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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  Not for everyone, I could care less! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By JeepDryvr1032 - June 4 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a bigger car/small SUV when I decided to trade in my 2004 Hyundai Elantra in June of 08. I was intrigued by the new Dodge/Jeep models and thought the Compass had such a unique look that I had to check it out. The first vehicle I test drove was the Dodge Caliber, which was OK but didnt have enough oomph with the 2.0 liter engine. Next was the compass, and I fell in love with how it sits up higher and gives you more command of the road. I picked the Rallye Edition with the 18" tires and black rims, with the YES essentials interior. This is huge for me as I have kids!! For an SUV, I cant complain about the gas mileage. It has plenty of room, and a decent stereo to boot.

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By KRISTINA - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I traded a decked out Buick Rendevous for my 4wd Jeep Compass, Sport edition. Truthfully I cant tell much difference in the performance and feel. The gas mileage was my main reason for purchase. While it doesnt get quite what I expected- average 24 mpg, it is still way better than my past vehicle. The interior is very comfortable. I can fit our two small children in the backseat with a little room to spare. The cargo space is very roomy. This car is fun to drive, and very comfortable. It even handled some very deep mud on our country road without difficulty. I would recommend this to anyone who is searching for a small SUV.

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  A great suv - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By jc155 - May 7 - 4:46 pm

  I wanted a SUV, but I didnt want to pay the big bucks to own an SUV. So I bought the compass. Very quiet SUV. Gets good gas mileage nothing spectacular. When it goes to shift, I actually cant hear it. My passengers have tried to listen for it but found it very hard to hear. The back seats are very roomy. I have no problem getting in with the seats all the way back and Im (6"1 and 320 lb). Overall a great car to have.

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  My Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Leeza - May 4 - 7:23 pm

  My Compass is great in most ways. The only real complaint I have is the front seat is not comfortable. Seems to be designed more for the male than female. If the seat were just an inch or two wider it would be great. Since my purchase Ive had two other females tell me that the seat is too narrow and pinches.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Mary - April 28 - 9:46 pm

  Having switched from a 5-speed, V6 engine car, to this I-4 Jeep Compass was a huge difference (but I knew that before I bought it). The Compass has no take-off or get up & go power (so my days of quickly dashing out in front of tractor trailers and other cars are over. SMILES) However, it is still a great car and I am having a WONDERFUL time with it....so far.

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  Question - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Barb Plante - April 19 - 6:49 am

  My Husband is having trouble seeing out of the windows because of the wide panels from front windshield to window. Is anyone else having this problem? Thanks Barb

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  Mine is sluggish - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By artyitalian - April 18 - 7:11 pm

  After driving 30 or so miles continuously, the jeep will not accelerate properly. It "bucks" and skips after coming to a complete stop, then pressing on the gas ped. It does this for about 300 feet, then something catches and it starts driving ok again. I brought the to the Jeep dealership in Brandon Florida, and they say that unless they can re-create the event, theres nothing they can do. The car is narrow, not roomy or comfortable. There are a few unsafe blind spots from the drivers view. Specifically front left. Be careful driving through a crowded parking lot, as this blind spot can block out a complete person. The exterior design is cute. The mpg is more like 19 city and 22 hwy.

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  Compass Is A Great Value! - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By DB - April 4 - 10:16 am

  I looked at three vehicles and chose the Compass. Im glad I did. I drove Wranglers previously; this was my third Jeep. The vehicle looks great and is loaded with extras that dust other vehicles in the same class. I love the way it drives and handles. This is a solid vehicle and its obvious a lot of well-planned engineering went into it. I wold recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small 4X4 with great gas mileage.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By niblet15 - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  I have only had my compass for 2 weeks and so far I love it.

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  Rides like a Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Ray F. - February 21 - 8:33 pm

  I bought mine with 160,000 miles on it. Ive had to replace the transmission, and totally rebuild the front end. its not fair to blame it on the vehicle cause the roads in okla. are tough on all cars, dont expect it to ride like a luxury car, the short wheel base means it will ride alittle rough. over all I love it