2020 Jeep Compass Review

　　

2020 Jeep Compass Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Modern crossovers don't have the go-anywhere, do-anything spirit of old-school SUVs, but some can still handle off-road adventures when called upon. The 2020 Jeep Compass is a competitively priced small crossover that can, when optioned properly, tackle dirt trails like nothing else in the class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $22,105 MSRPSport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) - $23,605 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $25,355 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $25,355 MSRPSun and Wheel 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 2/20 (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $26,250 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $26,775 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,275 MSRPSun and Safety 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $27,050 MSRPSun and Safety 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $28,550 MSRPNorth Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,800 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,405 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,905 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,675 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $30,400 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Much of its off-road skill comes courtesy of the Trailhawk trim. Not only is all-wheel drive standard in the Trailhawk, it also adds a lifted suspension, beefier tires, a more advanced traction control system, and underbody skid plates to protect vital components. These upgrades, along with a lockable center differential, hill descent control and a first-gear hold feature, make the Compass more versatile than many of its rivals.

　　There are a few negative aspects to consider. The sole engine offering is neither quick nor fuel-efficient, and interior cargo space is a little lacking. But overall we think you'll find the Compass to be an agreeable subcompact SUV, especially if you go for the Trailhawk version.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.0/10

　　How does the Compass drive? We tested the Compass Trailhawk. It will surprise you with its impressive capability when the trail gets tough. The first-gear hold and lockable center differential are features that you won't find on most rival SUVs.

　　But some of the things that make the Trailhawk so good off-road hurt it on pavement. Emergency braking from 60 mph took 140 feet in zzdcar' testing, which we primarily attribute to the low-grip, all-terrain tires. Its underwhelming handling is the same, and its 0-60 mph time of 10.1 seconds is marginal at best.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Compass? The Trailhawk isn't the most comfortable choice in the segment, but it is a little better than average. This is true even on models without the Trailhawk's off-road-oriented tire and suspension package. The front seat cushions are firm and have adequate lateral support.

　　The climate system's mix of buttons and touchscreen controls works great. We also like the nice and toasty heated seats and steering wheel. On the downside, there's a moderate amount of wind noise on the highway and, at least for the Trailhawk and its knobby tires, noticeable road noise on rougher road surfaces. Other Compass versions should be a little quieter.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Compass' interior is straightforward and ergonomic. All of the controls are laid out well, and the Trailhawk's drive mode dial is easy to use. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment range.

　　Passengers can get in and out with ease, thanks to the wide doors with squared-off tops. Once inside, the Compass impresses with a spacious cabin with plenty of head- and legroom front and back. The driver has a good view of the road ahead, though the chunky roof pillars create blind spots in the rear.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? While it's not a tech-heavy vehicle, the Compass proves that quality is better than quantity. The available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen has crisp graphics and accessible menus. We also like that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels.

　　Voice controls are similarly impressive; though recognition is just average, the system interfaces with multiple aspects of the infotainment system. You can even send prewritten texts and adjust climate settings. There are many available driver assist systems, but most work just OK.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? While cargo volume is on the low side for this class of SUV, the available space is useful. There are multiple storage areas throughout the cabin that are perfect for small items. The armrest bin can hold large phones or a small camera, and the glovebox is decently sized. As a family vehicle, the Compass loses a few points because its child car-seat anchors are buried in the seat cushions and are hard to find and access.

　　All-wheel-drive Compass models such as the Trailhawk can tow up to 2,000 pounds, a decent rating for this segment. An optional tow kit adds a four-pin harness and an integrated Class III hitch.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Even with its taller ride height and knobby tires, the Compass Trailhawk we tested managed to get 27.7 mpg on our evaluation loop. That was almost 3 mpg better than the official EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined. However, most rival SUVs are more fuel-efficient overall.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Compass a good value? The Trailhawk can be seen as having good value given its capability. But you may want to look elsewhere if a regular Compass is on your radar. Pricing can be a little higher than the norm, and warranty coverage is average.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　For most people, going off-road is not a daily occurrence. But for enthusiasts who like getting dirty, exploring the less worn path is a genuinely enjoyable thing to do. They will happily tolerate the Trailhawk's on-road sluggishness in exchange for its surprising capability off-road. While most crossovers will reside in suburbia, Jeep infused the Compass with the right look and feel to keep drivers smiling.

　　

Which Compass does zzdcar recommend?

If you want to save some money, the base Sport isn't a bad way to go. Neither is the Latitude, but it just doesn't offer enough upgrades for the money. We'd go with the Limited or the Trailhawk. Select the Limited if you want additional luxury features or the Trailhawk if you plan to venture off-road. No matter which trim you pick, make sure to add the two inexpensive safety packages if you want advanced driving aids in your Compass.

　　

2020 Jeep Compass models

The 2020 Jeep Compass is a subcompact crossover available in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. There are also Altitude and High Altitude versions of the Latitude and Limited, respectively, that add unique exterior accents and a few extra features.

　　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 (for front-wheel-drive models) or a nine-speed automatic (AWD models only).

　　Starting things out is the Sport trim. Standard equipment highlights include heated mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, height-adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split rear bench, a 7-inch touchscreen, first- and second-row USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

　　Compared to the Sport, the Compass Latitude has alloy wheels, roof rails, rear air vents, upgraded cloth and simulated leather seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and more option packages.

　　From there, you can choose between the luxe Limited and the off-road-focused Trailhawk.

　　The Compass Limited is the most comprehensively equipped. Standout features include remote engine start, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a color information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 115-volt household-style power outlet.

　　The AWD-only Trailhawk is based on the Latitude but adds a few of the Limited's upgrades, including the larger touchscreen. You also get off-road-oriented tires, a raised suspension, skid plates and a Selec-Terrain system to help the Compass crawl up steep ascents and over rocky surfaces.

　　Many of the features in upper trim levels are available on other trims via option packages. Other notable packages include the Safety and Security Group and Advanced Safety Group, both of which add advanced driver safety aids. Other popular options, depending on the trim level, include a navigation system, a sunroof, a premium nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a power liftgate and xenon headlights.

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2020 Compass Highlights

Trim: SportLatitudeSun and WheelAltitudeSun and SafetyNorth EditionLimitedTrailhawkHigh AltitudeSport

　　

Base MSRP	$22,105
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