2022 Jeep Compass: Is This the Coolest Shape of a Gadget-Era Jeep So Far?

The first generation of the Jeep Compass series was something like a subcompact crossover of the early 2000s with an improvised traditional Jeep face added. It was using the Dodge Caliber technical platform as many other subcompact and compact family cars and SUVs of the American branch of the DaimlerChrysler group (1995-2007). Yes, that was an uninspiring start.

In 2011, the front end of the Compass was radically redesigned to resemble the Grand Cherokee model series, and that was lready much better. The second generation launched in 2018 as a product of the FCA group (formed in 2014).

The vision behind it was far more coherent than in the case of the previous generation. The second generation of the Jeep Compass had it all from the beginning: the modern technology of the SCCS (Small Common Components and Systems) platform, efficient engines, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a nicely integrated design. More than ever, it was clear that Compass aspired to the role of a "mini-me" of the contemporary Grand Cherokee. A mini-me with a length of 173 inches (4,395 m), however. That’s a quite serious car. Worthy of mention is that this was the first Jeep specially designed to hit global roads.

Ambiance

Moving on to the present, the 2022 Jeep Compass brings together the genuine American SUV style with the high European finish quality and a commendable efficiency of the general technical concept. Even if its inner dimensions have clear limits (albeit without giving claustrophobic sensations), the finish, the style, and the available equipment are definitely compatible with premium criteria. Unlike the pre-facelift model, the 2022 Jeep Compass has a full-HD 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

Actually, the dashboard was completely redesigned with the addition of a large multimedia screen on top of the central console. As a result, the Compass is now fitted with the Uconnect 5 system, offering an up to 10.1-inch Ultra HD touchscreen (the standard one has a diagonal of 8.4 inches).

The design of the seats also contributes to the premium imprint of the cabin. All the modifications carried out inside the automobile had one important purpose: making better use of the not really vast available space. Implicitly, ergonomics have been improved as a result of this process.

A couple of nice practical surprises can be found in the front seats area: an almost 5-liter storage compartment under the central armrest and an additional 2.4-liter compartment next to the new transmission lever. Two passengers may be seated in quite pleasant conditions on the rear bench, and there is a couple of dedicated air vents between the front seats they can easily access and control. The roofline passes a little low above the head, but only rather tall people will notice this.

Thrust

Since it was designed to be a globally competitive product, the second-generation Jeep Compass can be fitted with a large range of engines, plug-in hybrid versions included. In Europe, the offer consists of gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Because of the good torque characteristic and low consumption specific to the diesel engines, the updated version of the 1.6-litre Multijet II, capable of delivering 130 PS (128 hp) at 3,750 rpm, and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500 rpm is particularly interesting there.

Europeans who are looking for a downsized gasoline-fed alternative might be attracted by the 4-cylinder 1.3-liter turbo engine available with two output levels: 130 PS (128 hp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of peak torque or 150 PS (148 hp) developing the same peak torque (the latter is mated to a Dual Dry Clutch Transmission - DDCT).

The same 1.3-liter mill is part of the hybrid propulsion systems providing 190 PS (187 hp) or 240 PS (237 hp), which are employed in the Compass 4xe versions. In terms of torque, the contribution of the electric motor located on the rear axle rises to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). According to the WLTP cycle, the Compass 4xe can cover electrically some 47 km (29 miles) thanks to its 11.4 kWh battery.

Referring to the American market, the 2022 Compass keeps its gasoline-fed 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. If nothing will change regarding it, we are talking about 180 hp at 6,400 rpm and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) at 3,900 rpm—not bad, but not remarkable. As far as is known, a 9-speed automatic transmission comes with all-wheel-drive only, while a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual can be fitted to the front-wheel-drive versions.

As its off-road orientation suggests, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk gets an extra inch of ride height, for a total of 8.4 inches (213 mm), while its 9-speed automatic has a low first gear that simulates a 20:1 crawl ratio. It also has a Rock traction mode that allows the Trailhawk to advance on difficult trails. Certainly, the Trailhawk is not something comparable to a typical off-road automobile, but it’s by far the best in class for going beyond the tarmac’s limits.

What to pay for

No details have been communicated so far regarding the prices, yet the extensive upgrading of the interior and the exterior modifications are more than enough to justify a noticeable increase. The base price for an American 2021 Jeep Compass Sport is $24,095. For $1,500 more, the all-wheel-drive model can be yours. Spending around $30,000 will probably be enough to acquire a nice looking and well-equipped 2022 Jeep Compass, yet we strongly believe the premium Limited versions will not be anyhow available under this threshold (at the moment, their base price is $29,840 without AWD).

In Europe, the base price for the 2022 Jeep Compass (1.3 turbo, 130 hp) is at least €30,500 ($36,600), while the plug-in hybrid Compass 4xe (190 PS/187 hp) starts from €41,600 ($49,920). However, for the European public, the Compass 1.6 Multijet turbodiesel (130 PS/128 hp, 320 Nm/236 lb.-ft) might be also very interesting at €33,000 ($39,600). For those living in metropolitan areas, a gasoline-fed car like a Compass Limited 1.3 turbo (150 PS/148 hp) with DCCT transmission (€36,500/$43,800) would be recommended.

Instead

There is a long list of subcompact SUVs to mention, but none of those is as convincing off-road as a Jeep Compass Trailhawk. On the other hand, there is no match for the Compass’s design anywhere in the class, at least to these eyes.