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 Value - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By craig65 - May 10 - 3:30 am

  Had Liberty,hated it!!Thie actually has more interior room than Liberty, nicer interior an much better gas mileage!

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  Bouncin in my Jeep Compass and lovin it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dana D. - April 22 - 3:26 am

  Coming from a 91 Jeep Cherokee (which I still have and love), this car is the best thing Jeep has done in a long time. Love the CVT! This has everything I wanted in a vehicle and in a Jeep and lots of it, styling, design, comfort, fuel economy, command of the road view, handling is excellent. I have all of the options, 26E package, bright silver metallic, sunroof, 6-disc changer, driver convenience group, trailer tow prep group, full size spare, YES essentials premium seats, everything but autostick and 4WD. I am tired of all the bashing people are doing in the reviews. I drove the Liberty, and am so glad I waited. Great "Badge Engineering" and nice job, JEEP!

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  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Lots of plastic is good, easy to clean. Manual transmission has more than enough power to get through the grapevine faster than anyone else. A bit tight in the knee area for tall guys, but plenty of room to make up for it in other places. Cargo space may seem small, but I just went on a 4 day camping trip with 2 other people, no problem fitting all our stuff in.

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  Love it! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By marichelo - March 1 - 7:03 am

  The 2009 Jeep Compass has been the best vehicle I have purchased so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. Great fuel mileage, comfortable, easy to clean, roomy, quiet, great interior and exterior look. The new lifetime warranty is the best!

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  GET A JEEP COMPASS - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By harding2 - February 15 - 10:45 am

  After a few months of owning my 2012 Jeep Compass I can confidently say that I Love It! I read so many reviews saying the gas mileage isnt good but those people must have a lead foot! I get 26-27 mpg highway and about 23 in town. I got this vehicle for a steal with only 40,000 miles on it. Mine has the Bluetooth features, calling capabilities, satellite radio, 4x4 / tow package, etc. all for under $15,000! Such an upgrade from my tiny little car (which I loved as well). Took me forever to decide on an SUV with good reviews and this one was it! Dont hesitate buying one! Drives great in the snow too! LOVE IT!

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  LOVE my Compass!!! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ashley - January 22 - 9:46 pm

  I love the Compass! My husband and I are constantly back and forth between Champaign, IL and Detroit, MI, and the ride is always smooth and comfortable! Not the *best* mileage, but better than others. I love that we were able to add what we wanted of the Limiteds features to our Sport and still end up at a great price!! LOVE the bumper-to- bumper warranty!! Its easy to get our 15-month old in and out, as well, and with the stain-resistant YES fabric, we dont have to worry as much about spills and messes in a new car!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Coloradoguy - October 30 - 8:23 pm

  We looked at both US and import small SUVs and bought Compass based on vehicle cost and availability of CVT. Have taken long road trips and love the vehicle. Absolutely zero warranty or other problems. Average around 27 MPG on road and 25 in city driving. CVT works perfectly in mountain driving and often reaches 30 MPG due to lower average speed. Receive lots of questions from people as to how we like vehicle and know of two others buying a Compass based on our positive experience.

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  great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By brise31503 - October 24 - 1:03 am

  This is my first Jeep. I was a little hesitant to but one but I have always been a Dodge fan so I figured Jeep has been around for a while and got my compass I am very very satisfied more so than any other vehicle I have owned and I have owned about 15 so the compass has by far exceeded my expectations on long trips and just for fun even with the family and my mother who only likes Cadillac she loves my compass and is thinking of buying one I will be a repeat Jeep customer. No problems with my Jeep have over 65,000 miles on it on and off road very versatile...... Jeep has done it and I am proud to say I am happy with my vehicle

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  New Compass Owner - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Mopar Man - October 6 - 9:06 pm

  Was looking at the Jeep Liberty and other SUVs. Was skeptical about the Compass because of some reviews. The Compass drives more like a car and much better comfort than the Jeep Liberty IMO. Bought the FWD auto, and the power is very adequate and the ride is very smooth and quiet. Goes down the freeway at 70mph no problem. The paint finish is great. This is the wifes daily driver and she loves the comfort, style, overall handling. We bought it for town and freeway driving, not off-road. Jeep has a winner in the price group. Would recommend the 26E package and Drivers Convenience group if you like a little more power options and gadgets.

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  I live, i drive, i am, Jeep. (Lol) - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Monet - August 28 - 4:37 pm

  Its been a great, reliable family vehicle and the DVD player keeps the kids (and me!) happy.