Video: 2022 Jeep Compass: Up Close

We've had our first chance to take a look at it at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show, and here's a rundown on what's new and what's not. Jeep has updated the Compass's front end with a new version of the brand's signature seven-slot grille, new LED headlights, and an updated lower bumper design. It's also made the off-road Trailhawk version more distinct with its own version of the seven-slot grill, and what it's calling Jeep teeth right below it. Trailhawk models also get a red and black anti-glare hood decal, but the changes are even more significant inside. The Compass has an all new dashboard design that really changes the interior's look. It has a layered appearance with a floating center touchscreen that's reminiscent of the designs we've seen in larger Jeeps, like the Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer. It comes standard with an 8.4-inch center touchscreen, or a new 10.1-inch screen, and both are running Uconnect 5 multimedia system that lets you store user profiles, customize the home screen, and also pair two phones at once using Bluetooth. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are Type A and Type C USB ports for charging, as well as, an available wireless charging pad. The Compass also offers uplevel features like leather trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. You can also get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, heated rear seats, and a foot-activated power liftgate. And those features are new for the 2022 model year. Jeep has also made more active safety features standard. These include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist and blind spot warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also available is the new Highway Assist System, which uses lane-centering steering and adaptive cruise control to manage the vehicle's position in a lane and vehicle speed. It's meant as a driver aid though, as the driver still has to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road when using it. What hasn't changed in the 2022 Compass is it's drivetrain. It's still powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed automatic in front-wheel-drive models, and a nine-speed automatic in four-wheel-drive versions. Estimated fuel economy hasn't changed either. It's still rated at 25 miles per gallon combined whether you get front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and its maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds is unchanged too. The Compass's two available four-wheel-drive systems carry over as well, though the Trailhawk system with low range remains one of the more capable systems in the compact SUV class. The Trailhawk also has 8.6 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, and better approach, departure, and breakover angles than other Compass models. The 2022 Compass hits dealerships in fall 2021 and it's starting price has risen $500 to $26,490, and that includes a $1,495 destination charge. While the interior updates and new standard features are welcome, the Compass's Achilles Heel has been it's modestly powered engine and slow to react nine-speed automatic transmission, and those features are still present in the vehicle, so we'll have to see what our experience is like once we get a chance to drive it. For more information on the Compass and everything else at the Chicago Auto Show, check out cars.com/news. Oh-oh.