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:

• 

  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Lots of plastic is good, easy to clean. Manual transmission has more than enough power to get through the grapevine faster than anyone else. A bit tight in the knee area for tall guys, but plenty of room to make up for it in other places. Cargo space may seem small, but I just went on a 4 day camping trip with 2 other people, no problem fitting all our stuff in.

• 

  Love it! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By marichelo - March 1 - 7:03 am

  The 2009 Jeep Compass has been the best vehicle I have purchased so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. Great fuel mileage, comfortable, easy to clean, roomy, quiet, great interior and exterior look. The new lifetime warranty is the best!

• 

  Get ready to put every penny you earn into this ve - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sr.moore - February 20 - 8:42 pm

• 

  GET A JEEP COMPASS - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By harding2 - February 15 - 10:45 am

  After a few months of owning my 2012 Jeep Compass I can confidently say that I Love It! I read so many reviews saying the gas mileage isnt good but those people must have a lead foot! I get 26-27 mpg highway and about 23 in town. I got this vehicle for a steal with only 40,000 miles on it. Mine has the Bluetooth features, calling capabilities, satellite radio, 4x4 / tow package, etc. all for under $15,000! Such an upgrade from my tiny little car (which I loved as well). Took me forever to decide on an SUV with good reviews and this one was it! Dont hesitate buying one! Drives great in the snow too! LOVE IT!

• 

  Dont be fooled by "Cute" - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Jeff - January 27 - 8:45 pm

  I rented the 2018 Compass and it is is "cute" but has a sluggish 2.4 Cylinder engine, a transmission that to this day Jeep (the ZF-9 Speed) , just cant seem to get to shift right, a dreadful stop-start system, and an air conditioner that even on high is marginal at best. The vent air flow to the driver, by the vent to the right of the drivers steering wheel, is blocked by the steering wheel. Howd they miss that? If someone is hell bent on owning a Jeep buy the Cherokee. For just a few more dollars the ride, comfort, and overall experience is at least 50% better. You still get the lousy transmission but at least you have the option of a V6 (at least in the 2017s). The Cherokee tracks much better on the road also, like its on rails. The Compass, not so much -like to wander more. The interior of the Compass is like a Jeep Cherokee Mini-Me. Fits so much better in the Cherokee. I actually owned a 2015 Cherokee for two years and loved the car except for the transmission. That alone was enough to make me trade the vehicle at 50,000 miles. Maybe they get it right in the 2018 Cherokee. Anyhow.....the Compass is cute.....but you can do much better with your hard earned dollars.

• 

  LOVE my Compass!!! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ashley - January 22 - 9:46 pm

  I love the Compass! My husband and I are constantly back and forth between Champaign, IL and Detroit, MI, and the ride is always smooth and comfortable! Not the *best* mileage, but better than others. I love that we were able to add what we wanted of the Limiteds features to our Sport and still end up at a great price!! LOVE the bumper-to- bumper warranty!! Its easy to get our 15-month old in and out, as well, and with the stain-resistant YES fabric, we dont have to worry as much about spills and messes in a new car!!

• 

  overrated - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By lulu - January 16 - 3:46 am

  The Jeep compass is one of the most overrated vehicles out there. It is not a safe vehicle, it is a vehicle with Major engine problems. Ive owned it since September 2007 and I decided to drive it to my grandmothers funeral in Georgia, big mistake I barely made it home, majors engine problems, and all of a sudden my suv started sounding like a motorcycle, it have bolt and electrical problems. Now Im stuck with a 17,000 bill.

• 

  I love my Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By betsymac1969 - January 6 - 2:40 am

  I bought my Jeep Compass brand new in 2007. I have never bought a brand new vehicle. I have paid off my vehicle and it still runs wonderful. I had to have the alternator replaced Jan 2012. It is still going strong with over 95,000 miles on it! I will probably drive this vehicle until it falls apart! I love the ride, the comfort and most importantly the reliability! Love it!

• 

  Buyer Beware - Electrical Issues - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Terri - December 17 - 11:51 pm

  I bought this vehicle in July. Was very excited with my Brand New Compass until the issues started. The first electrical issues where with the screen (radio) is temperamental and will decide to not turn on. Then the issues with the engine started. When starting up the Jeep it would acting like it is running only to not have the engine starting. I have had it at the dealership three times for the service engine light. The first time they said that there were no codes and it started properly every time they had it. The next time they found a vapor leak above the fuel tank and now when it went into the shop to be fixed it now also has a cracked hose. Because of these issues they said it was causing an issue with the carburetor which cased the engine to stop?!? My car only has 2,900 miles on it!! There should not be this many issues with a Brand New car. I am greatly regretting my purchase!

• 

  Outstanding, practical vehicle - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Delighted owner - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds.com makes several claims that are 100% false. 1. They claim "uncomfortable ride". We just completed a trip to Vegas, about 500 miles round trip, most of it over some very rough and beat-up back roads. It was remarkably smooth going over potholes and patched up roadways. 2. Unimpressive acceleration? Well it doesnt compete with a fast sports car, but we passed several vehicles safely on two lane roads, and went up long steep hills with no problem. Power is definitely more than adequate. 3. Noisy cabin? This one takes the cake and makes me wonder if Edmunds was paid off to rate this vehicle so poorly. It is whisper quiet, about the quietest vehicle Ive ridden in.