Jeep Compass 2022: facelifted off-road ready small SUV hits Australian shores from $37,950

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The 2022 Jeep Compass looks fresh from the outside, but it’s inside where American brand Jeep has made the most significant changes. 

Released this month, the first of the new Compass models will hit the road by mid-July. However, the Trailhawk and S-Limited have been delayed until later this year.

Jeep’s Compass is quite large for a small SUV measuring 4,420mm long. That makes it slightly bigger than a Mazda CX-30, though its off-road credentials make it more of an alternative to the Subaru XV.

The Compass range starts with the new Launch Edition that lists for $37,950 plus on-roads. The new model represents a $1,000 increase in entry price compared to the old Night Eagle. 

What’s new for the 2022 Jeep Compass? 

However, the price hike is not without justification. The new car has a much slicker, more modern appearance elevated by the LED DRLs. There’s also a redesigned front grille, bumpers and new alloy wheel designs.

The new Compass looks far more contemporary in the cabin with the large 10.1-inch touchscreen that now floats above the dashboard and runs fresh Uconnect software. 

Ahead of the driver are analogue dials and a 7-inch TFT screen for info, while there’s a wireless charging pad in the centre console, push-button start and keyless entry. The seats are carryover items in the Launch Edition and are appointed in cloth.

Jeep has bumped the safety levels for the new Compass with the addition of all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, traffic sign recognition, and pedestrian detection has been added to the frontal AEB system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain standard.

The Launch Edition is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine dubbed the ‘Tigershark’. The motor sends 129kW of power and 229Nm of torque to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

The Jeep Compass Limited

This is the first of the Compass models to gain a switchable AWD system with terrain control modes, though the rest of the powertrain is the same.

The $43,950 (plus on-roads) Limited also benefits from a slew of extra interior tech, including a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, electrically adjustable leather-appointed seats with lumbar, hands-free power tailgate and auto parking.

Above that sits the S-Limited which, for $46,950 plus on-roads, builds on the specification with dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels and matching grille, a contrast black roof, body-colour wheel arches and premium Alpine sound system inside.

The S-Limited Premium Package bundles double sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera for $2,950 on top. 

The Jeep Compass 80th Anniversary

Like the Wrangler off-roader, the Compass gets a special model to celebrate 80 years in Australia, costing $47,941 plus on-roads and limited to 160 units.

Jeep fits unmissable decals, badges and unique 18-inch alloy wheels, while inside there are premium leather-appointed manually adjustable seats with 80th-anniversary embroidering. Otherwise, this model is identical to the Limited.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk

The Trailhawk may be the most expensive Compass, but it’s also the most ‘Jeep’ of them. It scores beefy tyres wrapped around 16-inch alloys, underbody protection and signature red recovery hooks.

At $51,250 plus on-roads, the Trailhawk benefits from an updated 2L turbo-diesel engine that sends 125kW and 350Nm to all four wheels and meets Euro 6D emissions standards. It also gets a lower final-drive ratio, full-size spare and decals to enhance its tough looks. 

The first Jeep Compass examples will arrive in Australian showrooms in the middle of this month. Both the S-Limited and Trailhawk models have been delayed until later in 2021.

Jeep Compass 2022: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Compass Launch Edition – $37,950
• Compass Limited – $43,950
• Compass 80th Anniversary – $46,950
• Compass Trailhawk – $51,250