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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  Great unexpected buy - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Sam - February 24 - 11:03 pm

  I was really looking for something a little different, but when I stumbled across a 2012 Compass, I instantly fell in love. Ive been calling it my beautiful beast. The seats are slightly narrow, but that doesnt affect my comfort. Despite some of the reviews I read, Im averaging 30+ mpg combined. It costs me 20 bucks to fill the tank and Im good for quite awhile, but it is a manual and Im soft footed (I generally get much higher mpg than suggested). This is my road trip/commuter car. I wanted something that would be great for everyday, plus haul the three dogs across the country when needed. I havent been disappointed yet. Pros Good gas mileage for an SUV, Comfortable, Came with bluetooth/good speakers/sirius radio, the ride is very smooth and quiet, lots of cargo space, only regular maintenance required so far. Easy to get in and out of for taller people. Feels higher end than some of the cars I test drove. Cons The acceleration isnt great, this certainly isnt a speedy SUV. My bluetooth randomly stops or starts (rarely), The transmission seems stiff at times, especially in first and fifth plus it slips out of first gear occasionally (it doesnt always seem to hold first in place well), The seats are narrow so if you are wider it may be uncomfortable, and my knees tap the dash when sitting regularly because Im so tall, but if i pull the seat back then my legs arent close enough to hold the pedals down. I wish it had automatic headlights. I dont like the design of the center console/arm rests, but thats personal preference. Overall its perfect for what I needed, but if you are looking for industry leading gas mileage, or constant off road driving, this is definitely not the car for you. THIS IS NOT A HARDCORE STEREOTYPICAL OFF ROADING JEEP. I test drove a Nissan Versa, a Kia Soul, a Saturn Astra, and a Ford Escape, and they all felt very cheap and noisy compared to the Compass. The Versa and Soul made me feel like I was driving a tin can, there was no substance, to the point that I didnt feel safe driving it.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Compass lovers - February 22 - 1:03 pm

  We have had our Compass for 2 months now, and we love it. The ride, the look, the comfort are really unbeatable, especially for the price.

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  Confident on/off roader - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Casey - February 2 - 1:05 am

  1st off we(my wife and I) live in northern maine where we get ALOT of snow. At the time we owned a 2015 jeep compass fwd with a standard transmission. Which for us was ok. We put 48000 miles on it with very little issues. Loved that thing. However, we recently moved where the roads arent plowed as often and needed something better when we woke up and there was over a foot of snow on the ground. Ive had my eye on the new redesign compass since it came out. So one day on my way to work I saw a tractor trailer 8ler drive by with a BRIGHT ORANGE and black trailhawk dangling off the back. I followed it to the local chrysler dealership and took photos and sent it to my wife. She immediately fell in love. Fast forward al and weve put almost 4000 miles on it and love it. No, its not the fastest vehicle out there. But thats not why we bought it. We love where everything is about a half hour away. So its a combo of highway/city. Mostly rural. I get about 26 mpg with it. Which I find is decent. Maybe if they put the 2.0 turbo in a couple years itll be a better performer. For the winter we put a set of Nokian studded tires and this thing is a BEAST. Im not a fan of the factory falken tires, but not much is out there in the size. so will be changing them out come spring. We dont really plan on taking it crazy offroading but its really nice for the snow which...is half thr year. The interior is very nice, soft black leather, red stitching. Heated seats power seats and heated steering wheel. Stereo system is AWESOME!!! sounds excellent and Bluetooth works flawlessly. Buttons on the steering wheel work great and are very easy to use. We get complements on this EVERYWHERE we go. 4wd system works great. As far as start stop, I see people complaining, if you dont like it? Hit the button. So pros: looks awesome, rides great, great stereo and infotaiment system, 4wd works great. Cons: could use a little more power which would help fuel economy. But really if it wasnt for that itd be 5 stars from me.

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  good things come in little packages - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By hawkeye - January 20 - 7:50 pm

  i have an 07 patriot ltd and i luv it, but this compass ltd is so much more fun to drive. i luv its looks, and the ltd package with silver bumper accents, silver body side moldings and chrome wheels turn other drivers and pedestrians heads. under load it seems a little sluggish, but the more i drive it the more accustomed to it i become. comfort is as good or better than the patriot. fuel economy is very good too. the interior is better than most same class competitors. all seams are tight and well-aligned, doors fit tight, etc.

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  Good Value for the Price - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By D from Cascades - January 20 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned the Compass for about two months and have been impressed at its performance in bad weather conditions. We live in the Washington Cascades and this winter have had snow accumulation of 5ft on the ground. Needless to say my driveway has been a mess a lot of the winter and the Compass has never been stuck. I have confidence that it will plow through. The reviews say that the Compass is not a "true Jeep", but my driveway is rutted and graveled and very much off road and the Compass has peformed well. (actually as well or better than my 4X4 Pickup) Safety features are also great! My wife and son are the principal drivers and I have confidence they are protected.

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  Awesome - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Robert Brown - January 11 - 2:17 pm

  Do not hesitate to buy one Ive owned the car for 5 months I had at 100 no problem handling going around a corner rated at 45mph I had this one hit at 60mph no problem and no problem passing the negativity is in called for

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  Thanks to Edmunds for the poor review - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By skier15 - January 9 - 1:30 pm

  I needed a low cost reliable replacement for an old 4WD that was costing me a fortune to keep on the road. Thanks to the bad review, I was able to scoop up a certified used Jeep Compass with 2 years on the warranty for less than $16,000 (automatic with power package) -sweet! Why the bad review? It isnt a big tough off road vehicle, a honking big family/gear hauler, or a luxury vehicle. It is just a great everyday car. I found the interior nicer and more comfortable (reclining rear seats=less cargo space) than the Toyota RAV and it is less noisy and had better reliability than a pre 2009-Subaru Outback - both more $$. Getting 27 MPG mixed city/highway!

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  Cherokee lite? - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By jeepgeek - November 19 - 7:44 pm

  Much better than old design, retuned cvt big upgrade quieter and much better ride!! Sold them for years so believe me if it sucked would have bought a liberty!!!

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  Love It - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jack - November 17 - 11:16 am

  Only have 600 miles on the vehicle now. We have only made short trips around town so far we love it and its easy to navigate and park, and the ride is great.

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  Zippy - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Charlie - October 15 - 9:46 am

  Major parts failed at low mileage. Ball joints needed before 100000. Transmission replaced at 140000.