2022 Jeep Compass Looks to Navigate Itself Into the Conversation

Quick, when’s the last time you gave a thought to the Jeep Compass?

Probably several years ago when the last generation was introduced, right?

Otherwise, if you’re thinking about Jeep, you’re probably thinking about the Gladiator, Wrangler, Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee.

To be fair, buzz doesn’t always correlate to sales numbers, and the Compass has racked up seemingly respectable numbers, though it can’t hold a candle to the more popular Cherokee.

Either way, it’s redesign time, and new duds unveiled at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show should remind shoppers the Compass exists.

The highlights include a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with the latest UConnect system, a 10.25-inch TFT gauge cluster, the availability of heated rear seats for the first time on Compass, two 4×4 systems, a new premium Latitude LUX trim, new exterior and interior design, a semi-autonomous driver-assist system, and changes in the suspension and steering tuning that are meant to improve ride and handling.

A whole slew of driver-assist/safety features are now standard. They include full-speed collision warning with active brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection, active lane management with LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection.

There are five trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. Power will come from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Most Compasses will have a nine-speed automatic trans, but Sports and Latitude 4x2s will have a six-speed gearbox. Jeep promises up to 31 mpg on 4×2 models and a 2,000-pound towing capacity on 4×4 models.

Both 4×4 systems can deliver 100 percent of available torque to any one wheel, and the Trailhawk model gets a low range, a 20:1 crawl mode, a Rock drive mode (the others are Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud), hill-descent control, a one-inch lift, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, the ability to ford up to 19 inches of water, front and rear tow hooks, and 17-inch wheels. It has a 30-degree approach angle, a 24-inch breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle.

Other available features include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 360-degree camera, traffic-sign recognition, LED lighting, LED fog lamps, Bluetooth for up to two phones, navigation, Alexa virtual assistant, UConnect app, type A and Type C USB ports, adaptive cruise control, 18- or 19-inch wheels, and in-car Wi-Fi.

A Jeep Wave customer service program is part of the deal with all 2022 Jeep models, and it includes three years of maintenance, same-day vehicle rentals, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

You can get in the door for $24,995 (plus $1,495 in destination). Limiteds and Trailhawks start at $31,395, before D and D.

[Images © 2021 Tim Healey/TTAC, Jeep]