Jeep Compass: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
Most significant changes: The Compass gets an updated interior for 2022, with double the storage capacity and a more upscale look — at least in upper trims. Other updates include a standard 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen display with the latest version of the Uconnect 5 multimedia system, an updated front end with LED headlights and new wheel designs. The number of trims has been reduced from seven to five, with the new Latitude Lux model slotting right in the middle. In addition, more safety features are now standard equipment, and some new convenience features join the options list.
Pricing: Compass prices start at $26,490 for the base Sport model with front-wheel drive. The top Limited and off-road focused Trailhawk trims both start at $32,890. All prices include the destination charge.
The price for the base Sport trim has increased by $500. Limited trim pricing has gone up by $1,255. Latitude prices have been reduced by $145, and the Trailhawk has come down by $245. Some of these fluctuations may be due to the reduction of models from seven to five, along with shifting standard equipment. The destination charge has not changed, remaining at $1,495.
On sale: Fall 2021
Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? With the addition of more standard safety features in the base Sport trim, stepping up to a 2022 model might be a better buy unless you’re concerned about the $500 price bump. If you’re shopping for a Latitude or Trailhawk trim, the price is actually lower for a 2022 Compass than for a 2021.
Related: 2022 Jeep Compass Sports New Interior and Tech, Starts at $26,490
Features and Safety Tech
Lower Sport and Latitude trims come with front-wheel drive; four-wheel drive is optional. Latitude Lux, Limited and Trailhawk models all have standard 4WD.
Other standard features include the Uconnect 5 multimedia system, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Wireless device charging, heated rear seats and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster are available.
For 2022, all trims have standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, park assist and a 360-degree camera system are optional on mid-level trim models and standard with top trims. Traffic sign recognition is also available on upper trims. A semi-autonomous driving system is slated to arrive later in the model year.
Engine
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder soldiers on as the only engine, with a slight drop in horsepower from 180 to 177. FWD models get a six-speed automatic transmission; 4WD versions use a nine-speed automatic.
Interior
The 2022 model’s newly redone interior has seating for five in a more upscale environment. Interior storage room is also improved, something that we found needed work in the 2020 Compass. Cargo room is adequate, but trails the best in the category.
More From Cars.com:
- Up Close With the 2022 Jeep Compass: Charting an Upmarket Course With New Interior, Technology
- What’s New for Jeep in 2021?
- What Is Uconnect and Is Uconnect Worth It?
- Research the 2022 Jeep Compass
- See All Jeep Models
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