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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  3 Months now, and Love it - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Benbklyn - September 25 - 9:40 pm

  This car is Perfect!. 2nd gen Compass (My Latitude is 9 speed auto with many other upgrades) So fun to drive, great looking in and out. The Detailing in the interior with it curves and chrome accent gives it a solid expensive look and attention to detail look. Everything appears to be laid out perfectly. Best handing car I have drove so far. Very smooth ride on highway, and excellent on turns. Lot of technology and electronics in this car. Too soon to see how they all hold up. Very stylish exterior with nice curves with no wind noise. This is my first 4 cylinder car, and I have to say I am impressed! Power and acceleration is just enough even with 5 people in the car. I don’t know why people are complain about this, lets get real, this is not a sports car where you going to feel a gravity pull when you gun it. I think it’s plenty for a 4 cylinder and size of the vehicle. I am averaging 20 MPG, I kind of expecting a bit more since its rated 23 city and 30 highway. But its way much better than all my previous cars. The "Stop start and Go" can get annoying, however it can be disabled by a push of a button. If this car holds up as is, i just might buy it at end of my lease. Love it!

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  Great Small SUV - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By NJ1 - September 8 - 4:53 am

  Ive owned the 2018 Jeep Compass Limited for a little over 3 weeks now and I have to say it is a fantastic car. Some background before I jump into the pros and cons. I primarily use this vehicle for commuting, but will occasionally bring it on trails/off road. Ive seen a few reviews on the new compass which I felt were a little extreme and not too accurate. If you want a basic, un-bias review continue reading. Pros: Exterior re-design - This is a sharp car. In the 3 weeks Ive owned it Ive received many compliments on the look. The face lift of the Compass is extremely similar to the Grand Cherokee and at a quick glance looks like an Evoque with its two tone color format. There are a few LED light upgrades which give the car a more luxury prescience. Interior: Keep in mind this is in the small suv class, but the car is comfortable with a surprising amount of room for backseat passengers. The seats and trim also feel sturdy and well made. Not to mentioned the U-Connect system allows you to customize the lights, display themes etc. to make the interior customized to your liking. Most trims also have Apple Car Play. My trim came with a pano sunroof which is a very cool feature. Roof is all glass which passengers enjoy. Drive Comfort: This car isnt going to blow you away with performance. However, if youre simply looking for a car to get you from A to B with a little pep in its step when needed, this car does just fine. Ive driven it on highways, city streets, backroads etc. and the car has a smooth feel on all terrains. This car also allows you to change the drive setting based on terrain (Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud) Safety: The new Compass comes with 7 airbags standard. I decided to purchase the safety package which comes with lane assist, blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning. Cons: Engine Shut Off: First time owning a car with this feature and Im not a huge fan. Essentially when you come to a stop light and are idle for more than 5 seconds the car will shut off the engine until you take your foot off the brake. Not a big deal, and the feature CAN be turned off. Multi Air Engine Up Hill: At first acceleration up hill the multi air engine tends to rev a little higher than Id like. Again,not a big deal but trying to point out a few things as a heads up. Overall, if youre looking for an attractive vehicle that gives you off road capability, comfortable ride, decent performance, high tech interior with essentially any upgrade option you could think of this is a great car. If youre looking for a powerful suv with better towing capacity, spend the extra money and buy the Grand Cherokee. 9.5/10 for me.

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  2011 Jeep Compass Quality 180 deg off - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By faultycompass - August 31 - 8:32 am

  We have been loyal Jeep customers buying new Grand Cherokee and Compass Limiteds for years. When my wife saw the 2011 Compass redesign advertised on TV she had to have one. We traded our 2007 Compass in on a new 2011. Then the troubles started showing up. The key fobs would not work, then the TPMS system failed on the freeway. The first attempt to repair resulted in a 3.5 waiting room stint with no idea how to fix it. No loaner cars. I left the car at another dealer for a week and still not able to fix it. After 3 weeks of ownership we are totally disgusted. It appears that we now have a safety systems related lemon. Chrysler Customer assistance is of no help and unsympathetic.

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  Excellent Choice 2011 Jeep Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By pete131 - August 28 - 4:23 am

  I bought my 2011 jeep Compass 2 months ago. I absolutely love this Jeep. I was looking for an SUV to pull my Jet Ski, and pulls it effertlessly, and after looking at many SUVs in this catagory, the jeep Compass offered the most for the money. Other SUVs were thousands more. The redesign looks awesome. The inside is also very nice. I got the 2.4 L engine with the CVT, and the engine noise is not what reviews say, it is not noisy. The CVT is smooth. This vehicle does have enough power and is great on gas. (27 mpg) highway city is (21). It is fun to drive also. The Cargo area is good also. This is not a sports car or a truck, with that having been said, I love this new 2011 Jepp Compass.

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By L. Russell - August 25 - 3:23 am

  Since buying my Jeep Compass last year, I have absolutely no regrets. It is the perfect vehicle for young, hip professionals that need more room than a car but dont want to sacrifice style in the process. It comes with a great sound system, comfortable seats, and lots of legroom in the back. Driving the Compass is so much fun! (Get the sunroof- its worth it!).

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  Horrible Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bad Car - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 8 months and I have now gone through 3 transmissions and also ABS sensors. I bought this car hoping that it would get me through college and unfortunately it has done nothing but give me problems and make me never want to purchase a Jeep again! If I were you I would not buy a Jeep compass and especially one with a manual!

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  Average Jeep - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Johnny Watson - August 2 - 12:33 pm

  Base model has no running lights.

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By leroy - July 30 - 5:20 am

  We love this car. Great fuel economy. No problems at all. Tried to buy another make and glad we didnt now.

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  Great value. Safe vehicle! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By JAMIE - July 12 - 4:56 pm

  This car was an accident magnet. I had 4 accidents in 3 years and one of them was a $16,800 repair (the only one that was my fault). I have to say though, I FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE! I hit a median on I-78 going about 65 miles an hour and did a double 360 degree spinout, all airbags deployed and I didnt have a scratch on me! The Jeep was a total loss because of the wheel but the body barely had any damage (only a few dents). I was shocked when they said how much damage it had. The only beef I have with this ride is the pickup but it is only a 4 cyl and it is 4x4 so you cant have everything.

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  Will Never buy another - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul - June 12 - 11:00 am

  I will never own another Jeep Compass, and would seriously have to think hard before buying anything made by Chrysler again. a standard shift transmission usually doesnt go bad, yet only Chrysler can design one that needs replacing at 400 miles, and again at 22, and again at 35k. also needing replacement within 10,000 miles: steering system components, tires, shift boot (made of plastic and cracked) shift linkage and other warrantied parts. Nothing but trouble.