2020 Jeep Compass Test Drive Review: Baby Grand Cherokee On A Budget

When most people picture a Jeep, they typically envision a Wrangler cruising down a dirt road with the doors and roof removed. But not everyone can afford the entry price of a Wrangler nor do most people require its vast off-road potential. That is why the Jeep brand has expanded its portfolio with smaller models like the compact Compass crossover. The second-generation Jeep Compass debuted back in 2016, offering massive improvements over the Dodge Caliber-based first-generation model.

It now shares much of its architecture and powertrains with Fiat models like the 500L and 500X but manages to pack plenty of off-road readiness compared to its compact competitors. The 2020 Jeep Compass doesn't include any major engine or transmission updates over the 2019 model but when the High Altitude 4x4 version arrived on our doorstep for testing, we were eager to see if this Fiat-based crossover felt like a legitimate Jeep.

Compass Exterior

Slotted in-between the Renegade and the Cherokee, the Jeep Compass draws inspiration from both. It maintains some of the rugged appeal of the larger Cherokee while incorporating enough of the Renegade's modern aesthetic to fit in around town. We'd even say it looks a bit like a miniature Grand Cherokee. The entry-level model rides on 16-inch steel wheels, while the upper trims get 19-inch Satin-finish alloys. The front fascia plays host to Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, framed by quad halogen headlights, with fog lights embedded within the lower bumper on upper trims. Every model comes with black lower bumpers and wheel-arch cladding. The Trailhawk looks a bit different with a black hood decal and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Altitude and High Altitude are each appearance package special editions. The former gets bright exhaust tips, a black roof, and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The latter gets bi-xenon HID headlights, LED taillights, and body-color heated power side mirrors.

Dimensions

This compact crossover isn't overly large, measuring 173 inches long with a relatively short 103.8-inch wheelbase. Not accounting for the mirrors, the Compass is only 73.8 inches wide, making it quite maneuverable around town. There are some variations between the different configurations, though, with the front-wheel-drive models getting 7.8 inches of ground clearance while the all-wheel-drive models get 8.2 inches. The Trailhawk leads the way with 8.5 inches of ground clearance. All models stand 64.6 inches tall excluding the roof rails and 64.8 inches including the rails. Being the best off-roader in the range, the Trailhawk boasts approach/breakover/departure angles of 30.3/24.4/33.6 degrees. The lightest Compass weighs in at 3,184 lbs while the heaviest maxes out at 3,633 lbs.

Exterior Colors

Twelve colors make up the palette for Jeep Compass, but two-tone combinations are only available on the certain trims. Within this palette, White and Spitfire Orange are the only no-cost options. By paying an additional $245, you can gain access to Diamond Black, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Jazz Blue, Laser Blue, Velvet Red, Redline, and Olive Green. The Latitude, Altitude, Limited, High Altitude, and Trailhawk all offer two-tone paint options, with the body in a color of your choice paired with a Black roof. The most premium $495 paint, Pearl White, is reserved only for the upper-most trims. We are all for choosing bold colors on the Compass but even more subdued hues look great with the two-tone black roof.

Compass Performance

While there are a number of possible configurations for the Compass' powertrain, its overall performance remains pretty standard across the range. The one-choice-only inline four-cylinder engine can be mated to a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with either a front-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain. Every model, aside from the Sun & Wheel, can be equipped with a four-wheel drivetrain to give the Compass a fair degree of off-roading capability. The Trailhawk is the most capable of the lot with better ground clearance and an off-road suspension. The high front grille means that the Jeep can wade into 19 inches of water.

The four-pot puts out only 180 hp and 175 lb-ft, so the Compass is far from athletic. With the standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drivetrain, it takes a lethargic ten seconds to get up to 60 mph from a standstill. The automatic transmission is a bit smoother, making the same sprint about half a second faster. The all-wheel drivetrain offers a more substantial improvement, dropping the 0-60 mph sprint time to 8.5 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox. Only the four-wheel-drive Compass is rated for towing, but even this configuration can only handle up to 2,000 lbs, which is low compared to the 3,500 lbs that the Toyota RAV4 AWD can handle.

