Jeep Compass Review

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【Summary】The Jeep Compass is a smaller car that aims to rival the Nissan Qashqai, but falls short in terms of quality and performance. It has lots of body roll, vague steering, and an uncomfortable ride. The engine choices include petrol and diesel options, with the latter being more powerful but also noisier. The Compass is not very fuel-efficient and has lower resale values compared to its rivals. The interior design is a mix of Jeep's signature style but lacks the premium feel.

FutureCar Staff Sep 04, 2023 12:14 AM PT

The Jeep Compass is a smaller car produced by the US company, aiming to compete with the Nissan Qashqai while maintaining the off-road capabilities of larger Jeeps. However, it falls short in comparison to its rivals such as the Qashqai, Ford Kuga, and VW Tiguan in terms of quality and performance.

On the road, the Compass disappoints with its body roll, vague steering, and uncomfortable ride. It struggles to handle bumps and potholes, making the driving experience unpleasant. Engine options include a two-wheel-drive 2.0-liter petrol engine with 154bhp and a manual gearbox, or a four-wheel-drive 2.4-liter engine with 168bhp and a CVT auto. Diesel options include a two-wheel-drive 2.2-liter engine with 134bhp and a four-wheel-drive 2.2-liter engine with 161bhp. The latter diesel engine offers the most power and can tow up to 2,000kg. However, the diesel engines produce a noisy and gruff note, and various other noises enter the cabin, making it a noisy and uncomfortable place to be, especially on the motorway.

In terms of running costs, the Compass is priced lower than its rivals, starting at around £17,000. However, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are not impressive, with the petrol engines returning 37mpg and the most efficient diesel engine achieving 46mpg. This means that the Compass will cost more to run on a daily basis. Additionally, the predicted residual values of the Compass are expected to be lower than its rival models, making it a potentially poor investment in the long run. On the positive side, the Compass offers a range of gadgets and features, with even the basic Sport models equipped with air-con, electric windows, cruise control, and iPod compatibility.

The design of the Jeep Compass is a matter of personal preference. It combines Jeep's signature grille and headlight arrangement with chunky wheel arches and car-like proportions. The large alloy wheels add a touch of toughness to the appearance, but overall, it lacks the purposeful look of a Wrangler or the premium SUV feel of a Grand Cherokee.

Inside the Compass, the raised driving position provides good visibility over other vehicles. However, the steering does not adjust for reach, making it difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The chunky rear pillars create significant blind spots to the rear. While there is sufficient space for four adults, the seats offer limited flexibility and the cupholders positioned on the transmission tunnel make it uncomfortable for a middle seat passenger. The boot size is below average for its class, but the Compass compensates with deep door bins and storage pockets in the front.

In terms of safety, the Compass comes equipped with six airbags, traction and stability control, active head restraints, and a system designed to reduce the risk of rollover accidents. However, the build quality is poor, with low-grade plastics used throughout the interior. Jeep has also consistently performed poorly in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction in Driver Power surveys.