2019 Jeep Compass

Compact SUVs have taken the market by a storm, and have led the sales figures owing to their practicality and low prices. For further price savings, subcompact SUVs were introduced, which offer almost all the same goodies as the compact SUVs at an even lower price point. This is where we find the 2019 Jeep Compass. It is a pretty little car for a pretty little segment. Let’s see if it has something worthy to offer.

There are 5 trim options with the 2019 Jeep Compass. The base “Sport” variant in the Front-wheel drive guise is quite a cheap entry point into the lineup, although the subsequent trims are significantly expensive. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the 4x4 versions. For hardcore mountain driving, there is the Trailhawk variant, which looks and drives better than the other models.

Trim	Sport	Latitude	Altitude	Trailhawk	Limited
MSRP RWD	$21,595	$24,395	$26,265	-	$27,945
MSRP AWD	$23,095	$24,845	$28,945	$27,765	$29,445
Key Features	Rear Back-Up Camera	Same as Sport with additional features	Same as Latitude with additional features	Same as Altitude with additional features	Same as Altitude with additional features
	16-Inch Painted Tech Silver Aluminum Wheels	heated steering wheel	18-Inch Gloss Black Wheels	Ruby Red Tow Hooks	Heated Power Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signal Indicator
	Uconnect 4 with 7-Inch Touchscreen	Uconnect 4 with 7-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Digital Cluster Display	Gloss Black Exterior Accents	Active Drive Low 4x4 System	Uconnect 4 with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen Featuring Android Auto™ Integration and Apple CarPlay Support
	heated front seats	Piano Black Interior Accents	Leather-Trimmed Interior with Ruby Red Accents	Premium Heated Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
	windshield wiper de-icer	Gloss Black Roof	Two-Tone Gloss Black Roof
	Remote Vehicle Start
	Selec-Terrain Traction Management System (For 4x4 models only)

We Recommend

For budget off-road enthusiasts, the Trailhawk trim is currently the best compact SUV in the market. For tighter budgets though, the base model would suit just fine.

The Compass feels more agile than its tall, boxy profile would suggest, responding ably to inputs from the nicely weighted steering wheel.-Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

Jeep Compass, it could be argued, is a little too overpowered amongst similarly priced cars. For a starting price of $21,595, you get a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated inline 4 engine. Power and torque figures soar at 180 HP and 175 pound-foot, respectable but not worthy of an applause.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual by default. You could opt for either a 6 speed, or 9 speed automatic gearbox, both of which take their own sweet time to change gears. The power is transferred to the wheels via a rugged all-wheel-drive system. You get an option of front wheel drive on higher trims, which should have been the other way around according to industry standards.

Models	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
MSRP	$21,595	$20,520	$20,945	$19,500	$23,200	$20,390	$21,859	21,300	$20,945
Engine	2.4 Liter Inline 4	1.8 Liter Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4	1.4 Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4	2.0 Liter Boxer-4	1.4 Liter Inline-4	2.0 Liter Inline-4
Transmission	6-speed manual transmission (6 or 9 speed Automatic)	CVT	CVT	6-speed Manual (CVT optional)	6-speed automatic	CVT	6-speed Manual (CVT optional)	6-speed automatic	5-speed Manual (CVT optional)
Horsepower	180 hp @ 6400 rpm	141 hp @6500 rpm	144 hp @ 6100 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	148 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	175 lb.-ft @ 3900 rpm	127 lb. ft. @ 4300 rpm	139 lb. ft. @ 3900 rpm	132 lb. ft. @ 4500 rpm	148 lb. ft. @ 1850 rpm	146 lb. ft. @ 2800 rpm	145 lb. ft. @ 4000 rpm	148 lb.-ft. @1850 rpm	145 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm

Compared to the compass, the cars here are a segment below. Smaller with weaker engines, the other cars listed above are quite low on power and torque. Subaru Crosstrek comes the closest, but fall 30 horses short against the Jeep. They are also a little cheaper, with the biggest difference coming up to $4,000.

Acceleration

Jeep Compass’s mildly powerful engine doesn’t perform too well. It gets the car rolling from a standstill to 60 MPH in a lazy 10 seconds. Quarter mile times haven’t been tested yet, but it is safe to say the Jeep won’t be setting any performance records.