Engine and Transmission

There is only one engine available to the Jeep Compass, a 2.4-liter Tigershark inline four-cylinder. However, depending on the trim level and the equipped drivetrain, the engine is paired to a different transmission. Regardless of configuration, the powertrain develops 180 hp and 175 lb-ft. The six-speed manual gearbox comes standard on the FWD and 4WD versions of the Sport and is also standard on the 4WD Latitude. Every other FWD Compass gets the six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, while the 4WD variants get a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, the six-speed manual can be swapped out for its respective automatic transmission.

We sampled a 4WD Compass equipped with the nine-speed automatic sourced from ZF. As with other applications of this transmission, we found it to be lethargic when asked for a shift, making the Compass feel slower than it should be. Not that the Compass should feel rapid because 180 hp is not a tremendous amount when hauling around 3,600 pounds. The 2.4-liter engine itself is fairly quiet most of the time but does exhibit some annoying vibrations under load. We hope Jeep replaces this engine with Fiat's newer 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is lighter, smoother, more efficient, and nearly as powerful.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Compass certainly doesn't impress in terms of speed but it is comfortable and quiet under most circumstances compared to its competitors. Very little wind noise intrudes into the cabin and with the optional panoramic moonroof, it does an excellent job mimicking the open-top experience you'd get in a Wrangler. We didn't have an opportunity to test the Compass off-road but we imagine very few owners will ever take their compact crossover over terrain more extreme than a dirt path. With snow, sand, mud, and an optional rock mode available on the Trailhawk trim, we suspect the Compass will offer more off-road capability than the majority of owners require. Having gone off-roading in the smaller Jeep Renegade, we can only imagine the larger Compass is even more capable.

On the road, the Compass offers a compliant suspension that never shakes you in the way you'd expect from a compact vehicle. Even rough road surfaces never upset the Compass, making it the ideal choice for pothole-ridden city streets. The steering lacks any discernible feedback from the front wheels and can feel vague at times but the wheel is easy to turn, making the Compass highly maneuverable in tight spaces.

Compass Gas Mileage

With a modestly powered engine and relatively low overall weight, the Jeep Compass gets decent gas mileage. Equipped with the standard front-wheel drivetrain and manual transmission, the crossover gets an EPA-estimated 23/32/26 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. The all-wheel drivetrain decreases these figures to 21/31/25 mpg, while pairing the all-wheel drivetrain with the automatic gearbox delivers the worst figures of 22/30/25 mpg. In real-world testing, we were only able to eke out a combined 22 mpg. While not actually poor, this fuel economy doesn't match up well against that of the Honda CR-V, which gets 28/34/30 mpg in its most efficient guise. Equipped with a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, the Jeep is capable of covering 351 miles between gas station stops.

Compass Interior

The interior of the crossover is about what you'd expect from the price bracket. Still, the overall build quality is nice and most of the high-traffic areas have enough soft-touch material to give the illusion of a more premium interior. There is plenty of space for all four to five passengers, and even the cargo area is moderately spacious. The seats are well-placed, as are the controls for the features and infotainment. The SUV is designed to be a great daily driver, even over long distances, and the quality of the cabin and seats reflect as much. Upgrading the interior to be a bit plusher with available leather upholstery and heated/ventilated seating appointments can drive up the price though, diminishing the Jeep's affordability prospect.

Seating and Interior Space

The cabin of the Compass is spacious enough to accommodate up to five passengers, with the seats offering enough comfort for even long drives. There is no shortage of headroom in either of the two rows of seats, and while the rear isn't as generous with its legroom as the front, there is still enough for most adults. Normally, fitting a fifth passenger requires a squeeze, but the center console is carefully placed to allow for enough space for even a larger child or teenager to slot between two adults in the back. Rear seat passengers are granted 38.3 inches of rear legroom, which is more than adequate for the compact class. The Compass even offers rear air vents for further comfort.

