Jeep Compass Review

Billed as Jeep’s urban runaround that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty on the weekend, the Compass offers buyers a heap of versatility within the compact SUV segment and could be the perfect option for adventurous families. 

Just how good is the latest Jeep Compass, then, and how does it stack up against its rivals? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $39,950

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Jeep Compass (TRAILHAWK) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Jeep Compass car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Jeep Compass lineup kicks off from $39,950 for the entry-level Compass Night Eagle, with prices rising to $45,350 for the Compass Limited. 

Stepping up to the Compass S-Limited brings the price to $48,350, while the range-topping Compass Trailhawk is priced at $52,650. 

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What Features Does the Jeep Compass Have?

Jeep’s entry-level Compass Night Eagle comes riding on 18-inch alloys and receives a set of LED fog lights, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera with parking sensors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. 

Stepping up to the Compass Limited adds a 4x4 system, leather upholstery, LED headlights, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, powered boot lift, front parking sensors and a 10.25-inch driver’s display. 

Opting for the Compass S-Limited adds a set of 19-inch alloys, a black roof with body-coloured wheel arches, a revised front grille, grey interior stitching and an upgraded nine-speaker sound system from Alpine. 

Finally, the range-topping Compass Trailhawk comes packed with 17-inch alloys, all-terrain tyres, a surround-view camera, protective skid plates, a full-sized spare tyre and front tow hooks. 

Range Features: 

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED fog lights 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Reversing camera with parking sensors 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever 

• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 4x4 system (Limited)

• LED headlights (Limited) 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (Limited) 

• 19-inch alloys (S-Limited) 

• Revised front grille (S-Limited) 

• Nine-speaker Alpine sound system (S-Limited)

• 17-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres (Trailhawk) 

• Surround-view camera (Trailhawk)

• Protective skid plates (Trailhawk)

• Full-sized spare tyre (Trailhawk)

Jeep Compass Colours 

The Jeep Compass is available in eight colours, including Pearl White, Bright White, Colorado Red, Minimal Grey, Grey Magnesio, Hunter Green, Galaxy Blue and Brilliant Black. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

After just a few minutes, it’s clear that Jeep has created an extremely comfortable and user-friendly compact SUV 

The majority of the Jeep Compass range comes powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 129kW of power and 229Nm of torque, while the range-topping Compass Trailhawk receives a turbo-diesel pushing out 125kW of power and 350Nm of torque. 

The turbo-diesel is no doubt the engine pick of the lineup, but we’re well aware of the price premium that it commands. 

It’s also important that we point out the entry-level Night Eagle comes with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive configuration, while the rest of the Compass range gains a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system. 

On the road, the Compass is exceptionally user-friendly thanks to its lightweight steering rack that makes parking a simple process, while the suspension eats up all the bumps on your average trip around town and makes for a comfortable long-distance cruiser. 

The compact turning circle helps to make the Compass platform manageable around town; one of the most important hallmarks of a small SUV that will spend most of its time in the urban jungle.

Jeep’s claims of its off-road abilities, however, are pretty accurate- so long as you’re not pushing it too hard. 

When the tarmac stops and gravel roads start, the Compass can confidently push further than the majority of its rivals, although it is ultimately limited by its ground clearance at the front that can scrape on some driveways, let alone off-road trails. 

All up, though, the Compass is undeniably comfortable and far more capable than the majority of its competitors within the small SUV segment and etches itself out a nice niche within the space for buyers looking for a more versatile package. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

While it might fit under the category of a small or compact SUV, inside, there’s a heap of space and practicality on offer in the Compass, so much so that it challenges some mid-sized SUVs in one key area. 

Up front, the cabin is sleek, stylish and filled with technology thanks to the addition of a 10.1-inch infotainment system in all variants that offers a high-definition display and responds quickly to user inputs and feels like a tablet. 

The front of the cabin is comfortable and spacious, giving the driver a great view of the road and storage options in the form of a storage tray behind the gear lever, a pair of cup holders, a decent-sized glovebox and storage inside the folding armrest. 

In the rear of the Compass, you’ll find far more space than most of its compact SUV rivals, making for an extremely family-friendly cabin that can accommodate adults without too much of a problem. 

There’s a pair of ISOFIX mounts in the rear of the cabin, as well both USB A & C ports, a power outlet and a set of air vents and a folding armrest with inbuilt cup holders adding to its family-friendly nature. 

Finally, the practical package is rounded out by a sizable 438L boot which is extremely impressive for the small SUV segment, and even matches what’s on offer in midsize SUVs like the Mazda CX-5. 

As a result, the Jeep Compass is a very strong performer when it comes to space and practicality for the small SUV segment thanks to its American design. 

Is it Safe? 

The Jeep Compass has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, and comes fully equipped when it comes to active safety features. 

Every member of the Compass family gains autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera with parking sensors, lane-keep and lane-departure assistance, rear cross-traffic alerts and intelligent speed assist all come as standard. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The majority of the Compass range is relatively thirsty when it comes to fuel economy figures, with the petrol engine rated at 9.7L/100km on a combined cycle, while the entry-level Night Eagle is rated at 7.9L/100km, thanks to its front-wheel drive platform. 

Opting for the turbo-diesel Trailhawk drops fuel economy figures to 6.9L/100km on a combined cycle, making it the fuel economy pick of the range. 

Our Verdict: Is the Jeep Compass Worth it?

The Jeep Compass is an extremely comfortable, versatile, and strong competitor in the compact SUV segment. 

We think that the entry-point of the Compass range has some genuine value to offer buyers thanks to the extremely spacious platform that offers more practicality and versatility than the majority of its compact SUV rivals. 

As you step higher into the range, though, the steep prices make the package more difficult to justify, and bring it closer to a number of midsize SUV options from competitors. 

If you’re looking for a small SUV that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty, though, the Compass is worth a closer look. 

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/100,000km warranty 
2. 12-month/12,000km service intervals; 20,000km for Trailhawk 
3. 9.7L/100km fuel economy; drops to 7.9L for Night Eagle & 6.9L for Trailhawk 
4. 438L boot space 
5. 2.4-litre petrol engine as standard; 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in Trailhawk 

Pros 

• Well-equipped cabin with a large infotainment system 
• Spacious back seats with segment-leading boot space 
• Comfortable, user-friendly platform  

Cons

• Short service intervals for the majority of the range 
• Lofty price tags 
• Base engine performance & fuel economy outshined by competitors 

OnlineAuto Rating: 7/10

Jeep Compass Competition