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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  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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  So disappointed - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Riggadeaux - February 4 - 10:53 pm

  We tried to buy a Patriot during cash for clunkers but couldnt find one with 4wd anywhere in the country so got the Compass instead. BIG mistake! I have to put a cushion on the seat because it is too narrow for my wide load and the seat belt digs into my right thigh when driving. The rear-view mirror gives a tiny view through the small back window but worst of all, I cant change lanes because the high seat backs in the back row completely block my view of the next lane. Dangerous! Handling is fine, looks are great, and fuel is okay. Im getting about 24 on mostly highway. I just dont think I can stand the discomfort so Im considering selling or trading this in now.

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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.

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  2018 jeep Compass trans issue after 150 miles - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By tomsemich - December 15 - 3:20 pm

  I would make sure you look into these transmission issues as I have heard from others the same issues.

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  pretty great - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Dillon S. - December 2 - 3:44 pm

  it looks and drives great. However there are quite a few problems according to complaint websites. My 2011 jeep compass has a few, the driver window is slow and creaks when you roll it up, and rain drops drip from the dome light in the trunk when it rains or has rained. (It does not have a sun roof)

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  In defense of the Compass - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By KeithG - December 1 - 6:59 am

  Not for nothing, Im a little tired of all the hate this car gets. Its funny how in this review the 430N Uconnect radio is made fun of but when its ported to a wrangler its totally fine. Look, at the end of the day if you came into a compass wanting to hate it, you will. However, if you loosen your expectations, I think you may be surprised. Lets face it, its not made to be an off road king, a fuel saver nor an SRT. Its a cheap Jeep that gets you a decent amount of features with the High Altitude sub trim and some confidence in the snow and that enough if you ask me, considering you can lease one for the $200 per month mark.

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  Interior is terrible. - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ben - November 29 - 8:10 am

  Whilst this vehicle is a very nice vehicle to look at the quality of the interior is terrible. My wifes car is just over a year old and the plastic skirting on the front chair has snapped off. The storage panels on both front doors are beginning to break off. Overall very cheaply made interior. About the only good thing going for this vehicle is the good gas mileage. If this is how jeeps are being manufactured now then this will be the last one that I purchase.

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  Compass steers you the right way - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By glenn - November 19 - 5:53 pm

  Fun drive, easy to steer, nice handling, very quiet. Transmission something to get used to. Great vehicle for the money.

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  4x4 in a small vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By farout - November 15 - 6:00 pm

  Is the Compass a 4x4 or and AWD? Thats a question that is really hard to find an answer to. The Lock in 4x4 is only good up to 10 mph. The Compsss ia a well planned out vehicle, rides smooth, goes up hills good, has great air-conditioning! Seats are easy to ride on and back seat has good room for adults! Lots of plastic inside, but easy to clean. Engine is loud, and has less than expected take off power for a 2.4 L engine. However at 40 mph and above the passing power is really good. CVT transmission is smooth and takes a little to get use to. The fuel MPG is about 23 as an average. Plenty of safety features, and many options. The Compass is rugged and takes hills very well.