Models	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
0-60 MPH (sec)	10.0	9.3*	11.0	10.0	8.4	8.6	9.0	9.3	8.9
Quarter mile (sec)	NA	16.8*	18.4	17.3	16.2	16.3	16.9	16.8	16.6
Engine	2.4-L I-4	1.8-L I-4	2.0-L I-4	2.0-L I-4	1.4-L I-4	2.0-L I-4	2.0-L H-4	1.4-L I-4	2.0-L I-4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	NA	6.3*	6.0	5.9	6.3	5.7	7.0	6.3	7.1

As for the competition, the best acceleration times come from the tiny turbocharged Buick Encore. It takes a blazing 8 seconds (sarcasm intended) for 0 to 60 MPH. Toyota CHR is the slowest by a long shot, taking 11 seconds for the same feat.

Ride and Handling

The Jeep is a relatively nimble on its feet, much more than its bulk should allow. The steering is nicely weighted, although the feedback seems a little lacking. The compass is fast to respond to inputs, and hard cornering is sure to induce a fair amount of body roll. Ride quality is quite smooth and never gets unsettling, even when navigating rough terrain.

Off-roading Capability

When you talk about a Jeep Off road ability is one of the most discussed features. Even though the Compass is primarily a “soft roader”, Jeep hasn’t gone completely soft. If you find yourself in a neighborhood devoid of tarmac roads, you would appreciate the off-roading capabilities of this Jeep. It has 8.2 inches of ground clearance, good for not being stranded over smaller rocks.

Braking

The Compass has a nervous brake pedal, ready to engage at the slightest touch. Don’t let the response fool you into thinking the brakes are strong. They aren’t very effective at shedding speed, mostly due to its off-roading nature. Opting for better road tires might help here.

Model	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Brake Front (in.)	12	11.5	11.8	11.8	11.8	11	11.6	11.8	11.6
Brake Rear (in.)	11	11.1	11.1	9.0 (Drum)	10.6	11.1	10.8	9.0	11.9
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3327	2906	3300	2890	3237	2809	3113	2805	3,032
60-0 MPH (ft.)	NA	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Braking figures aren’t available at the moment, but keeping in previous years’ trends, the compact SUV segment isn’t too keen on decelerating.

The disappointment in performance can be justified by its efficiency figures. The Jeep offers great gas mileage, comparable to a similarly priced sedan. It runs for 22 miles within the city, and 31 on the highway, which translates to great fuel savings.

Model	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
MPG (city)	22	28	27	27	26	29	27	25	24
MPG (highway)	31	34	31	33	31	34	33	33	30
MPG (combined)	25	30	29	30	28	31	25	28	27

With less weight to lug around than a traditional SUV, compact SUVs manage much higher efficiency levels. The smaller engines on some of the cars listed here have even better mileage. Mazda’s CX3 and Honda HRV seem to run only on fumes, proverbially speaking.

The Compass has a spacious interior with good head- and legroom in both rows, though the available sunroof cuts into rear-seat headroom. The seats are generally comfortable and supportive.-Cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

If you are wondering about the Jeep Compass interiors, has enough space for the driver and front passenger, but space in the back leaves much to be desired. Officially, you can seat 5 people inside. In actuality, the car seems better suited for 2 adults and 3 teenagers. There aren’t many complaints though, as the target audience for this car is an average suburban family, which usually consists of only the above-mentioned demographic.

Model	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front (cu. ft) Head room	39.2	39.5	38.1	39.6	39.6	38.4	39.8	39.6	39.4
Front (cu. ft) Shoulder room	56.7	56.8	49	55.5	54.2	53.5	56.7	54.1	56.2
Front (cu. ft) Leg room	41.8	41.2	43.5	41.5	40.8	41.7	43.1	40.8	41.6
Rear (cu. ft) Head room	38.5	38.3	38.3	37.8	38.8	37.2	38	38.8	37.9
Rear (cu. ft) Shoulder room	55.1	54.5	52.5	54.5	52.5	50.4	55.6	52.8	55.5
Rear (cu. ft) Leg room	38.3	39.3	31.7	34.6	35.8	35	36.5	35.7	36.3

There isn’t much difference in front cabin space among the competition. The rear space keeps varying though. Honda HRV has the best balance of space, which is comparable to, or even better than the Compass.

Infotainment System

The Compass Sport uses Jeep's Uconnect system, which is extremely intuitive and informative, with a standard 7-inch touch screen. Other standard features include:

• Touchscreen-Infotainment System
• USB Port
• Auxiliary Input
• Bluetooth
• Voice Controls
• A Six-Speaker Stereo
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Other than these, you get a few optional features:

• An 8.4-Inch Touch Screen
• Satellite Radio
• Nine-Speaker Beats Premium Sound System
• Navigation System Are Available.

Cargo volume

The little Jeep comes with plenty of trunk space, 27 cubic feet, good for all your family luggage rolled into 3 giant briefcases. If the need arises for more, you can double the cargo space by folding the rear seats down.

