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Chicago Auto Show: 2022 Jeep Compass revealed, 5 things to know

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CHICAGO – The Chicago Auto Show is back for 2021 with a special summer edition, and the biggest news revealed at the show is on one of Jeep’s smallest SUVs: the 2022 Compass gets a mid-cycle refresh with some cool tech adds and a significantly updated interior.

Even though this isn’t a complete redesign, there’s a lot to unpack with this new Compass, so here are the five most-important things to know.

New LUX trim

The trim lineup for 2022 Compass changes a bit, and Jeep ditches the Freedom, Altitude and 80th Anniversary trims but adds a new Latitude LUX trim. This will be the trim that has a nice blend of luxury amenities and off-road capabilities. So, it will be standard as a 4X4 model with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, 18-inch wheels and all-season tires.

Inside, you’ll see up-level amenities such as leather seats, a 7-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a new-for-Compass 10.1-inch infotainment screen on the center stack.

Available features for this trim include: wireless charging, kick activated liftgate, adaptive cruise control, parallel/perpendicular park assist, 360-degree camera and rear USB charge ports.

Base price $26k

With the rejiggering of features and styling, you have to expect a price change. But here’s the thing, the base price only increases by $500. The front and rear get restyled, plus Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. That alone is well worth the $500 bump.

Interestingly, where the Trailhawk used to be the most expensive trim, it’s now exactly the same price as the Limited model. So, on the high end of the trim spectrum, you can choose luxury or ruggedness, and you’ll top out at just less than $33k.

TrimPrice w/ destination
Sport 4X2$26,490
Sport 4X4$27,990
Latitude 4X2$28,020
Latitude 4X4$29,520
Latitude LUX 4X4$31,090
Trailhawk 4X4$32,890
Limited 4X4$32,890

Note: All prices above include the $1,495 destination fee.

Advanced safety is standard

The 2022 Compass is a compact SUV, and the host of safety features that are standard and available is impressive. Let’s start with the standard stuff. On the base Sport trim, you’ll get blind spot monitoring, full-speed collision warning with active braking, a back-up camera with grid lines, rear cross-traffic alert and lane keep assist.

But here’s the cool thing, Jeep isn’t stingy with the available tech – keeping in mind a lot of this is going to be standard on your top trims for less than $33k. What’s available: parallel/perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 360-degree camera and traffic sign recognition.

And, for late availability, the 2022 Compass will be getting a hands-on, semi-autonomous system that pairs lane centering with adaptive cruise control. This will only be offered on the top trims.

2022 compass

The new 2022 Jeep Compass interior blends 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. (Image courtesy of Stellantis North America)

Cooler tech

Let’s preface this with the fact, again, that the 2022 Compass will top out around $33k. Considering the average transaction price for a new vehicle these days is about $40k, you’re already starting out with a good deal on a completely new vehicle. Now consider all the standard and available safety tech, and the deal gets even better. Tack on some up-level tech, and you’ve got a wow.

What else will the 2022 Compass get? In addition to the 10.1-inch infotainment screen, the top tier trims will also have an available 10.25-inch digital cluster. You’ll also see things like heated rear seats (a Compass first), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard), wireless charging, the Jeep Wave customer service program (standard), Uconnect 5 (standard), simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity for two phones and USB-C charging ports.

Powertrain stays the same, but …

The engine in the 2022 Compass will still be the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Tigershark engine. But here’s the weird thing: The power ratings go down for this model year. Not by a lot, mind you, but down nonetheless. This year, the engine is rated at 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Last year’s numbers were 180 and 175, respectively. I doubt it will make much of a difference, but for an engine we’ve always felt was a tad underpowered, we find this power rating to be going the wrong way.

The transmissions also remain the same: a 6-speed automatic on the 4X2 models and a 9-speed automatic on the 4X4 models.

Bottom line on the 2022 Compass

The Jeep Compass became a much better vehicle with its redesign in 2018. It took on some of the Jeep Grand Cherokee design cues and went more up-scale. This refresh pushes the envelope further with excellent tech options and standard safety – all for a reasonable price.

Jeep expects the 2022 Compass to be in dealerships this fall, so look for a first drive coming in the next couple of months.

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Jill Ciminillo

Jill Ciminillo is the Managing Editor for Pickup Truck + SUV Talk as well as a Chicago-based automotive writer, YouTube personality and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly radio show on car stuff for a local Chicago station. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for both newspaper and broadcast media conglomerates. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is also currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY).

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