Overview & Reviews

Most people think of Jeeps as tough off-road vehicles that love to get muddy, but when the Jeep Compass debuted for 2007, it wasn't like other Jeeps. It didn't look rugged, it wasn't trail-rated, and as far as we could tell, it didn't even like dirt. Instead, it was a car-based design built for the majority of small-SUV buyers who wanted a fuel-efficient runabout that was easy to drive around suburbia. Four-wheel drive was available, of course, but it was a single-speed system -- enough to get you through a snowstorm and that's about it.

As you can imagine, Jeep purists didn't much care for the Compass, which they regarded as the antithesis of all things Jeep. The company evidently took this early criticism to heart, because the latest iteration has revised styling and newfound capabilities that edge the Compass closer to "real Jeep" status. Even so, the Jeep Compass faces stiff competition among today's compact, car-based SUVs. Its low base price and interesting features may be compelling at a glance, but for those who dig deeper, its subpar engines, modest cargo capacity and relatively crude driving dynamics will likely prove significant liabilities.

Current Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV offered in Sport, Latitude and Limited trim levels. Standard equipment on the base Sport includes alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and an auxiliary audio jack. Stepping up to the Latitude gets you heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, while the Limited gets items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and automatic climate control. Notable options include a navigation system, Bluetooth and a USB port.

Every front-wheel-drive Jeep Compass Sport or Latitude model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 158 horsepower. A 2.4-liter 172-hp four-cylinder engine is standard on the Limited and all four-wheel-drive Compasses. It is optional on the others. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport, but a six-speed automatic transmission can be specified instead. The Latitude and Limited come standard with the six-speed automatic.

Of the two available four-wheel-drive options, the light-duty "Freedom Drive I" system operates in front-wheel-drive mode under normal conditions and automatically sends power to the rear wheels only when needed. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road package (available on 4WD versions) includes hill ascent/descent assist and a host of other all-terrain equipment, but unfortunately it requires the undesirable continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) -- which also comes standard with the optional Altitude and High Altitude packages.

In reviews, we've found the Jeep Compass to be one of the least appealing compact SUVs. At its core, the Compass still shares its underpinnings with the thankfully departed Dodge Caliber hatchback, and suffers from the same weak and noisy engines. Acceleration is slow regardless of which engine you opt for, though the six-speed automatic does improve on the CVT's whiny, sluggish operation. In terms of refinement (or lack thereof), the 2.4-liter is almost as rough and loud as the 2.0, and neither achieves impressive fuel economy.

To be fair, the Freedom Drive II package makes the Compass an unusually capable crossover in the dirt, but if that's what you're after, there are superior alternatives, including Jeep's own Cherokee. And aside from Freedom Drive II, there's little else to recommend the Compass over its peers. Rear passenger space is adequate overall, but legroom is tight back there relative to the norm, and the harsh, bouncy ride haunts both seating rows. Maximum cargo space behind the front seats also trails the pack.

Used Jeep Compass Models
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Jeep Compass is in its first generation, but there have been significant changes made. From 2007-'10, the Compass featured different exterior styling that was less indicative of other Jeep models. It was rounder, a little more avant garde, and if we're honest, not very attractive. Prior to an interior overhaul for 2009 that addressed both design and materials quality, the cabin was one of the worst on the market. It was upgraded yet again for 2011, which was also the first year for the current car's more capable Freedom Drive II equipment and "baby Grand Cherokee" styling. The six-speed automatic debuted for 2014 as a considerably more civilized alternative to the CVT, though the underlying shortcomings of the engines were not addressed.

User Reviews:

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  Affordable Compact SUV - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By 1chris1 - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  2 months searching suvs i decided on a left over compass. I receaved a really great deal and they installed remote start for free. the highway gas milage is great concidering i drive 30K a year. 2.4 is alittle sluggish but gets you where your going. Most people ive spoken too like the new look and yes it does resemble the grand chrokee. All things concidered so far im a happy JEEP owner.

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  Just had this over a month - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By SLE - January 27 - 11:03 pm

  2008 Rallye Sport in black looks very sharp! Sticked for about 22,500, but jeep gave me 2,500 back, a generous trade and I under 5% financing, so... So far, very good. Good pep with a 5 speed manual and good gas mileage (24- 28 is pretty accurate). GREAT Boston Acoustics sound system (I have the 9 speaker system including flip down tailgate speakers). Interior look average, exterior look pretty sharp. Handles and drives very well. Good roomy interior (compared to my small sedan, so...) Drawbacks: cheap looking dash, but simple and logical; no MP3 jack on the 6 CD changer stereo; hatchback side windows dont crack open

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  Perfect for me, and what a deal! - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By philinla - January 19 - 9:06 pm

  I cant believe how nice this Compass is -- at least for me. I was expecting cheap and thrashy, and instead its smooth, quiet and very composed. Soaks up bumps. Firm, supportive seats. Interior is not nearly as cheap as some of the reviews would lead you to think. I mean, lighted cupholders, cruise control and Jeep floormats on a car I paid $13K for brand new! The plastics are soft enough in most places, a decent quality vibe.

