2021 Jeep Compass Review

　　

2021 Jeep Compass Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The Jeep Compass fills the gap between the Jeep Renegade in the extra-small SUV class and the Jeep Cherokee in the small SUV class. That makes it difficult to name direct competitors, though the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek are pretty similar in regards to size and price. In general, the Compass distinguishes itself from the pack with easy-to-use technology features, a roomy back seat and better-than-average off-road abilities.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) 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

　　$146/mo  for Compass Sport

　　Compass Sport

　　Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $24,495 MSRPSport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $25,995 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $26,425 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,925 MSRPFreedom 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,490 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $27,845 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $29,345 MSRP80th Anniversary Edition 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,695 MSRP80th Anniversary Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $30,195 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $29,895 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $31,395 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $31,395 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Like other Jeeps not named Wrangler or Gladiator, the Compass is available in a Trailhawk trim level. It significantly boosts the Compass' off-road capability with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires and a lifted suspension. Compared to most of its rivals, the Compass can get you further off the beaten path but feels a bit less refined. Is this distinctive SUV right for you? Read our Expert Rating below to learn more.

　　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 all-terrain tires 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. The transmission can be slow to downshift too.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Compass? The Compass 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 optional heated seats and steering wheel, which get toasty. On the downside, there's a moderate amount of wind noise on the highway and, at least in the Trailhawk with 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 with good ergonomics. 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 voice recognition is merely average. Still, 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. You''ll find 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. To do it you'll need the optional tow kit that adds a four-pin harness and an integrated Class III hitch.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Compass Trailhawk we tested managed to get about 28 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. As such, we expect the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving is pretty realistic. However, most rival SUVs are more fuel-efficient overall.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Compass a good value? The Trailhawk can considered a 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?

Rather than going with the bare-bones Compass Sport or Latitude, we recommend buyers take a closer look at the Limited or Trailhawk trim level. The upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen comes standard on both models, and you can add several desirable driver safety aids by selecting the Safety and Security or Advanced Safety Group.

　　

2021 Jeep Compass models

The 2021 Jeep Compass is a subcompact crossover available in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. There are also Altitude and 80th Anniversary Edition versions of the Latitude 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 automatic is standard on FWD models and a nine-speed automatic comes with AWD models.

　　Starting things out is the Sport trim. Standard equipment includes:

　　Steel wheels Automatic dual-zone climate control 60/40-split rear bench seat 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system First- and second-row USB ports Six-speaker sound system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationAlong with access to a few additional option packages, the Compass Latitude adds:

　　Alloy wheels Roof rails Foglights and automatic headlights Leather-wrapped steering wheel Keyless ignition and entry Satellite radio and more option packagesFrom there, you can choose between the luxe Limited and the off-road-focused Trailhawk.

　　The Compass Limited is the most comprehensively equipped. It builds on the Latitude equipment by adding:

　　Remote engine start 8.4-inch touchscreen and color information driver display Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Leather upholsteryThe Limited also comes standard with these advanced safety features:

　　Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Compass and the car in front) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)The AWD-only Trailhawk is based on the Latitude but adds a few of the Limited's upgrades, including the larger touchscreen and safety features. You also get:

　　Off-road-oriented tires Raised suspension Underbody skid plates Tow hooks Hill descent control Many of the features in upper trim levels are available on other trims via option packages. Other significant options include:

　　Xenon headlights Nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system Integrated navigation system Power liftgate Sunroof

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Compass News

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

　　

2021 Compass Highlights

Trim: SportLatitudeFreedomAltitude80th Anniversary EditionLimitedTrailhawkSport

　　

Base MSRP	$24,495
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$146/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles