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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  Who are these experts? - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Vidin - July 13 - 2:20 am

  We bought a 2007 Jeep Compass after trying several other models including the Honda Element(expensive) and the Subaru Impreza(ok). We have had the car for one year and put 18,000 miles. No problems, great in the snow, fun around town, comfortable back seat, averages 24 mpg just like it said it would. A great car that is getting a bad rap by people who dont own one. I would say look to the owners and see what they are saying. The biggest negative is the interior- which I like. And the fact it isnt "Trail Rated"- Hello McFly- not going on the Rubicon anytime soon! Give this one a second look and you wont be sorry.

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  2007 Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By 2007 Compass - June 28 - 7:40 pm

  Purchased the Compass Sport 4x4 with the 26E package and the Driver Convenience Group. Having Jeeps pretty much most of my life I was pleasantly surprised when I took the Compass for a test drive, it rides like a car, very smooth but firm. From the exterior the vehicle looks kind of small, however when your inside there is ample room and the interior is very comfortable. I shopped around a lot driving everything from Toyota, Honda, Mazda, etc, however the smooth ride and the look is what I was sold on. Gas mileage has been better than the sticker; city roughly 25mpg and highway 30mpg.

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  CVT is not for lead foot drivers - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By james - May 12 - 1:30 am

  The engine & CVT is set for max engine performance not gas guzzling. Applying gradual pressure to electronic speed control pedal will give you the best acceleration. From take-offs and passing you will notice a difference. And for added speed try running RPMs up and then back off a little on ESCP. This is an analog input devise with no direct connection to throtle valves. Work with on board computer not against it.

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  A Neat Little Rig - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By smitty82 - May 6 - 7:01 pm

  Your review mentions sluggish acceleration and cramped back seat. I found the opposite. I bought the Sport 4X2 with 2.4 engine and 6-speed automatic (your review had the CVT and had not tested the 6-speed). I tried the CVT and waited for the 6-speed; Im glad I did. I drove the 2.0 engine and it was too weak, but the 2.4 is fine. And the 6-speed is a big improvement over the CVT. It has plenty of room- front and back- for a small vehicle. I compared the Escape, RAV4, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and others, including the Dart, Focus, and Avenger.

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  Rally E - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Tony - April 18 - 8:33 pm

  I waited for the 2009 and the new interior is great! The manual transmission is the way to go, I drove a CVT version (as a rental) and I did not like it. Love the Rally E package and the upgraded sound system is clearer and sharper than my old Rockford Fosgate (Mitsubishi) stereo. Without the downshift of the manual long hills would be a problem. Other than hills overall pick-up is fine. I commute daily and the Compass is great in snowy /icy conditions. I am very very pleased with my Compass. You really get alot for your money.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Lots2Luv - March 19 - 7:23 am

  I have had the Compass for 2+ years. This coming year I am approaching the end of my lease and I am on the fence about keeping it. I have all the bells and whistles you can ask for in a vehicle that, I feel, is good looking to say the least. Leather Int.,satellite radio, 6cd changer, moonroof and more! I havent had any problems except one minor one. after a while of sitting in the garage nose in without use the battery went dead (quick fix no big deal) couldnt push car when in neutral to get a jump! Weird right? Anyway, not sure of the overall long term quality and looking to compare but really, really have enjoyed my Compass up until this point!

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  Compass rocks! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Gloria - March 3 - 4:26 pm

  I am really happy with my Compass (purchased 7/13/06). The name was a little hard to remember at first but since I starting calling her "Compass Rose" the name fits perfectly. Funny though the car is NOT equipped with a compass. I traded in my 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic so, needless to say the ride is smooth, merging into traffic is effortless even with the 2.7, 4 cylinder engine, and not remarkably slower than the 4.0 liter in my Cherokee. The interior is comfortable, plenty of room in the backseat and the back doors are very accessible. I would however, change the headrests in the rear seat, as they are a bit high and tend to restrict visibility out of the rear window. Odometer: 158 miles.

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  Try it for yourself - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By snowman54 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  If i had made my decision soley on edmunds review i would not own a compass. totally satisfied plenty of power if you want more buy a 8 cylinder.i got 26 mpg on the highway cruising at 70 mph drove 400 miles my first trip comfort was excellent.my wife loves it

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  2011 Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By cpollick - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  This was my first new vehicle purchase. I traded in my 06 Mazda hatch for the jeep. I had loved the Mazda and its sporty-ness, but we were looking to get a family vehicle. The jeep is very sporty yet still the SUV feel. My gas mileage is decent( itd be better if I drove it more like an SUV and not my Mazda). Great Jeep! (especially for the money)

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  So far so good - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By meghansays - January 3 - 12:44 pm

  Ive owned my 2011 Jeep Compass for just a week now and have been quite satisfied with my purchase. The only issues Ive had with the vehicle thus far have been user induced. However its only been a week, and Ill definitely be willing to post again if/when I do run into any problems.