2019 Jeep Compass Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

Minor shuffling of feature availability for 2019Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standardPart of the second Compass generation introduced for 2017

　　The first-generation Jeep Compass was not a small SUV we were fond of. Although it had a low price, it was outclassed in just about every other area such as refinement, fuel economy and safety. Thankfully, Jeep introduced a much-improved second-generation Compass for 2017, and that model heads into 2019 without any significant changes.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$140/mo  for Compass Sport

　　Compass Sport

　　Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M) - $21,845 MSRPSport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) - $23,345 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $25,095 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $25,095 MSRPSun & Wheel 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $25,890 MSRPUpland 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,040 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $26,515 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,015 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,195 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,695 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,195 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $30,190 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,690 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Sizewise, the 2019 Jeep Compass splits the difference between Jeep's smaller Renegade (with which it shares its basic platform) and the larger, pricier Cherokee. However, the compact crossover SUV segment in which the Compass plays is crowded, which makes standing out difficult. The Compass is a tidy-handling crossover that delivers solid day-to-day utility and sound fuel economy, but that goes for many others in the class, too.

　　Jeep has an ace in the hole, however, in the form of the Compass' Trailhawk trim level, which is the most off-road-capable model in the segment. Sure, the Trailhawk serves in part as a standard-bearer for the brand that's intended to burnish the image of the rest of the Compass range, but its off-road edge is undeniable.

　　Overall, we like the Compass. Even if you don't get the Trailhawk, this little Jeep has a back seat that is suited to full-size adults and an easy-to-use infotainment system. You might also like its styling, which mimics the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. Just don't expect much speed, though, because the Compass' sole engine offering isn't very powerful.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.3 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Jeep Compass Trailhawk (2.4L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.3 / 10
Driving	6.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

6.0

　　The Compass Trailhawk surprised us with its stiff chassis. It's capable when the trail gets tough, and it's also a decent highway cruiser. But a lackluster powertrain and the Trailhawk's knobby tires reduce how much fun you'll have when going around turns.

　　

Acceleration

6.0

　　Acceleration is marginal even if you bury the pedal, with a 0-60 mph time of 10.1 seconds. The 2.4-liter engine doesn't make pleasant sounds under these conditions either. If you go light on the gas pedal, it tends to upshift a gear or two too high, exacerbating the tepid power delivery.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　The brakes are initially grabby but are easy to modulate after that. Still, there's lots of brake dive and a mushy pedal. In our testing, we observed a long 60-0 mph stopping distance of 140 feet. That's likely due to the Trailhawk's off-road tires. Other Compass versions should be better.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The steering feels taut at highway speeds with a decent amount of weight. It's not overly boosted like some other SUVs, yet it's still easy to manage at low speeds. There isn't much road feel, but that's typical for this type of vehicle.

　　

Handling

6.0

　　The Compass has a solid feel to it, and even the Trailhawk stays decently composed when driving on curvier roads. Its off-road-friendly tires are harsher than all-seasons and handling is numb, particularly in quick transitions. As with braking, other Compass trims will have better handling capability.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　The nine-speed automatic's shift quality is OK, but its insistence on upshifting as soon as possible hurts acceleration. You must floor the throttle to get it to downshift. It likes to be driven with a heavy or a light foot. In between, where most people drive, is the most irksome.

　　

Off-road

9.0

　　For the class, there isn't anything else that off-roads as well as the Trailhawk. It's more capable than you think, and the electronics take the guesswork and stress out of driving. Hard to believe you can drive this thing home afterward. It has a first-gear hold feature and a lockable center differential.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　The Compass Trailhawk isn't the most comfortable choice in the segment, but it is a little better than average. This is true even when considering its off-road-oriented tire and suspension package. It's a setup that works well off-road and is also compatible with poorly maintained city streets.

　　

Seat comfort

7.0

　　The front seat cushions are firm with adequate lateral support. They're adequately comfortable for most body types. There's plenty of headroom and adequate legroom all around.

　　