Model	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Trunk Volume (ft.3)	27.2	24.3	19	19.2	18.8	12.4	20.8	18.7	21.7
Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)	59.8	58.8	36.4	45.8	48.4	44.5	55.3	48.4	49.5

All the cars here come standard with foldable rear seats, which works great for additional cargo space. Not that they need it, as all daily hauls would easily fit in the trunk. The only exception is the Mazda CX3, which has a particularly small boot, poorer than most hatchbacks.

The 2019 Jeep Compass has nice cabin materials and decent off-roading abilities, but its underpowered engine and cramped cargo hold help push it toward the bottom of our compact SUV rankings.-Cars.usnews

Dimensions and Weight

The 2019 Jeep compass does the segment proud by sticking to the unspoken dimension constraints. It remains quite small, less than 15 feet in length. It is also quite light, well under 3 and a half thousand pounds. The tiny 103-inch wheelbase helps with city maneuvering, but compromises the interior space. There is also a lot of empty space under the body, with 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Model	Jeep Compass	Honda HR-V	Toyota C-HR	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore	Mazda CX-3	Subaru Crosstrek	Chevrolet Trax	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Curb weight (lbs.)	3327	2906	3300	2890	3237	2809	3157	2805	3,032
Length(in)	173	170.4	171.2	164.0	168.4	168.3	175.8	167.2	171.9
Width(in)	73.8	69.8	70.7	70.9	70.1	69.6	71	69.9	71.3
Height(in)	64.6	63.2	61.6	61	65.2	60.7	63.6	64.9	64.8
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	5.4	5.9	6.7	6.2	6.1	8.7	6.2	8.5
Wheelbase (in)	103.8	102.8	103.9	102.4	100.6	101.2	104.9	100.6	105.1
Track width (in) F/R	60.7/60.3	60.4/60.6	60.6/60.6	62.0/62.4	60.62/60.62	60/59.5	61/61.2	60.6/60.6	60.6/60.6

Compact dimensions are a given with all the cars in this segment, and none of cars here will ever stand out in terms of dimensions. Subaru’s Crosstrek is minutely longer than the Compass, just 2 inches longitudinally. Apart from that, there aren’t much discernable differences amongst the two.

Design and styling

The 2019 model caries the same look as the 2017 Jeep Compass, with the same visual cues borrowed from the Grand Cherokee. The signature 7-slot front grille completes the menacing face. The C-pillar is quite thick, which increases the driver’s blind spot for the rear quarters. The front pillars are quite thin, and coupled with the high seating and large glass area, make for a pretty roomy cabin.

The 2019 compass has a lot of safety features as well. The standard equipment is as follows:

• 4-Wheel Disc Anti-Lock Brakes
• Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
• All Speed Traction Control
• Center Rear 3-Point Seat Belt
• Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Electronic Stability Control
• Engine Immobilizer
• Front Passenger Seat Belt Alert
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• LATCH Ready Child Seat Anchor System
• Motorized Pretensioning Seatbelts
• ParkView Rear Back Up Camera
• Rain Brake Support
• Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display

Jeep Compass vs Honda HR-V

Jeep Compass is a more expensive car than the HRV, and has the premium interiors to justify the price. What it cannot justify, however, is the lack of space and performance. Honda is much cheaper, and offers comparable features. The Jeep demands a surprising premium over the other cars here, but you won’t get much for that dough. Jeeps are known for their ruggedness and off-road ability, and the Compass Sport keeps up that tradition. If the 3-grand difference between the base trims of the two is not a problem, the Jeep is worth your money.

Jeep Compass vs Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is quite a mature car. For Off-roading capabilities, you can opt for either of the two. For additional practicality however, you can choose the Outlander Sport. Japanese cars are reputed for being utterly reliable and practical, and Mitsubishi maintains that word. If only you had a better automatic! Jeep might not be the most practical daily driver, but it certainly is more exciting, especially the Trailhawk version. If fun is high in your to-do list, then you can stop looking around the Jeep.

Jeep Compass vs Buick Encore

In terms of pricing, Buick Encore is the closest competitor to the Jeep currently. Those are the few similarities they have, along with a relatively heavy weight for the class. The Buick is a much easier car for the city, with slightly tighter dimensions and better performance, but also has a pricier entry point. Both are great mile munchers too. If you do not have any interest in getting off the tarmac, ever, then consider the Buick Encore.

You could look for better practicality in many other bikes, but you would be losing out on the fun you can have in this car. The handling is a little weak on road, with plenty of body roll and slow performance, but take to the broken trails, and this car comes alive. In essence, this is just a family car that can offer you cheap thrills off-road, and that is just marvelous. It also has a premium feel, which only makes the ownership experience better.