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If you're looking for a reliable, compact SUV, the Jeep Compass is a great choice. But what is the best year for the Jeep Compass in terms of value?

The Jeep Compass is in its second generation and was introduced in 2007 as a small crossover SUV. The brand has come a long way and gotten much better over time. Even though the Compass had a few flaws when it first came out, Jeep has improved its performance and aesthetics with time to compete with other rivals and the best models in its class.

Without a doubt, 2022 is the best year for the Jeep Compass model. Thanks to the slew of new features and upgrades, the 2022 version has stood out from the crowd. Compared to prior models, the 2022 Jeep Compass has hit the market with fewer issues and better performance and fuel economy.

The 2022 Jeep Compass is a mid-size SUV that sits between the Renegade and the Cherokee. It competes with the Hyundai Tucson and the Chevrolet Trailblazer, and it stands out for its superior off-road capabilities.

After extensive testing, we have decided to choose the 2022 model as the best version of the Jeep Compass.

Table of Contents

Best Year for the Jeep Compass – 2022

When Jeep released the 2015 Compass model, they corrected the majority of the flaws found in the previous versions, but little did they know that the model would soon lose its popularity among many enthusiasts.

When we talk about the Jeep Compass, we talk about the small, medium, and large sizes, which could easily be confused with an order of soda cups or French fries at a fast-food café. But the Jeep Compass is just as diverse these days.

The most recent Compass generation was released in 2017, although the 2022 version has a slew of improvements. The first is a more polished interior and a new exterior style, both of which are reminiscent of the bigger Grand Cherokee.

New digital features include a bigger and redesigned touch screen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and more basic advanced driver aids that help this small Jeep stand out even more. The verdict is in: The new technology and cabin refinement boost the 2022 Jeep Compass.

In comparison to the competition, the Compass has a high-quality interior and a slick, contemporary multimedia system. However, it still lags behind rivals in terms of cargo space, fuel economy, and engine refinement.

Moreover, the small SUV gets a new Latitude Lux trim range, improved technology, and a redesigned interior for 2022. The range of trims has been decreased to five from seven, with the new Latitude Lux occupying the middle position. A few standard convenience features along with more safety features are now included in the 2022 version.

The Compass tries to reconcile the seemingly opposing goals of being a tough, all-terrain 4x4 and a sleek, pleasant vehicle for family transportation. It's hardly surprising, then, that a corporation with sixty years of off-roading experience would want to use that experience to appeal to drivers who want some strength to go with their style.

It's why the Compass not only has a beautifully sloped roofline but also comes with a switchable, GKN-built four-wheel all-terrain drive system, as well as suspension components engineered to allow proper wheel articulation.

The transmission also has a 'crawl ratio,' which means it can provide max torque to either axle, while features like an electrically controlled tailgate and 19-inch wheels are accessible as extras.

Nothing else in this category comes close to it in terms of pure versatility — at least at the moment. To be honest, we were underwhelmed by the Jeep Compass. But the 2022 upgrades have drastically changed our opinion on the compact vehicle.

Best Year Jeep Compass – Features

The Jeep Compass has never had much success with popularity among drivers as a subcompact SUV on the market in recent years. Part of the issue can be attributed to the car's slow-shifting nine-speed driving system and weak power train.

The Compass's rough ride quality over uneven roads and its use of cheap plastics have been widely criticized. We won't know for sure until we get a chance to drive it, but the new model could be a big upgrade over the previous models.

The updated nine-speed automatic transmission may improve the driving experience, despite the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine having slightly less power than before. According to Jeep, the transmission has been returned to provide smoother shifts and faster acceleration. The Jeep's road qualities might be improved even more with changes to the steering and suspension adjustments.

Compass has always been known for its off-road abilities, and we don't anticipate that to change in 2022. Every AWD Compass we've tested performed admirably off-road; if you're seeking to tackle difficult terrain on a regular basis, the Compass TrailHawk is the way to go.

Fuel Economy and Performance

The Compass is still only available with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It has 172 pound-feet of torque and 177 horsepower for the 2022 model year, down from 175 pound-feet and 180 horsepower for the 2021 model. The FWD Latitude and Sport models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, while all AWD models come with a nine-speed automatic.

Performance, Engine, and Transmission

Every Compass has a sluggish four-cylinder engine, and the optional nine-speed automatic transmission takes a long time to shift. A six-speed automatic is standard on all front-wheel versions.

All-wheel-drive buyers will benefit from a choice of terrain-conquering drive modes. The automobile can transfer power to the wheels as it deems fit in an automated setting, while mud, sand, and snow modes allow for varying degrees of wheel slip for increased traction.

The Trail hawk models have a low "crawler" gear ratio and a Rock mode that keeps the Compass in first gear and only sends torque to the wheels that can grip. The Compass feels more nimble than its tall, boxy exterior suggests, with the finely weighted steering wheel responding well to inputs.

During tight corners, there is some lean, but the Compass seems well-controlled, solidly planted, and capable on the road. We braved an off-road course when we first drove the Compass, and it showed that it could handle mild difficulties with ease, with no stumbling from the all-wheel-drive system.

The possible 4xe plug-in hybrid will provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional gas-powered models. That version, however, has yet to be driven or tested.

Ratings and Safety

The Jeep Compass now offers a great assortment of standard safety measures, thanks to additional equipment added to the 2022 model. Full-speed forward collision warning with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and cyclist/pedestrian detection are just a few of the features available. An optional adaptive cruise control feature with stop-and-go traffic capability is also available.

