The Jeep Compass has always held a certain allure, promising a taste of Jeep’s legendary off-road capability in a more city-friendly package. Like its bigger siblings, the Compass aims to blend everyday practicality with a spirit of adventure. However, when we delve deeper into this compact crossover, we find a mix of strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should carefully consider. This Jeep Compass Review will explore these aspects to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for your needs.
The 2020 Jeep Compass sits comfortably between the smaller Renegade and the slightly larger Cherokee in Jeep’s lineup. Offered in seven distinct trims, ranging from the base Sport to the luxurious High Altitude, the Compass caters to a broad spectrum of buyers. While front-wheel drive is standard, those seeking Jeep’s renowned off-road prowess can opt for all-wheel drive. A variety of transmissions are available, including a six-speed manual, but all Compass models share the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood.
Unfortunately, the powertrain is where the Compass starts to lose some of its shine. The 2.4-liter engine, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, struggles to deliver spirited performance in this 3,600-pound SUV. Acceleration can be described as leisurely at best. Compounding this issue is the nine-speed automatic transmission, which in certain configurations, feels hesitant and slow to react, particularly when needing to downshift for quicker acceleration. Around-town driving can feel less smooth than desired, with the transmission often hunting for the right gear. A six-speed automatic might offer a more direct and responsive driving experience.
Adding to the powertrain woes is the Jeep Compass’s fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive, nine-speed automatic combination achieves the least impressive fuel efficiency figures in the range, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. This places the Compass behind leading competitors in the compact SUV segment, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, all of which offer better fuel economy.
However, the Jeep Compass redeems itself when the pavement ends. While it lacks the Wrangler’s dedicated four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, the Compass boasts commendable off-road capabilities for its class. Equipped with selectable terrain modes including Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock (the latter exclusive to the Trailhawk trim), the Compass can confidently tackle trails and terrains that would deter many other crossovers. This off-road prowess is a significant selling point for those seeking adventure beyond the typical daily commute.
Inside, the Compass features Fiat-Chrysler’s user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, widely praised for its intuitiveness. Higher trims feature an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect display that is responsive and easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, ensuring seamless smartphone integration, and Garmin-based navigation is available for those needing built-in GPS. While tech features are generally well-executed, the Compass could benefit from more readily available charging options, offering only one USB port for each row in standard configurations. A 115-volt outlet in the rear is a useful touch, however.
The interior styling is aesthetically pleasing, drawing inspiration from the larger Grand Cherokee. However, material quality is merely adequate, falling short of the premium feel found in some competitors. Passenger space is average for the compact SUV class, but rivals often offer more generous room and a wider array of luxury features. Cargo space is somewhat limited, providing 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 60 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Visually, the Jeep Compass is undeniably appealing. It adopts design cues from the Grand Cherokee, resulting in a handsome and well-proportioned compact SUV that avoids the polarizing styling of some other models in its segment. The High Altitude trim, as tested, reaches a price point of $37,360 when fully optioned, including destination charges. For those prioritizing off-road capability, the Trailhawk trim with its lifted suspension and more aggressive tires might be more visually and functionally appealing.
At the entry-level, the 2020 Jeep Compass presents a more compelling value proposition, starting just above $22,000. This base price undercuts competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 and even comes in below the Kia Sportage. For budget-conscious buyers, a lower-trim Compass offers a rugged aesthetic and some off-road capability at an attractive price. However, as the price climbs into the mid-$30,000 range with higher trims and options, the Compass faces stiffer competition from rivals that may offer more refined on-road performance, interior space, and standard features.
In conclusion, the Jeep Compass review reveals a vehicle with a distinct rugged charm and genuine off-road ability, particularly in Trailhawk guise. However, its underwhelming powertrain and fuel economy, coupled with merely average interior space and materials, mean it’s not a class leader in the competitive compact SUV segment. The Compass makes the most sense as a budget-friendly entry-level model for those prioritizing Jeep’s styling and occasional off-road adventures. Buyers seeking a more well-rounded compact SUV for daily driving and family hauling might find better alternatives elsewhere, especially as they move up the Compass trim levels and price range.