Ride comfort

7.0

　　The ride is comfortably smooth, even over rough roads, with the suspension and high-profile tires taking the edge off the bumps. The Compass feels surprisingly substantial for a compact SUV.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　There's a moderate amount of wind noise on the highway, and the Trailhawk's knobby tires produce noticeable road noise on rougher road surfaces. Our test vehicle did not have any unwanted vibrations or squeaks.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The climate controls are excellent, with a mix of buttons and touchscreen controls. While all operations can be accomplished through the responsive touchscreen, the Compass has buttons that provide quicker access. The overall system performance is effective, and the heated seats and steering wheel get nice and toasty.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Although the Compass won't win any style awards, its interior is straightforward and ergonomically friendly. Passengers can get in and out with ease and sit comfortably, and the driver has a good view of the road ahead.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　All controls are well laid out and clearly labeled. The Trailhawk's drive mode dial is easy to use, with clear indicator lights that let you know what's going on. The infotainment system is busy in appearance, but it's customizable and easy to navigate.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The sill stepover height may be a tad high for less mobile passengers, but most will find it easy. The seat height is perfect for an easy slide in. The doors open almost to 90 degrees and the entry is wide. Even the rear door openings are squared off to provide more head clearance for rear passengers.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　The driver's seat offers quite a bit of adjustment, including a very effective four-position lumbar support, which is nice. The limiting comfort factor will be for drivers with long legs since the wheel doesn't telescope out far enough for an optimal position.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　The Compass is surprisingly roomy. Even with the driver's seat all the way back, there's room for shorter passengers to sit comfortably. You'll find lots of head-, legroom and elbow room front and rear. The center drive tunnel isn't too tall or intrusive, which helps free up space for the rear middle passenger.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Front and side visibility is decent, though a chunky rear roof pillar creates a blind spot at the rear three-quarter angle. The rearview camera with cross-traffic alert is helpful in this case, especially considering the rear center headrest juts into your view. Thankfully, the headrest is removable.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　The newest Compass is miles better than the previous, pre-2017 version. Durable soft-touch interior materials are well-represented, and leather covers the steering wheel and shift knob. We noticed no creaks or rattles, even on the bumpiest of trails.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　While maximum cargo volume is on the low side, the available space is useful. Small cubbies to the sides of the main cargo area are the perfect place for a jump box, recovery kit and first-aid kit.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　The armrest bin is sized for large phones or a small camera. The central cupholders have an anti-tip design and can take cups with handles. The door pockets can hold a 26-ounce water bottle and other small items. The glovebox is decently sized. The rear cupholders in the armrest are also anti-tip.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　The cargo area measures 27 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 60 cubes when folded. Both are low for the segment. The liftgate's support strut, located on the driver side, intrudes on the hatch opening but doesn't affect loading. Tie-downs are located on the sides and the threshold, allowing for edge-to-edge loading.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　LATCH anchors are buried in between seat cushions and are hard to find and access. The top tethers are on the rear seatback, exposed and easy to locate.

　　

Towing

8.0

　　All-wheel-drive Compass models such as our Trailhawk can tow up to 2,000 pounds, which is above-average. An optional tow kit adds a four-pin harness and an integrated Class III hitch.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　While it's not a tech-heavy vehicle, the Compass proves that quality is better than quantity. Uconnect is easy to use, and functions such as the drive mode, engine stop-start and traction control are all accessible.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.5

　　We're fans of the Uconnect system due to its customizability and easy-to-find functions. The top system, Uconnect 4C, comes with a large 8.4-inch screen with clear and crisp navigation graphics. But the system is sluggish, with late alerts, and real-time traffic is anything but.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Any Compass with the 8.4-inch screen has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Front passengers get one USB port and an auxiliary jack. Rear passengers get one USB port and a 110-volt, household-style outlet.

　　

Driver aids

7.0

　　The optional lane departure warning system is sluggish to react. It occasionally warns you too soon, but usually not soon enough. The camera is sensitive to the contrast between the lane markers and the road. Our test car also had the forward collision mitigation, which functions as it should.

　　

Voice control

8.0

　　It's an average system as far as voice recognition goes, but it stands out due to its scope: It interfaces with the obvious (telephone, navigation, and audio source and channel selection), but you can also send pre-established texts and adjust climate control settings.

　　

Which Compass does zzdcar recommend?

　　If you have your sights set on unpaved roads and wilderness exploration, we recommend the Trailhawk trim for its increased ground clearance, knobbier tires and unique all-wheel-drive calibration. Otherwise, head over to the Latitude, which offers a well-rounded slate of features without ballooning the price up too far.

　　

2019 Jeep Compass models

　　The 2019 Compass is available in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. All come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 175 lb-ft of torque). Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all Compasses except the Trailhawk, which comes standard with AWD. A six-speed manual transmission is available on the Sport and the Latitude, but most Compasses you will come across will have either a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic.

　　Starting things out is the Sport trim. Standard equipment highlights include 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, the smaller Uconnect system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

　　Compared to the Sport, the Compass Latitude has larger wheels, upgraded cloth and simulated leather seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and more choices for options packages.

　　The Compass Limited is the most comprehensively equipped. Standout features include 18-inch wheels, remote start, upgraded exterior trim, a 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, satellite radio, automatic dual-zone climate control, an upgraded driver information display, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery.

　　Though the Trailhawk sits below the Limited in price, it differs greatly in function and features. Only available in AWD with the nine-speed automatic, it rides on 17-inch wheels with off-road-oriented tires and has a raised suspension and its own Selec-Terrain system to help it crawl up steep ascents and over rocky surfaces. Red tow hooks, underbody skidplates and a matte-black hood accent further differentiate the Trailhawk from the rest of the Compass line.

　　Other popular options, depending on the trim level, include a navigation system, a sunroof, a premium Beats audio system, a power liftgate, a Cold Weather package, xenon headlights

　　and an Advanced Safety package that includes adaptive cruise, automatic high beams, forward collision warning and mitigation, and lane departure warning and intervention.

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Compass News

　　You Can Now Order a 2-Door Jeep Wrangler With 35-Inch Tires

　　

2019 Compass Highlights

Trim: SportLatitudeSun & WheelUplandAltitudeLimitedTrailhawkHigh AltitudeSport

　　

Base MSRP	$21,845
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$140/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles