The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that has been around since 2007. It's currently in its second generation which launched in 2017 and was last refreshed in 2022. The big news for 2023 is the introduction of a new 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 221-pound feet of torque. Other changes include new wheel designs, new colors, and Jeep Active Drive 4x4 is now standard on all models.
The Compass is available in five models known as the Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. Also offered are the Altitude (based on the Latitude trim) and High Altitude (based on the Limited trim) appearance packages. Lastly, a special-edition Compass RED version of the High Altitude is also available with new colors that include Diamond Black and Billet Silver.
Prices start at $28,400 for a Sport model and at the other end of the spectrum is the High Altitude Limited model which starts at $39,235. Competition includes vehicles like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Rogue Sport, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the Volkswagen Taos among others. I spent a week in the Compass Trailhawk and here's what stood out...
Exterior Style (+)Styling carries over from 2022 with slim headlamps, LED lighting, and a recently updated 7-slot grille that gives it a more sophisticated but chiseled look. The side profile features a chrome strip that separates the roofline from the windows before slanting down to outline the bottom portion of the rear window. Large wheel fenders are squared off for a more rugged vibe and leave room for various size wheels and tires. Around back, available LED taillamps amp up the luxurious side of the Compass. The overall appearance is refined, yet rugged. I really liked the look of the Trailhawk model I drove that had an even more rugged style with a unique grille, black hood decal, neutral gray exterior accents, and 17" painted black aluminum wheels.
Trailhawk (+)For optimal capability, the Compass Trailhawk is the one to get. Beyond the standard 4x4 features, it gains low-range gearing along with a rock mode and hill-descent control. It also adds a 1-inch factory lift, skid plates, and Jeep signature red front and rear tow hooks. Capabilities include a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle at which point the hill-descent control becomes a great asset. It rolls on more aggressive off-road P215/65 tires that are helpful when traveling through up to 19-inches of water fording. It comes with a Selec-Terrain traction management system that adjusts to various terrains for optimal traction. I drove the Trailhawk both on and off-road and was very impressed with its capability to hang with Wranglers and Grand Cherokees. Trailhawks are equipped with Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system with a class-leading 20:1 crawl ratio. Ground clearance also rises to 8.6" from the standard 8.1".
Power (+/-)All models are equipped with an all-new 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that replaces the outgoing 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. The new engine is a welcome change to the Compass as the outgoing engine was lackluster and disappointing. The new 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder generates 200 horsepower and 221-pound feet of torque which is a jump from the former engine's 177 horsepower. It mates to a high-efficient, eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a quicker 0-60 MPH launch performance in around 7.8 seconds. It's certainly an improvement and a step in the right direction, however it still delivers whining sounds when pushed. Around town it's sufficient and unnoticed, but when hopping on the highway everyday it was noisy and coarse sounding. It's noticeably more powerful overall and a big improvement. The downside for the Compass though, is that some of its competitors are still more refined.
Handling (+/-)With a compact size and stretched wheelbase, the Compass is more agile than you'd expect. Steering was responsive and controlled. There was minimal body lean when taking sharp corners and it generally felt planted to the roadways. It's well-planted with light steering. Ride quality is on the firmer side as you'll feel the road... which can be fun when you're on the trails. The automatic four-wheel drive comes in handy delivering torque to appropriate wheels when needed. It is much peppier with the recent adjustments to the overall power / transmission combination.
Capability (+)Compass shines in its capability, especially now that all models come standard with four-wheel drive. It can tow up to 2,000lbs when properly equipped. It is one of the most capable in the class with a Selec-Terrain management system that includes settings for auto, snow, sand, and mud. The system is easy to use via a large toggle-like switch in the center console that will adjust the settings. The Compass also features a class-exclusive fully disconnecting rear axle and power-transfer unit to provide enhanced fuel economy. Air intakes are higher and special water sealing helps the Compass get through water obstacles while off-roading. We put the Compass through some challenges on the off-road course at the Midwest Automotive Media Association spring rally and it tackled wooded terrain, rocks, hill climbs, water fording and more with ease. Its small stature allows it to be agile off-road taking tight turns in places many larger vehicles could not navigate. It's a bit of a "sleeper" on the off-road courses.
Fuel Economy (+/-)When it arrived with a full 13.5-gallon tank, it offered a range of around 300 miles. EPA estimates are 24/32/27 MPG city/highway/combined running on regular grade gasoline. After a week of typical suburban driving, I averaged 28 MPG. The small tank doesn't offer much range and overall figures are average for the compact segment.
Interior (+)Another bright spot in the Compass is the interior that punches above its price point. The cabin is modern and blends a variety of materials for a refined look and feel. Limited models are available with a three-tone interior with a black top layer followed by a brown premium leather layer and then a gray lower portion. In between were brushed silver accents and touches of chrome. My test Trailhawk model added a touch of ruggedness with rest stitching throughout and Trailhawk sewn into the backs of the seats. The center console has been elevated to provide more storage space and added amenities such as a wireless charging pad. The overall layout places everything within reach while having a polished feel. Small details will change in materials to align with each of the different trims.
Seats are comfortable with sufficient room up front, but the back seats are tighter when filled with three across. Heated front and rear seats are available, and they provide good support. Headroom is also appropriate for the class. My test vehicle also came with the available dual-pane panoramic sunroof that adds a lot of light and openness to the cabin. It's one of the biggest panoramic roofs available in the segment along with Volkswagen.
Technology (+/-)An available 10.25" frameless digital cluster will display all the key information you'd expect to see behind the wheel and is one of the largest in the segment. At the center of the dash is the infotainment touchscreen that now comes standard with a 10.1" screen on all models. The system utilizes Jeep's latest Uconnect 5 technology with wireless amenities including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For the highest sound quality, it is available with an Alpine speaker system. Uconnect 5 is user friendly and easy to operate, although I continue to experience glitchiness in all models that utilize it.
Safety (+)The standard safety feature list has grown on the Compass to include forward collision warning with active braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, and active lane management. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is also an available driver assist technology that will automatically adjust your speed to maintain a preselected distance from the vehicle ahead. Other available features include a 360-degree surround view camera system, a highway assist semi-autonomous driving system, parallel and perpendicular park assist and traffic sign recognition.
Final Statement:The Compass has come a long way since it was first introduced... so far that it's hard to believe they share the same name. It's a great entry level vehicle for Jeep that is versatile and worthy of the trail-rated badging. The new engine is a big improvement for overall power but could still use a little refinement when it comes to noise. After driving both the Limited and Trailhawk, it's fair to say there is a Compass to suit a variety of lifestyle preferences. Be cautious of your options as prices can get up there.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Exterior Color: Billet Silver Metallic
Interior Color: Black/Ruby Red
Options: Paint Color ($495), Driver Assist Group ($2,640), Trailhawk Elite Group ($3,235), and Sun and Sound Group ($2,580)
MSRP as tested: $46,290 (With Delivery/Destination)