On all trims up to the Limited model, the front seats offer six directions of manual adjustability. A power eight-way driver's seat comes standard on the Limited and can be equipped to the lesser trims. Heating and ventilation functions are offered for both front seats. Our High Altitude tester came fully equipped with heated and ventilated leather seats, the latter of which felt plenty powerful even in the hot sun.

Interior Colors and Materials

The cabin of the Compass is well-built, but it doesn't feature the most premium materials on the market. The Sport comes upholstered in standard cloth, available in Black with Cattle Tan and Light Diesel stitching or Sandstorm/Dark Saddle. Premium vinyl with cloth inserts upholsters the Latitude and Altitude with the Black material stitched in either Cattle Tan and Light Diesel or Ski Grey. The Trailhawk gets genuine leather with cloth inserts in a single hue, Black with Ruby Red stitching. The top-tier Limited, and its High Altitude variant, come with perforated leather upholstery in a choice of Black with Cattle Tan stitching or Black/Ski Grey with Ruby Red stitching.

We found some of the materials, even in the top High Altitude trim, to be a bit low-rent for a vehicle costing nearly $40,000 as-tested. But the surfaces you interact with often are soft-touch, making the Compass feel premium enough. The plastic silver accents found in the High Altitude trim won't fool anyone into thinking they are metal but they look more mature than the red accents found on the similarly-priced Trailhawk trim.

Compass Trunk and Cargo Space

Considering its compact size, the Jeep Compass doesn't have the worst cargo capacity at 27.2 cubic feet. However, leading rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 each supply well over 30 cubic feet. Still, there is enough space to stow all the family's luggage for a weekend away, but if you need to load the camping gear, too, you will probably have to fold down the rear seats. Doing so frees up 59.8 cubic feet of space, but limits passengers to two. The aforementioned rivals each provide around 70 cubic feet or more.

There's a fair number of nooks and crannies around the cabin to store smaller items but we constantly missed having an area in front of the shifter to fit a phone or sunglasses. This is a glaring omission by Jeep's interior designers. Each row of seats comes equipped with a pair of cupholders, and each of the doors offers a large storage pocket. The front seatbacks have map pockets, and the center armrest console is pretty large. There is also a standard glove compartment in front of the passenger seat but it is rather tiny.

Features

While not overly laden with tech, the Jeep Compass comes equipped with all the basics you would need in a family SUV. The upholstery ranges from cloth on the lower trims to leather on the more premium models, while only the top-tier Limited comes standard with an eight-way power driver's seat. Every other model makes do with six-way manual front seats. Standard features across the range include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, and a rearview camera. The lower trims get a 3.5-inch driver-information display, while the upper trims get the larger seven-inch LCD cluster display. The Trailhawk gets hill descent control to complement the already standard hill start assist. The top-tier trims get a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Further available comfort and convenience features include a power tailgate and sunroof. If you want any additional driver-assistance features, you'll have to add on some packages. Through these, you can add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a rear park-assist system.

Infotainment

The Sport, Latitude, and Altitude all come with the standard infotainment suite. This comprises a

seven-inch Uconnect 4 touchscreen that supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, all channeled through a six-speaker sound system. SiriusXM comes standard on all but the base Sport trim, while HD Radio can only be added on as part of the navigation package, which further adds GPS navigation and SiriusXM Traffic. The upper trims get the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, but no additional features are added. The nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system comes standard on the High Altitude trim, but can be added to all but the entry-level Sport. As with some other FCA systems, we found the Alpine speakers to sound clear but they lacked punch for high-volume listening. FCA's infotainment continues to be a standout feature with intuitive controls, quick response, and excellent voice command.

The media hub includes a USB port and auxiliary input jack, while another USB port is available behind the center console for rear passengers to charge their devices. Devices can also be charged via one of the two standard 12-volt power outlets or the 115-volt power outlet that is made available from the Trailhawk upwards.

