why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Jeep Compass

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 60 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2013 Jeep Compass

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

2014 Jeep Compass Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.3

While Jeep has made great strides with the exterior and interior enhancement for the 2014 Compass, its overall appeal still falls short of the benchmarks set by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Subaru Forester. Wearing the "Trail Rated" badge may impress some, but true Jeep aficionados know this little crossover SUV can't keep up with its big brothers, the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Riding atop an aging platform, the Compass doesn't deliver the same ride and handling found in many newer products, and although Jeep has addressed part of the performance issue with a new 6-speed automatic transmission, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) remains on 4WD Compass models with Freedom Drive II, the most desirable of the off-road systems.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a compact and fuel-efficient small SUV with rugged looks, passable off-road credentials and a number of unique features not found on the competition, the 2014 Jeep Compass may just pull you in.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are serious about going off-road, there are far better vehicles than the Jeep Compass, even in the compact segment. In terms of engine refinement and overall performance, the Compass falls far behind newer models like the Subaru Forester, Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.3
Driving Dynamics

4.8
Comfort & Convenience

6.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.2
Value

4.8
Safety

7.7

How It Ranks

#1

out of 2

MPG

#2

out of 2

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.3 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2014

The Compass receives an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, but only on the front-drive and 4x4 Freedom Drive I models. More tweaks to the interior and exterior help somewhat, as do new safety features like standard front seat side airbags and an available rear backup camera.

Driving the Compass

2014 Jeep Compass Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2014 Jeep Compass offers a choice of two 4-cylinder engines, neither of which strikes us as terribly refined or powerful. The larger 2.4-liter engine would be our first choice,...

delivering decent acceleration and fuel economy. Of course, the beauty of a car-based crossover SUV is its on-road composure, and both the steering and suspension of the 2014 Jeep Compass provide decent connectivity to the road. There is a new 6-speed automatic and improved 5-speed manual transmission on the Sport model, both of which greatly improve the Compass performance. Unfortunately, the most desirable off-road package, Freedom Drive II, remains saddled with the somewhat lackluster CVT2 automatic transmission.

Favorite Features

FREEDOM DRIVE II OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
With Freedom Drive II the 2014 Compass achieves Jeep's "Trail Rated" moniker, a credible achievement given its car-based roots. With what Jeep describes as a 2nd-generation CVT with low range, in combination with all-terrain tires, a 1-inch-higher ride height and full-size spare tire, you can, indeed, get off the beaten path.

SUN AND SOUND GROUP
Combine nine Boston Acoustic speakers with two articulating liftgate speakers and Sirius satellite radio and you can have the music for a hearty party. Whether at the beach – and with either 4-wheel-drive option the 2014 Jeep Compass can deal with some sand – or at the trailhead, the optional sound system makes it easy to share the good times and good sounds with your friends.

2014 Jeep Compass Details

2014 Jeep Compass Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the 2014 Jeep Compass includes soft-touch materials on the door trim, a comfortable center armrest and a steering wheel that provides decent feel and grip. Other details include a Uconnect media center with iPod interface, available Sirius satellite radio and navigation, illuminated cup holders, liftgate speakers and fold-flat rear seats. The end result is not unattractive, but pricing for a well-equipped Compass can easily climb into the $30,000 range.

Exterior

At their launch in 2007 both the Compass and Patriot wore front fascias with strong family resemblances to the Jeep Wrangler, with 7-slot grilles and one round headlight per side, but the 2014 Jeep Compass now more closely follows the look of the Grand Cherokee. However, while it looks less like the Dodge Caliber upon which it's based, you still can't think of it as looking like a real Jeep, and the architecture remains saddled with a relatively narrow track that will accept little more than smallish tires. In short, as a Jeep it still looks too much like an entry-level hatchback.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Offered in three trim levels – Sport, Latitude and Limited – the 2014 Jeep Compass SUV is not without features, both standard and optional. The availability of a 5-speed manual (Sport only) is a nice surprise. The 4-wheel independent suspension is another bonus and, to Jeep's credit, even base Sport models offer numerous standard comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, cruise control, power heated outside mirrors, a removable and rechargeable flashlight and Uconnect media center.

Optional Equipment

The availability of Freedom Drive II gives the 2014 Jeep Compass the semblance of a low range for aggressive off-roading. You won't, to be sure, want to go boulder hopping (there simply isn't enough ground clearance), but you'll be pleasantly surprised with the capabilities of the Compass, when so equipped, to deal with slick surfaces and bad weather. Beyond that, we'd mention the All-weather Capability Group, which includes all-season floor mats, engine-block heater, all-terrain tires and tow hooks – this option package may be the best way to make this "pretend" Jeep SUV feel more like the real thing.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Jeep Compass' base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder of 158 horsepower. We recommend the optionally available 2.4-liter four, which makes 172 horsepower and is standard with the up-market Limited trim level and mandatory if you select either of the two 4-wheel-drive packages.