Jeep will provide a semi-autonomous driving system later in the model year that employs lane-centering technology and adaptive speed control to reduce the stress of highway driving. Highway Assist will be offered on Trail Hawk and Limited trims. Keep in mind that this is only a tool; drivers must always keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel.

Crash test results for the 2022 Compass are yet to be released. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Jeep Compass a dismal four-star overall safety rating, with four stars in the front crash test, five stars in the side impact test, and three stars in the rollover test. The 2021 Compass received Good ratings in all IIHS crash tests but received Marginal or Poor ratings for its headlights, based on trim.

Reliability

The rough powertrain is mediocre at best, but the updated cabin, which includes more convenient amenities and standard safety, helps to compensate for what's missing under the hood. Good storage space and an off-road Trail hawk version set it apart from the competition, helping it earn a 6.0 out of 10 TCC Rating this year.

Cargo, Interior, and Comfort

The 2022 Compass appears to be an improvement on the previous model year's unimpressive interior materials and bland appearance, with better amenities and an appealing dashboard.

Furthermore, its inside is spacious, cozy, and useful, with ample room for four adult passengers. The back seat of this diversified class of crossovers is neither the largest nor the smallest. Because of the high seat bottoms in the back seat, riders' legs are fully supported, making even long drives enjoyable.

Despite its boxy design and what appears to be competitive cargo volume, the Compass is not the most spacious of its competitors. Long journeys may be a struggle, but it has ample luggage room for an airport run. When the rear seatbacks are folded, they tilt somewhat upward.

Interior Room and Cargo Space

The cargo space and rear seat width are generous in the 2022 Jeep Compass. In both of these areas, it outperforms the Subaru Crosstrek, while the Subie has better space in the first row.

Technology

The standard 8.4–inch touch screen is included in the 2022 Compass and has proved to be very popular among drivers for its user-friendly features. Optional 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touch screen are also new for the 2022 model.

A six-speaker audio system is standard, but for an additional fee, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system can be installed.

What Will the Jeep Compass Cost in 2022?

The standard FWD 2022 Jeep Compass Sport has an MSRP of around $26,500. The Trail Hawk and Limited are both valued at around $33,000 at the upper end.

Additional Features

There are five trim options available for the 2022 Jeep Compass; the Latitude Lux trim being the newest. Sport features include an 8.4-inch touch screen with wireless connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-way manual driver passenger seat, cloth seats, 16-inch alloys, LED reflector headlights, and push-button start.

The Latitude also includes a leather-wrapped shift knob, 17-inch wheels, halogen fog lamps, body-color door handles, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, 10.1-inch touch screen, 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 18-inch wheels.

TrailHawk features distinct front and back, high-strength steel skid plates with a 1.0-inch raise, and red tow hooks in the front and rear.

The 2022 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV with the brand's robust reputation and the ability to perform well off-road. It sits between the slightly bigger Cherokee and the smaller Renegade, competing against the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, among others.

While we've previously panned the Compass's unimpressive inside, it now sports a cleaner look and additional modern features. Its mediocre four-cylinder gas engine is also a source of criticism, but the addition of a new plug-in hybrid to the lineup would offer it a powertrain that's becoming more prevalent in this market.

Of all, Jeep's reputation is built on getting off the beaten path, and the Trail hawk trim is best equipped to do so. Although the Cherokee has more capability, the 2022 Compass is probably cheaper and more attractive.

What's New for the Year 2022?

Jeep is offering the Compass lineup a slew of improvements for 2022 that will make it more appealing. Its interior features a new dashboard design and a new tablet-style touch screen infotainment system with the latest Uconnect software, in addition to a revamped front end that gives a more upscale look.

The new bigger touch screen, a leather interior, and an all-wheel drive are also included in the new Latitude Lux model. A plug-in hybrid with the designation 4xe could be added to the roster.

We'd stay with the base Sport variant to get the most out of the Compass. All-wheel-drive, which replaces the regular six-speed automatic with a nine-speed, costs an additional $1500.

We'd choose for the Advance Safety and Safety and Security packages in addition to the Cold Weather package (remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and more). Automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot monitoring, and other features are included with the latter.

The Jeep Compass 2022

The Jeep Compass for 2022 is a compact SUV that sits between the Renegade and the Cherokee. Small crossovers like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek are among its competitors.

What Else Is New?

A refined design inside and out, standard active safety systems, new technologies, and larger screens distinguish the redesigned subcompact crossover with off-road capability from the previous model.

Coverage for Warranty and Maintenance

The Compass' warranty is comparable to that of several competitors, but Kia's unusually extended powertrain guarantee easily outperforms Jeep's powertrain coverage. All models, however, get three years of free maintenance.

  • Three years or 36,000 miles are covered under the limited warranty
  • A five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty is included
  • Three years of complimentary maintenance are included

Verdict

The redesigned Jeep Compass is more competitive than ever in plug-in hybrid 4xe guise, with great efficiency potential and enhanced infotainment. However, it falls short in terms of execution; the motor isn't the smoothest, and the ride is still a little bumpy, despite the high-tech and quality upgrades. Nonetheless, the 2022 Compass continues to be a good buy for many enthusiasts.

Best Year Jeep Compass

About The Author

Tyler Herndon

Tyler Herndon

Working as a restoration tech on exclusively Mopar offerings of the late 60’s and early 70’s honed the skills to build what I consider the most prestigious make of American cars of that era. The iconic slant six, behemoth 426 Hemi and everything in between shaped my view on the automotive world. I’ve translated those skills towards vehicles that “everyman” has access to enjoy and Mopar influence still plays a significant role.

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