2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass received exterior styling updates and new wheel designs but largely maintained its appearance since its 2017 redesign. It resembled a miniaturized Grand Cherokee, and our High Altitude test vehicle, with its 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, exuded upscale appeal despite being a smaller Jeep.

Inside the 2022 Compass, especially in the High Altitude specification, the redesign shone. A revamped dashboard, updated digital instrumentation, and improved infotainment systems coupled with soft-touch materials and luxury-grade leather seats elevated its sophistication. The addition of extra sound deadening also contributed to a refined cabin experience.

Pricing for the Compass ranged from $26,020 for the base Sport trim to $35,085 for the top-of-the-line High Altitude model, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test vehicle, fully equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1 option packages, came to an MSRP of $40,470, including destination fees.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered buyers a choice between a classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Engine options included turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrains. Buyers also had to decide between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim level.

The Wrangler’s trim levels began with Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. These versions came with options like fabric soft tops, black or body-color hardtops, and the Sky One-Touch Power-Top. Prices ranged dramatically from around $30,000 to $80,000, excluding destination.

Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, stood out with LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and sand-and-slush floor mats. Its Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, beadlock-capable wheels, larger tires, and reinforced gate hinges. Additional options brought our High Tide's MSRP to $58,845, including the destination charge.

While the High Tide's Hydro Blue paint sparkled, the more basic interior aligned with its Sport S roots, offering rugged durability but lacking in plushness. This bare-bones setup matched the off-road ethos of the Wrangler.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, mustering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Unfortunately, its performance was underwhelming for a compact SUV weighing around 3,500 pounds, leading to lackluster acceleration. Although paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission (six-speed for FWD models), the powertrain was often sluggish.

The Compass featured Jeep Selec-Terrain with Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes, and the Active Drive AWD system which could send full power to the rear wheels when necessary. Despite EPA ratings estimating 25 mpg combined for our High Altitude, we averaged only 23.8 mpg. The High Altitude offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of light off-roading. For serious off-road ventures, the Trailhawk trim was more adept with its enhanced AWD system and 8.6 inches of ground clearance.

In day-to-day driving, the Compass felt nimble but struggled with smooth power delivery and often exhibited a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. The drivetrain was notably the least impressive aspect of the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid technology, generated 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, it provided solid off-road performance. However, its fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 17.6 mpg on a standard route and 16.8 mpg over a week.

Driving a Wrangler was a visceral experience, enlivening the senses with its open-air capability and rugged charm. The interior noise, rough ride, vague steering, and sensitive brakes were all part of its well-known character, appealing to those who relished a raw, immersive drive.

Jeep positioned the Compass amidst its Renegade and Cherokee models, all with similar interior dimensions but targeted at different segments. The Compass could comfortably seat four adults with ample luggage space. The 2022 updates made the High Altitude variant feel upscale with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

The redesigned dashboard featured a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system with optional 10.1-inch touchscreen and a modern, integrated control layout. Cargo space was generous, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded—remarkably more than the pricier Cherokee.

In stark contrast, the Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension complicated entry and exit, especially for shorter individuals. Inside, the cloth upholstery and predominant plastic and rubber materials underscored its rugged design. The compact driving position required adjustment, and visibility varied depending on the angle.

The Wrangler’s rear seat passengers also faced entry challenges, but once seated, they enjoyed decent comfort. Cargo access involved swinging a heavy tailgate to reveal 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Despite its off-road prowess, its interior storage solutions were limited.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, significantly faster than its predecessor. Standard models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.1-inch display. The system supported dual Bluetooth device connections, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and voice text-to-reply capability. Over-the-air updates, available navigation, connected services, and an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system rounded out its robust tech offerings.

Despite being basic, the voice recognition system allowed for various tasks, such as adjusting cabin temperature, although it sometimes struggled with specific location requests.

Conversely, the Wrangler High Tide's tech was more rudimentary. Predicated on Sport S trim, it featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system, but streaming services effectively compensated for these omissions. Available tech included remote engine start, a passive keyless entry system, and a new air filtration system as part of the single-zone automatic climate control package.

The 2022 Compass saw significant safety upgrades, including standard forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera were optional. Despite the enhancements, the 2021 model's IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings indicated a need for headlight improvements.

The 2022 Wrangler High Tide benefited from the Safety Group, which included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, safety ratings were less favorable, with a NHTSA three-star rollover rating and IIHS Marginal ratings for crash protection and headlights, underscoring the need for cautious driving.