The Jeep Compass is back in the 2022 avatar with quite a few upgrades in comparison to the outgoing 2021 model, making it one of the most feature-packed and value for money propositions of the segment. Offered for a base MSRP of $27,985, the 2022 Jeep Compass gets a host of upgrades in the form of an updated interior and exterior design, a new touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system, and many more interior and safety tech coming in as standard with the higher trims.

Along with that, a new plug-in hybrid variant of the Jeep Compass is expected to launch later this year, which would make it one of the most fuel-efficient offerings of the segment. Named as 4xe trim, it is also more powerful than the current gasoline-powered monikers. Apart from that, the excellent safety and fun-to-drive character have seen changes. Competing with the likes of the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4, here are 10 things to know before getting the 2022 Jeep Compass​​​​​​.

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10 Exterior Looks Striking

Jeep Compass
Via auto-data.net

The 2022 Jeep Compass retains the exterior design of the outgoing 2021 model and sees minor cosmetic updates. However, these small changes do make this compact SUV more desirable than the rivals like the Subaru Forester and the Hyundai Tucson, both of which are relatively bland in comparison. The best-in-class width of the Compass offers superb road presence as well.

Via Autocar India

Coming with 5 two-tone exterior colors and a single monotone exterior color, the 2022 Compass looks gorgeous for a relatively affordable family SUV. The blacked-out grille with chrome surrounds for the 7-slots and the chrome lip near the air dam adds to the character. The 18" alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a host of exterior options adds to the character.

9 Comes Loaded With Features

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

This is a compact SUV that will shame even the more expensive offerings from Europe, especially when it comes to the features on offer. Offered with 7 trim configurations, the 2022 Compass gets many interior features like a tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system with UConnect, leather upholstery, heated and powered seats, and many more with the higher trims.

2022 Jeep Compass front view
Via: Autoevolution.com

Exterior features like LED headlights with LED DRLs, powered side mirrors, 19" or 18" alloy wheels depending on the trim, lip spoiler, cornering lights, LED taillights, etc. come as standard. All the safety and driver-assistance tech is on board too. However, the base Sport trim lacks some of these features.

RELATED: 10 Of Our Favorite Features Of The New Jeep Compass Trailhawk

8 Interior Looks Very Modern

Jeep Compass Interior
Via Jeep

Ever since the Jeep Compass received a midlife update back in 2020, it has been a favorite amongst SUV buyers. The main change received during this update is a new interior design and a host of tech and features. It is easily the most premium interior of the segment and is a notch above the Subaru Forester, which comes with reasonably hard plastics in the interior.

The rear seats in the 2022 Compass
Jeep

The interior of the Compass gets leather insets and is a remarkable change from the yesteryear models. The silver and chrome accents add to the freshness, too. Apart from that, the features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, etc. are offered, making it look and feel quite upmarket.

7 Not The Most Capable Gasoline Motor

2022 Jeep Compass hd car wallpaper
Via: Caricos.com

One of the areas which see no changes is when it comes to the powertrain on offer. The 2.4L naturally aspirated Multi-Air inline-4 motor on offer with the Compass produces a reasonable 177 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. The motor comes mated to the FWD or an AWD drivetrain, with the AWD receiving multiple terrain modes.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

One of the main USPs of this motor has to be the excellent refinement level, making it very smooth and silent on the roads. The low-end performance is adequate too. However, with the lack of forced induction, the 2022 Compass doesn't feel exciting to drive. With this motor under the hood, the car could do 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 117 mph.

6 Gearbox Is A Bit Dimwitted

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

There are two different transmissions offered with the 2022 Jeep Compass. The base Sport and Latitude trims of the Compass which come with the FWD drivetrain get a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It gets driver-selectable modes and AutoStick sequential shift control. However, the transmission is slow in operation. It is not the smoothest of the lot, too.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

All the other trims of the Jeep Compass which comes with the AWD drivetrain receive a more advanced 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Even though it is much faster than the 6-speed unit, it is still not as fast and smooth as the one in the Hyundai Tucson. Nevertheless, with the 9-speeds to play with, it is an excellent proposition for the American freeways.

RELATED: 2022 Jeep Compass: Costs, Facts, And Figures

5 Reasonably Fuel Efficient

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

Fuel efficiency is on with the competitors of the subcompact SUV segment. If you opt for the FWD variant, the 2022 Compass returns 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, which equates to combined gas mileage of 25 MPG. The Compass also comes with a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, and this helps the car to achieve a highway range of 418 miles.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Via Jeep

However, the AWD variant sips a bit more fuel on the highways, making it not as fuel-efficient as the FWD variant. The AWD variant returns 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. As a result, combined gas mileage of 25 MPG is offered too. This equates to a highway range of 405 miles. However, the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester offered a better tank range.

4 Comes In PHEV Form As Well

The front of the 2022 Compass in the city
Jeep

What makes the 2022 Compass even more impressive is that Jeep is also planning to launch the plug-in hybrid powertrain-equipped Jeep Compass in the coming months. This 4xe moniker would get the 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 motor mated to an electric motor at the rear, producing a total of 177 hp for the highest trim of the Compass.

The rear of the 2022 Compass on a mountain road
Jeep

There is also likely to be a base trim that gets a lower state of tune. Even though the fuel efficiency numbers haven't been revealed by Jeep yet, it is surely going to surpass the gas mileage numbers posted by all the rivals with the internal combustion engines. However, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 does come with an impressive PHEV powertrain that churns out excellent gas mileage.

3 Infotainment Is Very Polished

Jeep Compass Screen
Via Jeep

Ever since the mid-life update that the Compass received back in 2020, it did get a few notable changes, making it one of the most compelling offerings of the segment. The main highlight has to be the superb touchscreen infotainment system. However, with this 2022 iteration, Jeep has taken the infotainment game a level up with the inclusion of a tablet-style Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.

The interior of the 2022 Compass
Jeep

The Uconnect 5 8.4" touchscreen infotainment system can be easily considered as the best infotainment of the lot. The interface is top-notch, with no lags anywhere in the UI. The screen is bright and vibrant and there is no learning curve needed to use it as well. All the features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, navigation, and many more come standard too. If you want an even bigger screen, the Latitude Lux trim gets the 10.1" infotainment system.

RELATED: Here's Everything You Should Know About The Jeep Compass Latitude

2 Lots Of Safety And Driver-Assistance Tech

2022 Jeep Compass cockpit view
Via: Caricos.com

All the necessary features required to make the car safe are present in the 2022 Jeep Compass. This impressive list of safety features includes ESC with RSC, ABS with EBD, airbags, side-impact beams, tire pressure monitoring system, backup camera, traction control, and many more.

2022 Jeep Compass side view
Via: Caricos.com

Many driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, collision mitigation system, etc can be had with the help of optional packages. Even though this 2022 moniker hasn't been crash-tested by the NHTSA, the outgoing 2021 model received an overall crash safety rating of 4-stars.

1 Capable Handling Abilities

The front of the 2022 Compass on a mountain road
Jeep

Drive the 2022 Compass a bit enthusiastically, and you would be quite impressed with the way this reasonably heavy and tall subcompact SUV behaves on the road. The body roll on offer is well under control and the car feels more fun to drive than the Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai Tucson.

Rear 3/4 view of the Compass in the city
Jeep

With the independent front and rear suspension with anti-roll bars and gas-pressurized shock absorbers, the 2022 Compass drives more like a low-slung sedan. The understeer is only present at the limits, and the mid-corner direction changes are handled well. The chassis is very communicative, and the steering weighs up pretty well at higher speeds. It offers an excellent feel and feedback too.