A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
3.3
Practicality
4.1
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a compact SUV that combines American ruggedness with everyday practicality? The Jeep Compass delivers exactly that blend in the competitive crossover market. This mid size SUV offers distinctive styling, capable performance, and genuine off road ability that sets it apart from more road focused rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. The Compass features Jeep’s trademark seven slot grille design and provides higher ground clearance than many competitors. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with modern technology including an intuitive infotainment system and practical storage solutions. The Compass excels where many crossovers struggle, offering genuine Trail Rated capability for those weekend adventures while remaining comfortable for daily commuting. Available with both petrol and diesel engines, it delivers reasonable fuel economy without sacrificing the robust character Jeep is known for. Whether you need a reliable family car or want something with genuine off road credentials, the Compass represents solid value in the compact SUV segment with its combination of practicality, capability, and distinctive American styling.
What's the Jeep Compass Like to Drive?
The Jeep Compass offers a choice of engines that prioritise flexibility over outright speed. The most popular option is the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine, delivering around 170 horsepower with smooth acceleration for everyday driving. There’s also a 2.0-litre diesel that provides strong torque for towing and more challenging terrain. The engines feel refined during normal driving, with enough power for confident motorway cruising and overtaking.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L MultiAir Petrol / 2.0L Diesel
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Power Output
140 - 170 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.8 - 10.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- 438 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Jeep Compass: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Compass and you’ll find a well-designed cabin that feels more premium than you might expect. The dashboard layout is clear and intuitive, dominated by an 8.4-inch touchscreen that handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The materials feel solid and well-assembled, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and attractive trim details. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal position.
The Jeep Compass blends rugged American DNA with everyday practicality, offering a versatile mid-size SUV. Its 1.4-liter MultiAir petrol engine delivers smooth, confident performance, while the 2.0 diesel excels in towing. Interior quality is strong, with premium materials and ample space. Though running costs lean higher, its off-road capability and road comfort make it a compelling choice for those seeking balance between capability and daily usability.
Is the Jeep Compass Expensive to Run?
As a larger SUV with 4×4 capability, the Compass has running costs that reflect its size and capability. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine and drivetrain you choose. The front-wheel-drive petrol models can achieve around 40-45 mpg in mixed driving, while 4×4 versions typically return 35-40 mpg. The diesel engines offer better fuel efficiency, particularly for high-mileage drivers, but come with higher servicing costs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Jeep Compass
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £28,000 | £26,500 | £27,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.4L Petrol 170hp | 1.3L Petrol 158hp | 1.6L Petrol 132hp |
| Power | 170 bhp | 158 bhp | 132 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 44 mpg | 42 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 438 litres | 430 litres | 439 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Genuine 4x4, Trail Rated, Premium interior | Advanced safety tech, CVT transmission, Proven reliability | 7-year warranty, Spacious interior, Good value |
Jeep Compass Practicality & Boot Space
The Compass proves surprisingly practical for family life. The 438-litre boot is a good size for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shopping, sports equipment, or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to create a flat loading floor when you need to carry larger items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces including a large centre console, door pockets that can hold water bottles, and useful cubby holes throughout.
We bought our Compass for camping trips and it’s been brilliant. The 4×4 system gives us confidence on muddy tracks and the interior is much nicer than we expected. Fuel costs are a bit higher than our old car but it’s worth it for the capability.
The Jeep Compass carves out a unique position in the family SUV market by offering genuine off-road capability alongside modern comfort and technology. It delivers on Jeep’s promise of authentic 4×4 performance while providing the space, refinement, and features that today’s families need. The interior quality impresses, and the driving experience feels solid and reassuring in all conditions.