Cargazing
By Derek Price
After its 2017 redesign, I thought the new Jeep Compass looked and drove like a scaled-down version of its big brother, the Grand Cherokee.
Now that it was updated again last year as a thoroughly refreshed 2023 model, that’s even more true. The Compass mixes off-road prowess, including a standard 4×4 system, with on-road softness much like the bigger, pricier Grand Cherokee.
It also offers more high-end features, including Highway Assist that makes the Compass feel like it’s driving itself on freeways, a 360-degree camera system that helps when parking, and traffic sign recognition.
Better yet, it remains affordable with a starting price of $25,900, a good value for a four-wheel-drive vehicle in this class. Options, though, can quickly drive the price over $40,000 where it no longer seems like a bargain.
Every new Compass comes with the same powertrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s a good one in numeric terms, making 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque while delivering 32 mpg on the highway, an impressive combo.
In subjective terms, it’s not as splendid. The transmission occasionally seems to shift unexpectedly, leading to a slight herky-jerky sensation. It’s not as smooth as some competitors, but acceleration is better than average.
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The Jeep Compass was redesigned last year to make it more upscale, including a more expansive list of standard and optional equipment.
Soft, supple front seats help to mask the fact that the Compass is definitely still designed with off-road capability in mind. The cushy padding, coupled with a compliant suspension at highway speed, keeps bumps and vibrations from transmitting to the driver’s body.
Every version comes with the Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system with Auto, Snow and Sand/Mud modes.
Serious off-roaders will find a lot to love in the Trailhawk model, which adds a rock-driving mode, hill descent control and a whole lot of hardware.
The Compass Trailhawk comes with a one-inch suspension lift, skid plates and aggressive off-road tires. It also gets Jeep’s signature red tow hooks that catch the eye on their most assertive models.
That results in some impressive performance numbers for a small SUV. It has an approach angle of 30 degrees, breakover angle of 24 degrees and a 34-degree departure angle. It can ford up to 19 inches of water and tow up to 2,000 pounds with the right equipment, Jeep claims.
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The recent redesign gives the Compass better soft-touch materials and more storage spaces in the cabin.
Most buyers will be more interested in the vehicle’s on-road tech and infotainment features, and the Compass doesn’t disappoint.
It runs the Uconnect 5 system on a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen that operates five times faster than before, Jeep says. It also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Pricier trims offer a digital gauge cluster that replaces the old-style analog gauges. It lets drivers customize the display and access some of the vehicle’s settings, although a lot more options are accessible only through the center touchscreen.
At a time when small crossovers and SUVs are the hottest sellers for nearly every car company on the planet — not just off-road brands like Jeep — buyers can be picky. There are a lot of great products to choose from in 2024, so the subtle things set them apart.
In the Compass’ case, I think the Jeep-engineered 4×4 system is its biggest selling point, followed closely by the classic Jeep face with its seven-slot grille.
For people who want a pinch of real off-road performance without sacrificing gas mileage or on-road comfort, this one makes sense.
If you exclude the Trailhawk, pricing starts at $25,900 for the Sport model and tops out at $33,745 for the feature-packed Limited grade. Enthusiasts will have to pay a little more for the Trailhawk and all its off-road goodies, starting at $33,895.
At A Glance
What was tested? 2024 Jeep Compass Altitude 4×4 ($32,670). Options: Premium paint ($595), Customer Preferred Package 29B ($1,895), driver assistance group ($2,475), convenience group ($2,675). Price as tested (including $1,595 destination charge): $41,905
Wheelbase: 103.8 in.
Length: 173.4 in.
Width: 80 in.
Height: 64.6 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder (xxx hp, xxx lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 24 city, 32 highway
Ratings
Style: 8
Performance: 7
Price: 6
Handling: 4
Ride: 8
Comfort: 8
Quality: 7
Overall: 7
Why buy it?
Standard 4×4 capability and handsome Jeep looks make the latest Compass comfortable and competent.