Jeep Compass Review: Design, Technology, and Performance

By: Ahmed Nerekar

April 19,2018

3 min read

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Introduction

Today we present the Jeep Compass, positioned between the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee in the American manufacturer's lineup. The Compass competes in the highly growing mid-size SUV segment, facing off against American models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape, as well as Japanese competitors such as the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. Additionally, it contends with the German Volkswagen Tiguan and Korean models like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Let’s explore what sets the Jeep Compass apart from its rivals.

Exterior Design

From the outside, the Compass can be described as a "mini" Grand Cherokee, as its overall design closely resembles that of the Cherokee, giving it a more substantial SUV appearance rather than a compact one. The Limited version features a striking black roof that beautifully contrasts with the white body, complemented by distinctive 19-inch black alloy wheels.

Interior Design

The interior continues the black and white theme with leather seats featuring red stitching, along with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and plastic components throughout the cabin, as expected in this vehicle class.

Features and Technology Specifications

Starting with keyless entry and ignition, the Compass also offers an electric tailgate operated via the key fob, along with 8-way power adjustments for the driver's seat and 4 for the passenger's. It is equipped with the Jeep Uconnect entertainment system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen is user-friendly and responsive.

Additional features include dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, adjustable via buttons or the touchscreen. A customizable information display is located between the gauges, which can be navigated using buttons on the steering wheel. The adaptive cruise control system is radar-based. However, the audio control buttons are positioned behind the steering wheel, making them somewhat less accessible.

The Compass Limited also comes with a forward collision warning system with brake intervention and a lane departure warning system that helps keep you on course.

Driving Experience

Driving the Compass on paved roads meets all expectations for vehicles in this category. It offers a smooth driving experience powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 237 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, contributing to excellent fuel efficiency. The suspension system excels on smooth roads, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections.

As a Jeep, the Compass's off-road capabilities truly distinguish it from other vehicles in its class. It features a 4x4 system and driving mode selection with four options, showcasing the Compass's true character in rugged conditions.

Conclusion

As mentioned in the introduction, numerous competing vehicles exist in this segment, each with its unique offerings. However, the Jeep Compass stands out for its off-road capabilities and benefits from Jeep's extensive experience in this field. Pricing starts at AED 122,000, reaching AED 142,000 for the Compass Limited. The Compass is a worthy consideration if you're interested in the off-road potential of vehicles in this category.