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 Buy - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Bones - December 29 - 10:23 am

  This is a great small SUV. I have repeatedly driven a 07 Ford Escape, and a 06 Toyota Highlander and the Compass is a lot more fun to drive. Its not exceptionally quick or powerful, my previous vehicle was a Dodge Ram with a 5.7L Hemi, but the car-like handling makes up for it. Also, the fuel efficiency seems to be better than the 25mpg stated. I have worked it out to be roughly 30mpg city and 40mpg highway. It felt a little sluggish when I first started driving it, but when I became more familiar with the CVT nuances, I feel the performance has increased. The interior is more than competent and rather comfortable, even considering my 66" frame. Also, the entertainment options are a plus.

• 

  Life in the Middle Lane - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By cylonrader - November 9 - 2:03 pm

  Decent power but great fuel economy. So its a trade off there. Does good in every aspect. But not for serious jeepsters.

• 

  Our Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Terry - November 4 - 11:46 pm

  When we purchased the Compass we traded in a 2002 Liberty. We love its handling in the city and on the highway. The CVT transmission takes a bit to get used to but other wise we love the Compass. The seats are very comfortable. Braking is excellent. A little slow off the line but its not built for speed. Great cargo capacity and easy to get in and out of. The instrument panel is easy to read. Our only complaint is the only power switch for the door locks is on the drivers door. The rear passengers need to unlock the door by pulling up on the door lock button if the driver doesnt unlock the doors. All in All after owning several vehicles, this is one that I would buy two off.

• 

  Airman - 2013 Jeep Compass
  By ROY J. WALLS - October 14 - 11:16 am

  I buy this 2013 jeep compass because look better then car had before cost me lot money get it fix from timing belts! It easy get in & out when wear knee brace. I had jeep about 2 years & 8 month now only time drive my jeep when go see my Dr. and to store or family. Stereo sound very good got lot bass cd hold up to 6 cd & 4 speakers 6x9 in doors! 2013 jeep compass latitude with life time warrant.

• 

  15 Months later - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Zeferam_Cockran - September 25 - 12:56 pm

  After 15 months of driving as follows are some tips for potential buyer, I recommend a short term rental to try out (daily rental) and take close attention to the following, depending on your height and driving position this little truck may not be suitable for tall drivers ( 510"+ ), limited visibility due to A pillars, if you drive in a location where there are lots of pedestrians beware for posts completely block your side visibility, not sure if the patriot has the same issues but I have had several close calls, this also applies for rear view visibility and lane changes, this asides Compass is a good buy for the buck but would recommend the Patriot for any real Jeep enthusiast.

• 

  great looks & features - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By isaac halpern - September 8 - 3:30 pm

  I live in Riverdale, New York. The roads are bumpy. I love the 18" tires i never bottom out -- these large tires are not available on many similar SUV. the green limited edition looks awesome. over all very pleased

• 

  Transmission concerns - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By quick_learner - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride in the highway. However, a very different story in the city: While going on an uphill or flat road, accelerate the car to 25 mph, let off the pedal and you will feel the car shaking and even clunking. If you can take it, you will be fine, buy the car. If not, mark it off your list along with the patriot and dodge caliber which have the same CVT transmission.

• 

  NW Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Compass - August 14 - 5:16 pm

  Was looking for a car for the wife. Leaning towards the Liberty, liked the look etc. and great cash incentives right now. From what I had heard Compass had no go. Test drove the Liberty then the Compass. The minute I drove the Compass knew it was the car she would enjoy. SUV look, had plenty of get up and go, plus the ride was so much better than the Liberty. It was what she wanted and is a lot more than I expected. Only options we got were the automatic, Drivers Convenience Group (recommended), the E Package (power windows etc.), Yes Essentials premium seats (recommended). The car drives great, plenty of room, zips down the freeway. Everything we wanted and more for a great price.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Ryann - August 12 - 2:16 am

  I got this car after driving a Honda Civic. I didnt have a lot of money, and it had a great music package available. I wanted an SUV, and have actually noticed very little difference in gas mileage after my 03 Civic. I havent had any major issues, some lights turned on for no reason, and my drivers side window controls have been replaced, and have to be replaced again. Also, cruise developed a habit of turning off. It is very comfortable, and with the music package and price is great for young people. It is small and roomy. It is a bit unconventional looking, which I dont enjoy, but you do get what you pay for.

• 

  ** Beware** Don t Not purchase yet, trust me!! - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By L Renea - August 10 - 6:05 am

  I was happy with the 2018 Jeep Compass for the 1st 2 weeks of having the vehicle. The 1st issue was that the radio display was HOT to touch. It startled me terribly. Just to make sure, I went to touch it again, but that wasnt necessary because I could feel the heat radiating from it. 2nd issue was that the language kept changing from English to french on its own (odd I know). I thought I might of touch something and changed it but no that wasnt the case. 3rd issue is the auto/stop function symbol kept coming up on the dashboard. When I first called the dealership (Garden City Jeep in NY) with these issues , I was told to refer to the owners manual...really?? I brought the vehicle in to the service department and they had to order a new radio from the manufacturer and they were not sure why the auto/stop signal was on and they did not know how to resolve the issue (that sure is reassuring). As of this review I have brought that vehicle to be serviced 2x and I have only had it for a month. In addition, the car does not have a smooth acceleration (feels like it pulling or working overtime) and the auto/stop function is pretty abrupt and loud. I know this is not a luxury vehicle but it could be a little less obvious. The joke is when I brought the vehicle in for service their was a new owner there with the same vehicle and the Auto/Stop function stopped working completely on their vehicle, and they had it for only 2 weeks. Pros: its a pretty vehicle and the interior is roomy for a smaller SUV. I am requesting a new lease vehicle because I refuse to keep wasting mileage, time and mental space on a vehicle that is suppose to be issue free, I mean come on its a 2018 model. I highly suggest waiting until Fiat/Chrysler/Jeep iron out the kinks before leasing/selling any more. Specs: 2018 Jeep Compass Limited.