2022 Jeep Compass price and features: Can fresh looks and new tech help the American off-roader take on Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX?

Jeep has pointed the Compass in a new direction.

Set to hit showrooms later in July, the American off-road brand will be hoping the facelifted Jeep Compass can turn around its poor sales performance with a combination of new technology and a more refined appearance; especially in the cabin.

While the exterior changes are subtle, with the signature seven slot grille flanked by tweaked headlights, fresh wheel designs and redesigned tail-lights, the big changes are reserved for inside. It’s here that the previous model’s look has been swept away by a raft of changes to try and make the Compass more appealing.

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The big ticket items include a new 10.2-inch digital instrument panel (on selected models) and a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen that incorporates navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All new Compass also come with a wireless charging pad for smartphones and other equipped devices.

While the new screens attract plenty of attention, Jeep has redesigned the entire cabin with a new look dashboard and door panels. This also includes a new central tunnel that increases storage space by almost five-litres.

Jeep Australia marketing and communications director, Tom Noble, is hopeful that the new cabin will help expand the appeal of the Compass beyond its current limited audience, taking sales from the likes of the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona with its more practical and stylish interior.

“Since its launch in 2017, the Jeep Compass has been renowned as the category leader when it comes to off-road capability in the compact SUV segment, and now we’re pairing that capability with advanced technology and a premium interior styling,” Noble said. “The comfort you want for your daily commute and the capability to tackle your weekend adventures have found harmony in the new Jeep Compass.”

Jeep will offer an initial range of five Compass models, including a pair of limited edition specials.

The new line-up begins with the Compass Launch Edition priced from $37,950 (plus on-road costs), powered by the long-serving 2.4-litre four-cylinder ‘Tigershark’ petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic and driving the front-wheels only.

Standard equipment on the Launch Edition will include LED headlights, LED fog lights, black roof, keyless entry and ignition, cloth and vinyl seats, an electric park brake, the new wireless charging pad and 10.1-inch multimedia screen.

It will also include a number of new safety features for the Compass, including autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assist, plus the previously available Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and Lane Departure Warning Plus.

Next up the ladder is the Compass Limited, priced at $43,950 (plus on-road costs) when it arrives later in the year. It has the same 2.4-litre petrol engine but gets paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system.

Upgrades over the Launch Edition include bi-function LED projector headlights, a body colour roof, front parking sensors and new park assist system and hands-free tailgate. It also gets leather trim, electrically-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40 split rear seats and the 10.2-inch digital instrument panel.

The Compass S-Limited will be available from mid-July and start at $46,950 (plus on-road costs) powered by the 2.4-litre petrol with nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive. Unique elements will include new-look 19-inch alloy wheels, body colour wheel flares and side cladding to give it a “premium and sporty design”, according to Jeep. Inside it gets black headlining, grey accent stitching and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.

The more rugged Compass Trailhawk is up next in the range, like the Limited it won’t be available until later in 2021 and when it is it will be priced from $51,250 (plus on-road costs). 

It will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which has been upgraded to meet Euro 6D emissions standards that requires AdBlue. It will be paired to the nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive system.

It rides on unique 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Falken All-Season tyres. It also gets a black hood decal for less glare when off-roading as well as red tow hooks, underbody skid plates, a 4.334 rear axle ratio and a full-size spare.

It also comes with a surround view camera, leather-trimmed seats, red stitching accents and all-weather floor mats.

The final member of the new Compass range is the 80th Anniversary edition, of which only 160 will be available in Australia. Starting at $47,941 (plus on-road costs) it will sit between the Limited and S-Limited in terms of price. It will be available in just four colours - white, black and two greys (Magnesio and Minimal).

It will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and get body coloured wheel arches, side moldings, door claddings and fascias. It will also get a ‘Granite Crystal’ grille and black painted roof with panoramic sunroof as well as ‘80th Anniversary’ commemorative badging.

Cabin highlights include premium black leather trim, a storage space under the front passenger seat, heated steering wheel and front seats and the nine-speaker Alpine audio system. 

Like all Jeep models the new Compass will be covered by the brand’s new ‘Jeep Wave’ ownership program that includes a five-year/100,000km warranty, capped price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance.