2022 JEEP COMPASS SUV

2022 JEEP COMPASS SUV

Posted on July 29, 2021

Now in its second generation, the compact crossover Jeep Compass is an affordable way to get into the highly desirable Jeep range, other models having become quite costly in recent years. Even though you can buy a 2022 Compass for less than $29,000, the vehicle is very much a “proper Jeep” with highly capable offroad performance in AWD form.

In general appearance, the Compass looks like a slightly scaled down Grand Cherokee and has the instantly recognizable grille that in concept, dates back to the original WW2 Jeeps. The grille design is zealously coveted by Jeep and woe betide any automaker that tries to imitate it. The 2022 Compass has a very rugged, purposeful, look about it and is nicely compact and thus very suited to urban use in addition to adventurous forays into the backcountry at weekends.

2022 Jeep® Compass High Altitude[/caption]

The Compass comes in five basic trim packages – Sport, North, Altitude, Trailhawk and Limited. Generally speaking, Trailhawk is the most offroad capable and Limited, the most luxurious. Even the basic Sport is very well equipped. One plus for all new Compass models is that the interior has double the storage capacity of older versions – an important benefit for long road trips.

The basic engine is a 2.4-litre 16-valve four-cylinder and according to model, this can be mated to either a 6-speed or a 9-speed automatic transmission. Jeep offers two 4X4 systems, something not usually found on vehicles in this size or price class. Jeep’ Selec-Terrain traction management system offers impressive offroad performance and Trailhawk variants add Jeep Active Drive Low 4X4 with hill-descent control and enables a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range for the automaker’s Trail Rated capability. We did say that this new Compass was a serious offroad performer!

Interior detailing and convenience features make this compact rig a comfortable and relaxing companion on long hauls. A newly available 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 centre stack display helps here and you can opt for a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Touch screens are standard on all models. There’s even a handily located pad for wireless charging of various devices. Order some trim packages and you’ll get heated rear seats and a foot-activated power liftgate.

Interestingly, Jeep claims a highway driving range of 640-km for the Compass - far more, of course, than any comparable electric vehicle. It’s a good confirmation that automakers are not yet finished with gasoline power, which remains a very efficient way of fuelling a compact vehicle like this.

SPECS AT A GLANCE...
BODY STYLE: 4-door compact crossover SUV
ENGINE: 2.4-litre, 4-cyl 16-valve
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic; choice of 2WD or two 4X4 systems (Sport model has 6-speed)
TOWING CAPACITY: 2,000-lbs
FUEL ECONOMY: Up to 7.6 litres/100 km
PRICE: Starts from $28,695 MSRP