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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  how important are your anniversaries? - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Richard Stoner - October 9 - 1:51 pm

  We had the 2011 Compass, Jeep 70th Anniversary Special, which came with leather seats, a sunroof and upgraded floor mats and trim. IT performed very well and was economical. The electronics were helpful but no confusing. I would recommend this as a great starter SUV or normal duty car. Comparing it to our 2011 Grand Cherokee Overland, this is the little brother or sister; great performance with similar electronics and much better fuel economy in a lighter, smaller car thats much easier to park and better all around for young drivers.

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  A lot to offer for the price - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By notimeforh8 - September 22 - 12:17 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for lifestyle and utility, for carrying bikes and sports gear and light hauling from the nursery or hardware store. This base Sport FWD with CVT has a lot to offer for the price. Among the standard power options, it also has cruise control, ipod jack, fog lights, heated mirrors, dark tinted glass on the rear windows, good looking 17 inch alloy wheels, fold flat rear seats and roof rails. Since I primarily haul bikes, I purchased the factory cross bars and then added bike racks. Nearly every other comparable vehicle has these options (if available at all) only on much higher end models that cost many thousands more.

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  A fun to drive vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By R from Bklyn - September 22 - 8:10 am

  For the most part, this crossover is a pretty good vehicle for the price and features offered. Handles well and has a firm grip of the road. For under 24K, the features are what you would expect from a luxury SUV. Safety department did a solid job as well. Side airbags, electronic roll mitigation, traction control, and antilock brakes are standard. I cant tell you if they work, but knowing you have some safety back-ups gives you a secure feeling. Cons are few and simple: needs rear seat pockets for storage, cup holders swallow the average coffee cup (they are to deep and located way down in the console), the side view mirrors are suppose to fold in electrically...they dont.

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  Great Deal - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By C. Mays - September 6 - 11:13 am

  I Shopped until I Dropped. I found problems relating to all SUVs and what sold me on the Jeep Compass was the price and the lifetime powertrain limited warranty. MSRP: $19,450.00 Minus: $4500 cash for clunkers Minus: $3500 Chrysler rebate. Minus: $2500 cash back from my dealer. A very nice SUV for around $10,000.00 that rides well, easy to park and is fun to drive.

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  dont buy Jeep - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By grammielil5 - August 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought one and had to sell it back within 3 months due to seal of driver side window/door doesnt seal. In service X 3 and Jeep notified by me.......Now I see everywhere on internet numerous compaints! I just got subaru outback and its great and made all in America

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  2016 Jeep Compass High Altitude 4X4 6 Speed Auto - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Greg Kronbach - July 26 - 7:57 pm

  I made a great deal on this mini SUV (I also own a large Liberty Jeep 4X4). It is almost as if the editors didnt even drive this SUV. Granted I would never have bought a Jeep with a CVT transmission, but when they offered this 4X4 with a 6 speed auto it was time to look closer. I bought the high altitude addition after a test drive that was unexpectedly brilliant. Make no mistake this not a back woods SUV but an Urban 4X4 traveler. The power leather seats, one button 4X4 engage, back up camera, cruse control, leather steering wheel with full controls and 430 digital touch screen with HHD make this SUV a joy to drive! The sky roof and the mentioned options give this mini SUV a very refined ride with the 17" all season radials...I guess Im miffed at the editors opinions of this SUV. I would recommend this Urban SUV to anyone...just skip the CVT.

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  I love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Selena - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  I walked in the showroom to take care of some business and it was sitting there. I thought I really liked this truck so test drove it. Came back the next day and asked if they would sell it to me. I really love my Compass; nice lady truck - not big and bulky.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By KC - July 2 - 12:17 pm

  Yesterday was the 3rd greatest day of my life. 1. My daughters birth in 2011. 2. My wedding in 2001. 3. The day I got rid of my Jeep Compass in 2016. Ok, so this car never left me on the side of the road, but it was the worst investment I have ever made. It did not hold value well at all and every time I turned around, some small part was breaking. There is a LOT of plastic on this car. And the seats are extremely cramped and uncomfortable for long drives. Very little cargo space. The power is dismal. Something is also flawed in the design to the point you have to roll all of the windows down if you roll down one window. It makes a very strange vibration if you dont. The transmission whines after long drives. Nothing wrong with it, it just whines. If youre looking for a car at this price point and have a family, go with the Kia Sorrento like I should have.

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  Love the Compass - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Lea Stahr - June 22 - 7:00 am

  Drove Chicago to Phoenix roundtrip, no problems. Very comfortable seats let me drive 16 hrs straight. Lots of room, good quality, just what they should have been building all these years.

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  Good Vehicle all Around - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By hammerham - June 10 - 8:24 pm

  Ill get the bad out of the way. The low profile tires that this model carries were kind of weak I suggest buying the next size up. I got some Hankook Optimo 727s at 215/65 44 pound tires 17. They climb a lot better but you do lose 2 mpg it seems. I live in Pittsburgh I need the climbing ability in snow. The good stuff: 23-25 (I actually got 27 going to New York) miles ave. on the highway 20-22 in the city. Thats awesome for a 4x4. She is better on gas than the Liberty and I feel equal or better in mud and snow than Liberty. Im 6-3 with room still between my head and the top. My 6-6 friend has about an inch or two to spare. Mine does come with adjustable seats though.