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  A serious piece of junk - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By TimeLimitXceeded - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Compass 4x4 with 47,000 miles on 3/1/10. I bought it from a Jeep dealership thinking the car would be in good shape. I had the car checked out by my mechanic and uncle and they both gave the go ahead. On June 5th my Jeep kept on stalling every single time I would come to a stop. After doing tons of research, I found that the PCM needed flashed.Done, no problems sense (warranty repair 80k on PCM) On Sept 9th at 53,000 miles while going in for an inspection, I was told by my mechanic that the Jeep was unsafe. Both control arms, ball joints and sway bar links needed as they were literally falling out of place. These are parts that are supposed to last not crumble at 50k!

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  Not bad for the money, dont pay sticker though - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By himold1 - January 18 - 8:45 am

  My wife wanted it, I think its decent. Drives nicely, well equipped. Got a great deal on it and a pleasant transaction as well.

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  Regret my purchase so much - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By syntya - January 12 - 2:30 pm

  I havent even had the car a week and already started having problems. My stomach hurts just thinking about this car. First, my gas tank wont fill up all the way. At first I thought it was the gas station nozzle. Went to second gas station only to have the same problem. It kept popping off like if It was full. It gets maybe 90% full. I drive home and suddenly its full... okay great! Next morning get on and its lost a quarter overnight just by being parked! The gas milage is a joke I been driving it speed limit and it has never reached the 25MPG advertised. The computer keeps reading 16 mpg is my average... I cant believe I have to spend so much money on gas this is false advertising and I hope more people complain about this. Today my central computer screen turned off and rebooted on its own. I have to call the dealership already. The air-conditioning is like room temperature at most. I have have to use the MAX a/c button to try and cool down as I live in SoCal. My first jeep and I should have stuck with Toyota as my previous two vehicles were from there. I am completely devastated over this purchase. Seriously if you have some of these same problems email me as I am going to start asking for things to be fixed and the more people complain the faster. [contact info removed]

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  I Love it! - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By abbeykadabbey - December 23 - 4:48 pm

  I have read a lot of poor reviews on this vehicle and I have to be honest, Im quite surprised. I absolutely love my 2014 Jeep Latitude 2.4 4x4. It drives amazing in the snow. I feel so safe and I also test drove a few other vehicles, including the Nissan Rogue. I absolutely hated the interior of the Rogue and felt it display screen was very outdated as compared to the Jeep touch screen 6.5 display. I definitely recommend the Lattitudes. I didnt test drive the sport though, so maybe thats what people were unhappy with.

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  SolIm d, steady performer - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Lisa - December 9 - 9:58 pm

  Not flashy, not fast, this little car is a trooper. Good solid ride. Not a zippy vehicle, but it moves steady. Reliable, fabulous electronics (satellite radio, navigation and Bluetooth, plus all the basic) and comfortable. Design is attractive and timeless, we have a sunroof and really enjoy it. The interior is super easy to maintain thanks to the heavy plastic and solid moulding, so hope to get longer life than the previous leather we had which suffered from sun exposure. We are pleased with this basic vehicle that rocks steady performance. Nice to,have a car we can afford and be proud to drive and be seen in.

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  2018 jeep compass sport - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Hayden - November 23 - 10:04 pm

  the dash dimmer dont work(software problem, all models) backup screen is so bright at night you have to cover it to see out of the car no dimmer option, my traction control and abs both made noise when driving in just a mist and something was pulling the steering wheel out of my hand for some reason later found out this is some kind self correcting steering but it kept trying to steer me into on-coming traffic so you have to be ready to fight this all the time, check engine light came on 43 miles from the dealer, didnt have it looked at because the company gave me the car and we are usually stuck with them after i told them i didnt want it in the first place, i carry a obd2 reader so i just pulled over and hit erase codes to get the light to go out, i havent drove it since...gas mileage is only about 12.8mpg because you have to run it almost floored to keep a speed of 70mph which is the avarage speed limit around here...i think the stock tires are too small for the size and weight of the car...which wound cause the hydroplaning and from the hydroplaning would cause the traction control system to kick in...not a good car for everyday use...sunday car for grandma maybe...hell my was free and i thought it was so dangerous that i only drove it once in 2 weeks because im afraid to get caught in the rain in it

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  Good compromise - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By ex-p t woody - October 23 - 6:20 am

  I traded in a 4x4 Dodge Dakota and a PT Cruiser woody with 16000 miles on it. I was looking for a combination of the 2 vehicles and after driving the Compass I knew this was the vehicle to fill the bill. I love driving the vehicle and its more comfortable than both of the vehicles I traded in. I am getting 23-24 mpg with the air conditioning on.which is a lot better than the Dakota and PT Cruiser. I love this vehicle.