The 2021 Jeep Compass is a small crossover/SUV with off-road chops. It has looks inspired by its larger Grand Cherokee sibling. Compass may be the perfect choice for those city dwellers who want Jeep ability but don’t require a larger SUV.
Power for the Compass comes from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It’s the only engine available. It’s not weak, but it’s also not the most powerful engine in the segment and features only average fuel economy. Compass models are standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) but offer available all-wheel drive (AWD) for $1,500. A manual transmission has been discontinued.
All FWD models are mated to a 6-speed automatic, while the AWD versions take advantage of the more contemporary 9-speed automatic transmission. The Compass Trailhawk receives a more advanced version of the 9-speed. All-wheel drive models are capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds.
The basic 2021 Jeep Compass Sport comes with features including the 2.4-liter inline-4, a 6-speed automatic with FWD, cloth seating, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.
Certain driver aids are standard in the Limited and Trailhawk versions. They include adaptive cruise control with stop/go, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors with braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Many of these remain optional on the base Compass Sport model.
Six Jeep Compass Trim Levels
The 2021 Jeep Compass is available in six trim levels: base Sport; Latitude Edition; 80th Anniversary Edition (based on Latitude trim), Freedom, Limited and Trailhawk models.
Pricing starts at $24,495 for the base Jeep Compass Sport and tops out at $31,395 for the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. All-Wheel-Drive is available on all trim levels for an additional $1,500 and standard on the Trailhawk. The destination charge is $1,495. Certain Chrysler Capital incentives may be available.
We like the performance looks of the Trailhawk edition. Still, the 2021 Jeep Compass 80th Anniversary Edition is our choice for best value thanks to its 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, power driver’s seat, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and other features. It’s only $355 more than the Compass Freedom model but includes much better content for the money. The only thing we could think of adding would be the AWD system (+$1,500) for winter grip and serious off-roading.
Which 2021 Jeep Compass Model is Right for Me?
2021 Jeep Compass Sport: $24,495
- Heated side mirrors
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Cloth upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Uconnect 4 infotainment system w/7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Height-adjustable loadspace floor
- Roof rails
2021 Jeep Compass Latitude: $26,425
- Keyless entry/ignition
- Cornering fog lights
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Satellite radio
- Upgraded interior material
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
2021 Jeep Compass Freedom: $27,490
- Uconnect 4 with 7-inch display
- Two-tone paint
- 17-Inch Black Aluminum Wheels
- 9-speed automatic with AWD
- Upland Suspension
- Black Tow Hooks
- Front suspension skid-plate
2021 Jeep Compass 80th Anniversary Edition: $27,845
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Navigation
- 115-volt outlet
- Self-dimming rearview mirror
- Berber mats
2021 Jeep Compass Limited: $29,895
- Leather upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats/steering wheel
- 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Driver aids, inc. automatic on/off headlights & rear parking sensors
- 18-inch alloy wheels
2021 Jeep Compass Trailhawk: $31,395
- Off-road suspension
- Active Drive Low all-wheel drive w/low-range gearing
- Selec-Terrain w/Rock mode
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-terrain tires w/full-size spare
- Skidplates
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