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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  Dont Believe the Professional Reviews - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By nobrow - June 26 - 10:53 pm

  The reviews of the Compass have been almost universally negative, and almost universally wrong. Its a great car, economical, safe, comfortable, fun, and stylish! Ive had plenty of stares and at least three women tell me they really like how it looks. The acceleration is good: good from a stop and good for passing. It just feels slow because of the CVT, which takes a little getting used to, but is really nice once to adjust your driving style.

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  Just Fun to Drive! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By rivera7205 - June 16 - 10:03 am

  I fell in love with the Compass within the first 5 minutes of the test drive. Its so much fun and easy to handle. I traded in an Oldsmobile Bravada for this smaller, more fuel efficient crossover and have not been disappointed. It has tighter handling and is easier to manuever, especially when parking. My husband has a Grand Cherokee and it seems much stiffer in its handling. Like most new cars it took a couple hundred miles to break the engine in, but after a little driving under its belt the engine is extremely smooth. Overall the Compass is perfect for day to day driving.

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  Michigan/Wisconsin Road trip - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Joe Merriman - May 16 - 8:43 am

  We took a 2163 mile road trip and couldnt believe how smooth the ride was in such a small vehicle. The seat are at just the right height for age 65 to get in and out of. The best mileage 29 least 24. The MPG computer was very accurate. I compare each fill up and follow the mileage. We never felt the transmission shift when going up and down hills. I could see the RPM going up but could not feel it shift gears. Amazing. It fits in the garage better and handles the roads with ease. This is my wifes car. Think I will get me one. I have to 2.0 engine. It has fine pickup.

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  Fun, reliable, useful - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Lea - April 29 - 2:30 am

  The seats are excellent, build quality is good, no initial problems. The lifetime warranty is drivetrain only, but for $2k I also got the bumper to bumper lifetime. Fun to drive, roomy American made. Am going back to buy another for my daughter.

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  Im impressed! - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - January 24 - 4:16 pm

  This is such a fun vehicle to drive and its traction control nimbleness on curvy highways is impressive. Mine has the 5 speed manual tranny and there is no problem with power even though the 2.4 L 4 banger is no "Hemi". I have clocked 30 mpg on the highway so far and that has me excited as well. The price I paid for this car plus the quality and value I received is noteworthy. Nothing in the Compass class comes close in my book and I say this after having checked them all out. Id definitely buy another of these. My hat is off to Chrysler.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Bones - December 29 - 10:23 am

  This is a great small SUV. I have repeatedly driven a 07 Ford Escape, and a 06 Toyota Highlander and the Compass is a lot more fun to drive. Its not exceptionally quick or powerful, my previous vehicle was a Dodge Ram with a 5.7L Hemi, but the car-like handling makes up for it. Also, the fuel efficiency seems to be better than the 25mpg stated. I have worked it out to be roughly 30mpg city and 40mpg highway. It felt a little sluggish when I first started driving it, but when I became more familiar with the CVT nuances, I feel the performance has increased. The interior is more than competent and rather comfortable, even considering my 66" frame. Also, the entertainment options are a plus.

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  Our Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Terry - November 4 - 11:46 pm

  When we purchased the Compass we traded in a 2002 Liberty. We love its handling in the city and on the highway. The CVT transmission takes a bit to get used to but other wise we love the Compass. The seats are very comfortable. Braking is excellent. A little slow off the line but its not built for speed. Great cargo capacity and easy to get in and out of. The instrument panel is easy to read. Our only complaint is the only power switch for the door locks is on the drivers door. The rear passengers need to unlock the door by pulling up on the door lock button if the driver doesnt unlock the doors. All in All after owning several vehicles, this is one that I would buy two off.

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  Airman - 2013 Jeep Compass
  By ROY J. WALLS - October 14 - 11:16 am

  I buy this 2013 jeep compass because look better then car had before cost me lot money get it fix from timing belts! It easy get in & out when wear knee brace. I had jeep about 2 years & 8 month now only time drive my jeep when go see my Dr. and to store or family. Stereo sound very good got lot bass cd hold up to 6 cd & 4 speakers 6x9 in doors! 2013 jeep compass latitude with life time warrant.

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  Transmission concerns - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By quick_learner - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride in the highway. However, a very different story in the city: While going on an uphill or flat road, accelerate the car to 25 mph, let off the pedal and you will feel the car shaking and even clunking. If you can take it, you will be fine, buy the car. If not, mark it off your list along with the patriot and dodge caliber which have the same CVT transmission.

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  NW Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Compass - August 14 - 5:16 pm

  Was looking for a car for the wife. Leaning towards the Liberty, liked the look etc. and great cash incentives right now. From what I had heard Compass had no go. Test drove the Liberty then the Compass. The minute I drove the Compass knew it was the car she would enjoy. SUV look, had plenty of get up and go, plus the ride was so much better than the Liberty. It was what she wanted and is a lot more than I expected. Only options we got were the automatic, Drivers Convenience Group (recommended), the E Package (power windows etc.), Yes Essentials premium seats (recommended). The car drives great, plenty of room, zips down the freeway. Everything we wanted and more for a great price.