2.0-liter inline-4
158 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
141 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (FWD, manual), 21/28 mpg (FWD, automatic)

2.4-liter inline-4
172 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
165 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg (FWD, manual), 21/28 mpg (FWD, 6-speed automatic), 23/28 mpg (4WD, manual), 21/27 mpg (Freedom Drive I 4WD, 6-speed automatic), 20/23 mpg (Freedom Drive II w/Off-Road package, 4WD, CVT automatic)

Pricing Notes

With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of roughly $20,000, the base 2014 Jeep Compass Sport occupies the only price point where a Compass purchase can begin to make sense. And, given the pricing difference between it and a comparably-equipped Patriot, you really need to appreciate the looks of the Compass to consider the additional expense. As you go up in trim levels the argument for a Compass purchase grows even more marginal; a Limited starts at just over $26,000 and, with options, can easily climb past $30,000. If a 2014 Jeep Compass is your one-and-only consideration, consult Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price for an idea of what consumers are paying in your area. And, don't regard the Compass as an investment, as the long-term resale value falls short of virtually everything in its competitive segment.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jeep Compass vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

2014 Jeep Compass Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.3

Out of 10

Based on 345 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

7.5/10
Reliability

8.1/10

Performance

7.6/10
Comfort

7.8/10

Styling

7.9/10

Love this car!

By CT Girl (CT) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good price, cute, comfortable"

Cons: "a little small in the back for passengers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"For the money this is a great car. I do not haul children around any longer so I did not need a large vehicle and this was perfect. If you need to move furniture, kids or other items, this may not be right but to get back and forth to work it is the best. The gas mileage could be better and because of the weight it can be sluggish on take off but overall I have nothing but love for this car. I can fit my dog and my golf clubs and it gets me through the snow. What more can I ask?"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great first car

By Cash (IN) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "The car is reliable and handles decently."

Cons: "The car lacks in power and trunk space."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I got this car as my first. The car handles decently and is easy to drive. The only complaint that I have is the 4 cylinder. I like cars with more power and the compass is lacking in power. The interior is average. It is comfortable up front but in the back there is a limited amount of space. The trunk is very small though, I have issues fitting my golf clubs in the back without folding down the seats. Over all it is a decent car though. It is a reliable car for anyone in the market that needs a one or two person car, this is not a family vehicle."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

OK....Except Ball Joints & Jatco CVT Transmission

By Scrib (FL) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 108,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "All Wheel Drive Selector"

Cons: "CVT Transmission & Lower Ball Joint Failure"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Not a bad little (meaning small interior space) SUV. Both lower ball joints are very poor design and wore out quickly. The CVT transmission has been overheating and slipping when driven hard. Just waiting for that transmission to go up in smoke and cost a few thousand dollars. 3 year, 36,000 warranty was poor and Jeep knows they have had huge problems with the CVT transmission reliability. I heard that later models had a "lifetime drivetrain warranty" to first owner for this reason. 2007 customers are stuck holding the bag. Alternator burned up at 105,000. Other than that its been pretty good."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great vehicle for the price

By Smitty (IL) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "price, size, gas mileage, comfort"

Cons: "would like to remove back seat headrests"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I drove several other vehicles and my wife liked the Compass best. I waited for the 2014 with the 6 speed auto-didn't like the CVT. Once I tried the 2014 I drove the 2.0 and the 2.4 and bought the 2.4 that same day. Just took a 1900 mile road trip and was very happy with the Compass- got between 28-32 mpg and hauled plenty of things in back. Quiet, comfortable- simple controls (couldn't stand the confusing layout on the Ford Escape). We got the Sport (base model) FWD with AC, pwr windows, 2.4 engine, 6 speed auto, for about $21,500.Added tow pkg and will tow 2000 lbs. Very happy with it, and fun to drive."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Jeep at good price

By Carolyn (NJ) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great price; good character"

Cons: "Need a little more room inside"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I was looking for a Jeep that wouldn't break my bank, but still had style. I'm happy with it...just wish for a little more room inside (have two boys in car seats). I feel very safe though and that's important."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love my new Jeep......

By Jeep13 (AR) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,370

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great on gas, cargo space, easy to drive."

Cons: "seats could be more comfy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my 2013 Jeep Compass 3/10/13.... First I read dozens of reviews, disregarded the silly ones, like no storage room please LOOK at what storage this vehicle provides, back windshield wiper, don't like them don't purchase a vehicles this has them... I love my Jeep! Great gas mileage, a dream to drive, plenty of cargo room (at least for us, we checked it out. Love how it hugs the curves I feel very secure driving my Jeep. My only complaint so far would be the comfort of the seats (I did not test drive for 2/3 hours to see how comfortable they are. All & all I am very happy with my Jeep... I recommend this vehicle 100%.."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 345 reviews