If you’re in the market for an affordable four-wheel drive Jeep SUV, the 2022 Jeep Compass ranks at the top of the list. While the Compass offers a choice of front-wheel or four-wheel drive, choosing a 4WD model brings out this subcompact crossover’s best traits. Ultimately, the 2022 Jeep Compass suits one type of buyer best. 

What’s good about the 2022 Jeep Compass?

According to U.S. News, the 2022 Jeep Compass offers “superb off-road ability, easy-to-use infotainment controls, and spacious seats. In addition, the Compass employs a nine-speed automatic transmission in its 4WD drivetrain instead of the six-speed automatic found in the FWD version. The extra gears allow the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to operate at its preferred RPM range for optimal power delivery. 

Given the Jeep name, one would expect the Compass to deliver off-road performance. Luckily, this small SUV fills those big metaphorical shoes thanks to its Selec-Terrain management system with modes like Snow, Sand, and Mud. In addition, upgrading to the Trailhawk trim affords more off-road capability than interior comfort, with additional skid plates, tow hooks, low-range gearing, hill descent control, and a rock traction setting. 

Standard 2022 Jeep Compass infotainment features include:

• An 8.4-inch touchscreen
• A six-speaker stereo
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth
• Three USB ports
• Satellite radio
• Voice recognition

Notable infotainment upgrades include:

• A 10.1-inch touchscreen
• A nine-speaker Alpine audio system
• Wireless charging for electronic devices
• Navigation

Other available features include:

• Remote start
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• A panoramic sunroof

Uncompromised passenger space leads the 2022 Jeep Compass’ interior accolades. A high and wide roofline provides enough interior space for five adults to stretch out, whether seated in the front or back. 

Where does the 2022 model fall flat?

Compared to other small SUVs, the 2022 Jeep Compass has less cargo space, lower-quality cabin materials, poor driving dynamics, an uncomfortable ride, and lower fuel efficiency. The Compass falls short of the competition in every category except off-road capability and, perhaps, interior passenger space. The result? U.S. News placed the Compass near the bottom of its compact SUV rankings, with only the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross below it. 

One of the 2022 Compass’ most glaring failures is its 177-hp 2.4-liter engine. It has enough power to poke around town, but once prompted to reach highway speeds, the engine growls in protest as it struggles to comply. Passing attempts on a two-lane highway should occur only on long stretches of clear road with careful planning in advance.

What type of buyer should consider the 2022 Jeep Compass?

Only drivers interested in off-roading should check out the 2022 Jeep Compass. With its underpowered engine, vague handling, poor gas mileage, and lack of cargo space, this SUV doesn’t stack up well against rivals in its price range. 

However, despite providing similar or better off-road performance than the Compass, alternatives will cost more than the highly off-roadable 4WD Jeep SUV.