour phone and online support. You’ll also have access to 24-7 roadside assistance, which gives you even more peace of mind when you’re on the road.

Where Will the Compass Take You?

The 2022 Jeep Compass is a remarkable compact SUV that proves even small SUVs can be mighty capable. The Compass continues to evolve in the Jeep lineup, and the latest model reflects its rich history and Jeep’s tradition of offering exceptional capability, intuitive technology, and modern designs that transform your experience behind the wheel. With the updates to the 2022 model, Jeep has taken everything drivers loved about the Compass and made it just a bit better. The Compass isn’t simply an SUV; it’s an avenue to your next adventure. All that’s left is for you to decide where that adventure will lead.