Pros:
- Excellent cargo and interior space.
- Real off-road performance in Trailhawk trim.
- Fiat-Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment is very good.
Cons:
- Improved interior is better, but still behind competition.
- Base models are bare-bones.
- Decent on-road dynamics but doesn't compete with more engaging competition.
Would we buy one? We'd consider one but it has a lot of stiff competition.
Vehicle Type: 4-door, 5-seat compact SUV.
Price Range: The base Jeep Compass Sport starts at an MSRP of $22,090 and pricing reaches up to $30,090 for the top-tier Jeep Compass Limited 4x4. Pricing includes destination fees, but no optional equipment.
Powertrain: All models of the new Jeep Compass are powered by a 180 horsepower 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine.
There are 3 available transmissions. Front-wheel drive models get either a six-speed manual transmission, or six-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive models receive either the six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Competitors: Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Seltos, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota Rav4.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Safety Features: 7/10
Confusingly there are two versions of the 2017 Jeep Compass. The outgoing model, and the newly redesigned model, were both sold as 2017 model years. This article is about the new Compass. The new Jeep Compass comes standard with some basic safety features like stability control, rear view camera, and seven airbags.
Optional safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. When optioned with that additional safety equipment, the Jeep Compass was awarded an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.
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Value: 8/10
The Jeep Compass undercuts the competition by a couple thousand dollars when similarly equipped. Though the Jeep doesn't feel as refined as the competition, it does offer significant value. Jeep rebates and discounts likely will make the Compass more compelling.
The Jeep Compass includes a 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty and a 5 year/60,000 powertrain warranty. No scheduled maintenance package is included.
Tech Features: 7/10
Three sizes of touchscreen ornament the dash of the Compass. Depending on trim and options, a 5.0, 7.0, or 8.4-inch touchscreen runs Fiat-Chrysler's very good Uconnect infotainment system. Standard features include air conditioning, Bluetooth, and USB ports in the front seat area.
All but the base model offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Beats Audio system, additional USB ports in for the rear seats, and automatic climate control are also available options.
Practicality: 8/10
The Jeep Compass received rave reviews for its overall interior space. With 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and 59.8 cubic feet when the seat is folded away, the Compass bests both the smaller Jeep Renegade and the larger Jeep Cherokee.
The Jeep Compass is also one of the least expensive models in the segment, even when quipped with all-wheel drive. For areas of the country where the winter snow flies, the Jeep Compass is a reasonably priced option.
For those looking to go off-road the Jeep Compass Trailhawk offers mud tires, a low-range mode for the AWD system, skid plates, hill-descent control, and a Trail Rated badge. Though it is no Wrangler, the Trailhawk would make for a decent off-road crossover that still fits in most parking spaces.
Styling & Design: 7/10
The new Jeep Compass' styling is based on the larger Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The 7-slot grille lends credence to the off road potential of the Compass and the styling works. The new Compass follows the design language of other Jeep crossovers, and it looks good.
Inside is a mix of vast improvement and more work to do. The Jeep Compass is a big upgrade form the old, but in some ways, it still lags behind the competition. There are too many hard plastic touchpoints in the base model, but higher level Compass models learn from the more expensive Jeep crossovers with improved materials.
Driving Experience: 6/10
The Jeep Compass is well mannered on the road. The new car is built on a shared platform meant for countries all over the world, and the global design makes for nimble on road capability. The preferred drivetrain is the manual transmission optioned with four-wheel drive. The 2.4-liter engine, though adequate, benefits from maintaining higher revs by delaying gear changes or downshifting, which the automatic transmission is reluctant to do.
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk does suffer somewhat for its offroad performance. The all-terrain tires make on-road cornering, acceleration, and braking worse. Most reviewers recommended staying away from the Trailhawk package, unless offroad usability is the number one need.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
FWD models of the Jeep Compass with the six-speed manual transmission receive EPA fuel economy ratings of 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city, and 26 combined mpg. Those estimates drop by one mpg in each category when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.
AWD models with the manual transmission get 31 highway mpg, 22 city, and 25 combined. The 9-speed automatic transmission reduces highway mileage by one mpg, and the other ratings stay the same.
