Jeep Compass: Whether you’re hearing “Jeep” or seeing the squared silhouette of one, that word and that vehicle package conjures up images of rugged go-anywhere beasts of the wild. But the Jeep Compass is a bit of a different animal.
It has the iconic American off-road DNA, yes — but it’s also rounded for city streets, sleek for your office parking lot and full of modern tech to keep you connected on the move.
In a market flooded with soft-roaders and fluff crossovers, the Compass’ more pedestrian approach — solid, understated, but still premium without a doubt.
What we’re going to do now is take a closer look at what the Jeep Compass brings to the table, and see if it lives up to the badge that it’s wearing.
Design: Rugged Meets Refined
Balance is everything with the Jeep Compass. It’s not over-styled or gimmicky. Rather it is bold and timeless.
It has the rugged, utilitarian look you’d expect, with Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille, squared-off wheel arches and formidable stance, but an expressive LED headlight signature (with LED daytime running lights and taillights) as well as some tasteful swatches of chrome lend it a touch of premium flair.
Unlike a lot of rivals that go in for a futuristic or overtly aggressive look, the Compass keeps things simple and strong in its appearance.
It’s a car that’ll be as comfortable pounding city streets as it is rattling teeth over a dirt trail.
Inside: Stylish Cabin Inspired by Around the World
Get inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels premium right from the word go.
There are soft-touch materials, thick leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and an infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the space feels well thought out. The dash design is straightforward, the controls easy to reach.
There’s also now wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for Jeep’s UConnect system, and the digital instrument cluster brings things up to date.
Speaking of space, it can comfortably accommodate five adults, though rear seat legroom isn’t class-leading.
The 438 litres boot space is respectable, but I could have expected more, particularly from a family SUV.
Performance: Diesel-Driven Assurance (or: Sticking with the Diesel)
The Compass is currently available in India with a 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine that makes 170 bhp and 350 Nm of torque.
The 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic are both available with optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
The engine is smooth and torquy, and highway driving and hill climbing doesn’t faze the baby Jeep.
The ride is one for the mature and confident. Unlike many soft SUVs, the Compass feels pretty planted even at higher speeds, with the suspension doing a good job of smoothing rough roads.
If you choose the AWD model, it also adds Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, tuning throttle and traction control settings for mud, snow or sand.
Few if any other SUVs in this price class can actually put their money where their mouth is when it calls on off-road capability.
Safety: Built Like a Tank
The Compass ranks highly in terms of safety as well. Jeep hasn’t skimped in the safety department either, with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and even a 360 degree camera available in top-end variants.
Plus, the SUV offers a solid build quality, which is nice to drive knowing you’re pretty invincible.
Pros: What I like about Compass
High Build Quality – It has a good weight to it, inside and out.
Diesel Engine Power – Lively, torquey and highway capable.
Off Road Capable –Finally Its not just for looks, can take the abuse.
Plenty of Goodies inside – 10.1-inch infotainment, digital cluster, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
Brand Strength – It’s a Jeep (there really is an up sell on heritage).
Cons: What’s It Not Getting Right
No Non-Petrol Option (currently) – Not a large pool of options.
Top versions are costly – Almost at the level of large SUVs.
Rear Space – On the small side, passengers could use more.
After-Sales Service Network – Not as big as some competitors.
Fuel Efficiency Isn’t Great — Especially in the AWD Model.
Jeep Compass: Jeep Compass – A Niche SUV for Those Who Want One
The Jeep Compass doesn’t want to satisfy all. It is not biggest, the flashiest or the cheapest crossover in its segment.
entree-foodThe only thing it might be missing is all-out utility credibility, and you don’t have to be an outdoorsman to understand that’s what it’s missing.
But otherwise, what it offers is real-deal SUV character in sophisticated, modern vehicle.
If supreme build quality, genuine on-road performance and unmistakable Jeep value factor high on your list of must-have something, then the Compass is a sensible and fashionable option.