Jeep Compass Gets a Luxuriously Redesigned Cabin for 2022

The 2022 Jeep Compass was introduced yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show with some changes that should go a long way in helping to draw more customers to the compact SUV. On the outside, we have the relatively basic, evolutionary changes that we would expect from a mid-cycle refresh, but the interior changes are substantial, allowing the Compass to better fit in a Jeep brand lineup that is taken on a serious luxury approach.

2022 Jeep Compass

“The new 2022 Jeep Compass ushers in new levels of comfort and functionality, with premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out. A stunning new interior design and the addition of several standard advanced safety features make it even more desirable in the compact SUV segment,” said Jim Morrison Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. “Sophisticated and well equipped, the Compass stays true to its benchmark 4×4 capability and on-road dynamics, but with even more refinement and precision. It also boasts a host of new attributes and innovative technologies designed to keep consumers connected and make their lives easier.”

2022 Jeep Compass

That is all just a pretty way of saying that the 2022 Compass has gotten a whole lot nicer. While larger SUVs have typically had a more luxurious feel – even if only in certain trim levels – the compact models have traditionally been far-less-loaded on the inside. That all changes with the newest Compass, which showcases similar technology to that featured in the new Grand Cherokee and loads of safety technology.

Simple Exterior Changes, a Familiar Drivetrain

The changes to the exterior of the 2022 Jeep Compass do give it a sportier and more luxurious look, but those alterations are subtle enough that the overall look of the compact crossover is unchanged. The headlights have changed a bit, with LED accents along the top rather than the bottom and the fog lights have been moved upwards a bit into a new, slim grille opening that covers the width of the fascia.

2022 Jeep Compass

Along the sides and out back, the exterior changes of the 2022 Compass are even more subtle, with taillights that have a slightly different internal design, but for the most part, the key styling changes are up front.

2022 Jeep Compass

Under the hood of every 2022 Compass (for now) is the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder mill, offering 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on two-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models while the LUX, Trailhawk, Limited, Sport 4WD and Latitude 4WD models come with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Sport and Latitude models are the only ones which are offered with four-wheel-drive, while the other models come standard with four-wheel-drive.

Jeep Compass Gets Big Luxury

The changes to the outside of the 2022 Jeep Compass are subtle enough that without comparing images of a 2021 side-by-side, many people may be unable to point out the differences with the new model year. However, when you get inside the 2022 model, there is no mistaking the fact that the cabin has been dramatically improved in just about every way. Where the 2021 models have more of a rugged, bulky interior design, the new cabin is full of flowing lines, premium, finishes and modern technology.

2022 Jeep Compass

“When designing the 2022 Jeep Compass interior, we aspired to breathe new life into all aspects of the vehicle, including shapes, surfaces and textures, to make it feel spacious and luxurious. The result is a modern, sophisticated environment with signature Jeep design elements, high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology,” said Chris Benjamin, Director of Interior Design, North America. “Our goal was to raise consumer expectations of what a compact SUV interior should look and feel like.”

2022 Jeep Compass

First and foremost, the dashboard has been beautifully redesigned, showcasing a linear design that flows from side to side, with the only interruptions being for the gauge cluster and the infotainment screen. The chunky HVAC vents are gone, as are the infotainment screen that is molded into the dash and the large HVAC panel below it. Now the infotainment screen has more of a tablet design, extending up and out, away from the dashboard itself. Below the infotainment screen is a series of stylish, streamlined control panels for both the infotainment system and the HVAC system.

2020 Compass

The flowing lines of the dashboard travel around into the door panels and up the middle into the new shift console. Compared to the door panels and center console of the 2021 models (shown above), the new Compass interior simply looks more refined in every way, but that is actually an aspect of the new cabin which drivers and passengers are less likely to notice. What they are sure to notice is the level of premium technology, starting with the optional 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and the optional 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The digital gauge cluster is offered on Limited and Trailhawk models while the 10-1.inch infotainment screen is standard on Latitude LUX, Trailhawk and Limited models. Sport and Latitude models come with a standard 8.4-inch infotainment screen, which is the largest standard screen in the segment, and all 2022 Compass models are running the latest UConnect 5 infotainment software. The 7-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on Latitude LUX, Trailhawk and Limited models while a 3.5-inch information screen is standard on Sport and Latitude models.

2022 Jeep Compass

In addition to the revised dashboard and large screen options, the 2022 Compass can be outfitted with heated and cooled leather front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel with a full complement of controls for the gauge cluster and infotainment systems, a panoramic sunroof and a 9-speaker Alpine sound system.

Premium Safety

Finally, the 2022 Jeep Compass comes with a long list of standard and optional safety features, including Traffic Sign Recognition, Pedestrian/Cyclist Automatic Emergency Braking, a Surround View Camera, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist and Highway Assist. Highway Assist (late availability) is a slick semi-autonomous driving system which I have tested on the new Grand Cherokee L. It isn’t a self-driving system, but it is close, allowing the vehicle to steer, accelerate and brake as needed when traveling on the open road. The key differences from an actual self-driving system is that Highway Assist monitors your hand position on the steering wheel and when you aren’t providing enough input, the system screams at you and disables itself, preventing people from focusing on other things when they are supposed to be driving.

2022 Jeep Compass

Other safety features for the 2022 Compass are listed below.

-Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
-Advanced Brake Assist
-Automatic Emergency Braking
-Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (standard on Trailhawk and Limited; available on Latitude and Latitude LUX)
-Active Lane Management
-LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
-Blind-spot Monitoring
-Rear Cross Path detection
-ParkView rear back-up camera
-ParkSense Front Park Assist sensors (standard on Trailhawk and Limited)
-ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist sensors (optional on Latitude, Latitude LUX, Trailhawk and Limited)
-Switch-activated electric park brake
-Location-specific tire pressure monitoring system

Availability and Pricing

The 2022 Jeep Compass is expected to begin reaching dealerships in the fall of 2022 with the following pricing:

-Sport – 4×2: $24,995
-Sport –  4×4: $26,495
-Latitude – 4×2: $26,525
-Latitude –  4×4: $28,025
-Latitude LUX – 4×4: $29,595
-Trailhawk – 4×4: $31,395
-Limited – 4×4: $31,395

Discover more from Stellpower - that Mopar news site

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading