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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  Very impressed, more upscale than I expected - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By meD - December 4 - 7:29 am

  Very stylish interior, with quality materials and feel. Great exterior looks, and very smooth ride. Decent interior space. Feels like it could use V6 power, but if your not a speed freak, the 180hp I4 will do the job. Overall, very impressed. A car I could see purchasing (after lease).

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  All American Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeeper - November 26 - 2:06 am

  After 60K plus miles through all sorts of weather(rain, mud, ice, wind and terrain, on and off road, our Compass 4X4, manual tranny, has been simply a wonderful vehicle, doing it all, reliably and frugally. Transporting family for a night out on the town, long trips or hauling dogs, deer corn, welders and angle iron all over our familys hill country ranch, the Compass hasnt missed a beat. 29 miles plus per gallon on the highway and 22 plus in city driving. American made, reliable as sunrise. Jeep has done it again.

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  A Solid and Reliable Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By haraldm - November 5 - 7:33 am

  Dont believe the reviews done by Edmunds - they must work for Honda or Toyota. This vehicle runs like a top and never gives me any problems.

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  Really think about buying - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Luke - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Me and my wife owned these vehicle for about six weeks now. First let me say at the time of purchasing the compass it was a good buy after the first week had second thoughts first it was the ignition that went wrong then we got it back ad found it was not fixed so finally after two weeks they finally repaired it second the remote start was having problem they finally repaired that then found there was a oil leak that was coming from the timing cover in which the motor had to be removed from the car to repair so think long and hard about getting a jeep compass in its a hit or miss and another thing very loud inside the cabin due to the engine

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  Jeepeee - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dave - October 15 - 4:46 pm

  I have to say who ever rated the Compass for edmunds is in another world than me. I have owned several Grand Cherokees and Cherokees and the Compass outperformed all of them. It is much better in the snow, (and I live in NE PA. where we get a lot of snow.) The ride is better and the gas milage is fine contrary to the person rating it states. I averaged 25 miles a gallon. The Cherokees averaged 16!! The 2007 Compass handles great and the Stereo is crisp and clear. I also selected the 18 inch chrome wheels. SHARP! The only things I have to agree with is the Compass has a pretty dull interior and is sluggish to start (only) Once up to speed it can keep up with any 6 cylinder, period!

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  It is a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By didiacat - October 8 - 11:03 pm

  The Compass is more than I expected. It is not a Ferrari nor was it intended to be. It is a good stable ride. Holds the road well and once it get up to speed it can stay with the big boys. Anyone who is looking for 0 to 60 in 10 sec wont find it here. What they will find is reasonable acceleration and wonderful fuel economy. The ride is pleasant and reasonably quiet. It is fun to drive and with autostick activated it is even more fun. I dont wince when I drive up to the pump and I leave with a smile on my face. I like it, my wife likes it and my grand kids love it.

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  Love it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By hayworth - October 1 - 8:23 am

  Before I bought my Compass I did some research and read the reviews here. People seem to either love it or hate it. Personally, I love mine. It is 3 years old and in perfect condition. Drives like a Jeep. 4x4 is great. I own a Jeep Cherokee also so I was familiar with the way they handle. Love the easy to clean interior and the roominess of it. Gas mileage could be better but it is a 4 cyl pulling a good sized vehicle. Its to be expected. Bottom line. Id buy one again.

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  Surprisingly reliable - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By dteitzel - October 1 - 6:29 am

  Bought the 2008 Compass after being a long time, repeat Toyota buyer. The price was excellent and I got a 3 year gas card that I am still using, every time I get gas I save some change or more. I dont have the confidence in Jeep, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have not had problems, other than battery died once after a cold spell. The car has never died or stranded me. I have not done any additional service other than the most basic. I have 48K miles on it.

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  Real world review by Jeep lover - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeepster - September 24 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned Jeeps for decades. Our Compass is a jewel. Our family moved to a small town about 90 miles from a big city where I work. I commute everyday. Our family has over 700 hundred acres of Central Texas Hill Country to roam as well as livestock to care for. I needed a fuel efficient 4 WD for both off and on road. My Compass has over 15,000 miles on it without a hiccup. Ive hauled hundreds of pounds of feed and angle iron for welding projects in the back with the seats down, over and through rough terrain without a problem when in 4WD. Weve had ice storms and flooding. The Compass handles it all. On the highway, the SUV is quick, agile, comfortable and very fuel efficient. Great SUV.

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  One neat little Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Fiddler - September 21 - 9:30 pm

  I needed an economical small SUV. This is one great small car. It is comfortable, much less expensive than the Japanese competition. Yet it meets all of my requirements. It is economical, comfortable, handles just fine, and zips around the city. On the expressway it can compete with the big boys, just not quite as fast accelerating - after all it is only a 4 cylinder. Try it. You will be very surprised.