Jeep Compass Review 2024

Jeep Compass At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The American alternative to family SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai has a strong image and provides genuine off-road prowess. Others can play the role far better, though.

+Genuine off-road ability in Trailhawk trim. Lasting appeal of the Jeep badge. Plug-in-hybrid is particularly efficient.

-Looks expensive compared to other SUVs. Modest boot capacity. Poor engine refinement.

New prices start from £39,895
Insurance Groups are between 16–24
On average it achieves 72% of the official MPG figure

The Jeep Compass of 2007 was widely panned as a sub-standard SUV. For this second-generation model, launched in 2016, Jeep fixed many of the faults of its predecessor. Nonetheless, this is a very competitive field, and picking the Jeep Compass over the Kia Sportage or big-selling Nissan Qashqai would be a brave move.

In its home of the United States, the Jeep Compass is just another compact SUV offered by the gigantic Stellantis corporation.

Here in the United Kingdom, the Jeep badge has more niche appeal and finds itself taking on some of the best SUVs around.

This means off-road ability is central to its appeal, as we will explain in our Jeep Compass review. And provided you pick the right model, it will not disappoint.

Following an update in 2021, the Jeep Compass is offered with a choice of two engine options, a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, and a 1.3-litre plug-in hybrid capable of 156mpg.

The latter uses a 11.8kWh battery pack, and has an electric motor dedicated to driving the rear wheels.

As a result, for proper off-road Jeep action, buyers need to specify the 1.3 plug-in hybrid in Trailhawk trim.

This also gives the Jeep Compass serious mud and snow tyres, along with sturdy underbody protection.

In the dirt, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk can hold its own with bigger and more expensive 4x4s. The downside comes when using the Jeep Compass on the road, where its driving dynamics lag behind the majority of competitors.

Platform-sharing now means the Jeep Compass is a relative of numerous other models within the Stellantis family, including the much newer Alfa Romeo Tonale.

While the Italian car is a more luxurious SUV, the Jeep Compass resides at the more rudimentary end of the scale.

Refinement from both the engines is lacking, meaning the switch to petrol power from electricity is easily detected in both of the two powertrains.

As part of the 2021 update, the Jeep Compass gained a remodelled interior. This improved the trim quality, but it still feels more rugged and robust than premium.

At least the Uconnect 10.1-inch multimedia system is easy to use, and there are proper switches and dials for the climate control and air-con.

Cabin space is acceptable in both the front and rear of the Jeep Compass, but boot capacity is smaller than most rivals. There is a minor luggage space penalty for choosing the plug-in hybrid, too.

Given its high price tag, the Jeep Compass is only really likely to appeal to those who love the Jeep badge, or have a genuine need to head off-road into the wilderness.

Everyone else will be much better served by familiar options such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.

What does a Jeep Compass cost?