Compass Problems and Reliability

The Compass gets a very average reliability rating of 75 out of 100 from J.D. Power. And, while it hasn't been subject to many recent recalls - with only one recall in 2020 and 2019, each - it was recalled six times in 2018. The most recent recall was for non-functional windshield wipers. There have also been a rather large number of customer complaints lodged against the Jeep over the years. New purchases of the compact SUV are covered by a 36,000-mile/36-month limited warranty, while the powertrain warranty is valid for 60,000 miles/60 months. Roadside assistance is offered for 60,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first.

Warranty

Compass Safety

The compact SUV does well in crash tests, scoring a dependable four out of five stars in the NHTSA's books, although the three-star rating in the rollover test is a bit disappointing. The IIHS is a bit more generous, giving the Jeep a top score of Good in every field except for the headlights, which get Marginal or Poor ratings depending on trim level.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Key Safety Features

Despite its high safety scores, the Compass doesn't come equipped with a lot of standard driver-assistance features. Naturally, ABS and stability/traction control are a given, and each model comes outfitted with seven airbags: dual front, driver knee, front side, and side curtain. Advanced safety features are limited to hill start assist and a rearview camera, at least on the standard models. Most of the trims can also be outfitted with safety packages that add forward collision avoidance, rear park assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The only model that comes with hill descent control is the Trailhawk.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Jeep Compass A Good SUV?

The 2020 Jeep Compass is all about managing expectations. If you always cherished owning a Wrangler but can't afford the higher cost of entry, the Compass might be a bit disappointing. This is a Jeep that is more suited to on-road driving with a willingness to get dirty if demanded. Shoppers in the compact crossover segment likely won't find our complaints about the lack of power or quick shifts from the transmission to be a deal-breaker and will more likely value the Compass' comfortable driving manners and outstanding tech as the main selling points.

Crucially, the Compass offers what customers shopping for a Jeep under $40,000 probably want - a baby Grand Cherokee on a budget. The Compass certainly looks the part visually with styling plucked from its pricier, more capable sibling. In the future, we'd like to see Jeep update the drivetrain and include more storage areas inside but if all you want is a compact crossover with Jeep flavoring, the Compass is a nice, if flawed, option.

What's the Price of the 2020 Jeep Compass?

With so many trims and appearance options available, the price of the Jeep Compass can vary quite a bit. But even in its most expensive configuration, it's still pretty affordable. The base Sport trim will only cost buyers $22,280, while the Latitude adds a modest $3,345 over this. The Altitude and North Edition are primarily appearance packages for the Latitude, costing $27,045 and $27,975. While it may be the top trim, the Limited is actually not the most expensive model, with a starting MSRP of $28,630. Only the off-road-specific Trailhawk sets the bar higher at $29,850. The High Altitude is an appearance package for the top-tier Limited, and will cost buyers $30,650. Apart from the North Edition and Trailhawk, these prices are for the front-wheel-drive models. Every other trim can get the four-wheel drivetrain for an additional $1,500. These prices don't include tax, registration, licensing, or Jeep's $1,495 handling fee. With options, our High Altitude tester came with a price tag of over $38,000.

2020 Jeep Compass Models

For 2020, the Jeep Compass range comprises seven models. The Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited make up the primary trim levels, while the Altitude, North Edition, and High Altitude are special editions that build upon their base models. The same engine is found under the hood of every model - a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 180 hp and 175 lb-ft.

The entry-level Sport model gets the manual gearbox as standard in either FWD or 4WD configuration. The SUV rides on 16-inch steel wheels and gets quad halogen headlights and daytime running lights. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch driver information display, cruise control, a pair of 12-volt power outlets, a seven-inch Uconnect 4 touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system.

The Latitude upgrades to 17-inch alloys and automatic headlights, while also adding fog lights. Inside, the cloth upholstery is replaced with a vinyl/cloth mix, and standard features are further enhanced with SiriusXM, keyless entry and ignition, and access to a lot more optional packages than the base Sport.

