To be blunt, the 2022 Jeep Compass is just not what a Jeep is supposed to be. But whatever it is, it should be better than this. We’re not alone in our assessment of the Compass. Consumer Reports was also critical of it for many reasons because it did poorly in many categories the consumer group tabulates.
Being the second generation of the Compass, we hoped Jeep would have learned some insight into how it could be better. But in all of Consumer Reports’ testing categories, it rates the lowest of the small SUVs tested. As with previous models saddled with the 2.4-liter engine, the trouble starts with the drivetrain.
Troubles start with the Jeep Compass engine
A blue Jeep Compass compact SUV is on display | Getty
The sluggish four-cylinder engine is hooked to a nine-speed automatic transmission with lots of ills. Slow acceleration, slow response, and lazy downshifting are just the beginning. Shifting is harsh, and 0-60 mph times are a hair below 10 seconds. And the engine emits extra noise in the cabin when pushed a bit.
For handling, it is competent, but the Compass has a habit of taking an extra bounce or two to settle after a dip or bump in the road. The steering is vague, requiring some extra tugs on the wheel, and lacks much feedback. Understeer was more than it should be in an SUV of this size. Consumer Reports found the brakes to be touchy at certain speeds.
Inside, two Jeep UConnect screens are available, either the 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch versions. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require a manual to figure out. In general, the upholstery looks a little utilitarian, but some feel that it gives a more rugged look.
What about safety features?
2022 Jeep Compass | Jeep
On the plus side, the Compass comes with all of the standard crash avoidance and safety features like forward collision warning, automotive emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning with the rear cross-traffic warning.
Current owners who were surveyed gave the Compass fair marks for satisfaction. But its prediction for buyer satisfaction moving forward was poor. And Consumer Reports prediction for reliability was only two points out of five, indicating there is trouble on the horizon. These in themselves are three strong factors that buyers look to CR for.
For fuel economy and emissions, its size, weight, and drivetrain should have rated better. As it is, it had average marks in this category. Consumer Reports got 16 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, with an overall 24 mpg rating.
Consumer Reports gave the Jeep a 45 rating out of 100
A red 2022 Jeep compass small SUV is on display | Getty
For an overall rating, the Jeep Compass only scored 45 points. For perspective, the top three small SUVs were the 2022 Subaru Forrester with 90 points, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson with 89 points, and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime with 88 points. As you can see, the Compass scored only half as well as the winning Forrester.
The base price for a 2022 Jeep Compass is $26,390, with a loaded version at $33,210. There is also a $1,595 Destination Charge.
Keyword: Only One 2022 Jeep Failed in Every Consumer Reports Test