The Altitude doesn't add any additional features to what the Latitude offers, but it does look a bit different. It gets 18-inch black alloy wheels, Gloss Black exterior accents, Piano Black interior accents, and 'Bright' exhaust tips.

The North Edition comes equipped with the North Special Group as standard. This package adds Gloss Black exterior accents, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The steering wheel gains heating and a 115-volt power outlet is added.

The off-roader model, the Trailhawk, is only available with the four-wheel drivetrain and offers the best ground clearance and approach/departure angles. It gets hill descent control along with an off-road suspension, and a black hood decal. New features include a seven-inch driver-information display, leather upholstery, and the same infotainment suite as the North Edition.

At the top of the range, the Limited rides on 18-inch polished alloy wheels. Inside, it gets the plushest upholstery available to the range, perforated leather, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat with heating.

The High Altitude is more than just an appearance package for the Limited. Apart from adding 19-inch satin-finish alloy wheels and body-color exterior mirrors, it also upgrades to HID headlights and LED taillights. It gets unique interior color choices for the leather upholstery paired with Gun Metal accents. The infotainment suite is upgraded with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, too.

Additional Packages

Despite having a number of distinct models, many of which already come equipped with several optional packages, each Compass crossover can still be customized to suit a variety of needs. Most models can be specced with the Advanced Safety Group ($845 - $945) or Safety and Security Group ($845 - $945). These packages are the only way to equip the Jeep with advanced driver-assistance features. The first package adds adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, automatic high beam assist, forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The second package covers the rest by adding blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear park-assist system. The Cold Weather Group ($895) comes standard on the Limited, but can be added to the other models to give them heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a remote start function, and all-season floor mats.

What Jeep Compass Model Should I Buy?

The 2020 Jeep Compass starts very affordably at under $23,000 but the lower trim levels are seriously lacking in features. We suggest at least stepping up to the well-optioned Limited trim, which starts at $28,875 with FWD or $30,375 with 4WD. The Limited trim already includes niceties such as leather seats and the larger infotainment screen but still requires a few options. We suggest the Premium Alpine Speaker system for just $795 and the panoramic roof for $1,595. Packages like the Safety and Security Group ($895), Advanced Safety Group ($945), and Luxury Seat Group ($595) are all nice additions as well. As described, a Compass Limited would set you back at close to $34,000 in FWD guise.

2020 Jeep Compass Comparisons

2020 Jeep Compass vs Jeep Cherokee

The Cherokee sits one tier above the compact Compass and gets the same powertrain as its little brother. However, the larger SUV can also be equipped with a naturally-aspirated 271-hp V6 or a turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. So while the Compass outperforms the heavier Cherokee in its standard configuration, the latter can be a lot more fun to drive with the stronger engines. The Compass isn't quite as rugged as the larger Jeep, but it feels better suited to the urban environment with its smaller dimensions. However, the Cherokee offers more passenger space, at the cost of 1.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Neither crossover comes particularly well-appointed as standard, and the interiors are of equal quality. With very little difference in price tag, the better choice will come down to your specific needs. The Compass can still go off-road when needed, but it's better suited to city living, assuming you don't really need the extra passenger space.

2020 Jeep Compass vs Jeep Renegade

Where the Cherokee is the big brother, the Renegade is the subcompact little brother. Once again, both crossovers get the same base engine, but the smaller, lighter variant can do a little more with it. But the Renegade gets access to a second powertrain. The available turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a comparable 177 hp but a lot more torque at 210 lb-ft. The Compass is already quite capable around town, but the diminutive Renegade can fit into even tighter spots, and the optional engine makes it much zippier. However, this means it makes some sacrifices in terms of passenger and cargo space, offering only 18.5 cubic feet to the Compass' 27.2 cubic feet. Just like the smaller Compass is better than the Cherokee, if you don't need the space, the same is true for the Renegade. It doesn't hurt that it's a little cheaper and gets slightly better fuel economy.