Used 2019 Jeep Compass

Slotting between the quirky Renegade and larger Cherokee, the 2019 Jeep Compass is a compact-crossover SUV that looks very much like a full-size Grand Cherokee that was left in the dryer a bit too long. With a starting price under $23,000, the Compass offers an appealing reason to buy, as do its many unique features and options. As with all Jeeps, the Compass is a competent off-roader, especially in Trailhawk trim. The Compass’ 4-cylinder engine isn’t much on power or refinement, but it gets the job done. You’ll find better fuel-economy numbers from the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda CR-V and more horsepower from the Kia Sportage, although only the Subaru can confidently follow the Compass off-road.

The 2019 Jeep Compass is built on the same underpinnings as the smaller Jeep Renegade and larger Jeep Cherokee, and it behaves like a successful blend of the two. The 9-speed automatic transmission that’s the only choice for 4-wheel-drive (4WD) automatic-transmission models hampers power delivery from the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and we shut off the intrusive start/stop system. (A 6-speed automatic is offered for 2-wheel-(front)-drive (2WD) models, and a 6-speed manual is standard on lower trims.) When the road begins to twist and turn, the Compass isn’t as nimble as competitors like the Kia Sportage or Mazda’s CX-3 or CX-5. But nothing can touch the Compass Trailhawk off-road, thanks to its raised ride height, more rugged tires (including a full-size spare), skidplates, a special Crawl mode that locks the transmission in first gear, an additional Rock mode in the 4WD system, and more off-road-oriented hardware and technology.

If you once owned or rented an old Jeep Compass, banish all memory of that car’s horrid interior. The 2019 Compass’ cabin is crafted with the same look and feel found in the Cherokee and Renegade, with large round air vents, logically arranged controls and proper knobs and buttons where they are needed most. The seats are comfortable and rear-seat passengers enjoy 38.3 inches of legroom, more than in most midsize sedans. With the rear seat in place, there’s a generous 27 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to nearly 60 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Jeep’s 2019 Compass looks like a smaller Grand Cherokee, which is welcome to our eyes. A black, 2-tone roof is standard on the Trailhawk and Limited models and optional on the Latitude. The Compass has its share of “Easter eggs” — hidden design elements like the Loch Ness monster on the rear hatch glass — that will surprise and delight buyers. Limited models offer more chrome on the exterior, while Trailhawk models double-down on off-road ruggedness with increased ground clearance, skidplates, a blackout anti-glare hood and snazzy red tow hooks.

COMPASS TRAILHAWK
Not many small SUVs can handle much more than snow or dirt roads, but in Trailhawk form, the 2019 Compass is quite an impressive off-roader. With its tall ride height, Selec-Terrain mode system and Active Drive Low 20:1 crawl ratio, the Compass is by far the most off-road-capable SUV in its class.

UCONNECT 4
Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment systems have always been among our favorites, and the latest version is really hard to fault. The screens are large and bright, with easy-to-use graphics, fast response times and cutting-edge features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Jeep Compass is offered in four trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited. The least expensive Jeep Compass Sport model comes with some respectable features for its roughly $23,000 starting price, including keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera and a 6-speaker infotainment system with 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We recommend stepping up to the Latitude model. In addition to more standard features like automatic headlights, cornering fog lights, 17-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting and illuminated vanity mirrors, it opens the door for options like the power-adjustable driver’s seat, navigation and safety systems like blind-spot monitoring.

The Compass is available in both Sport and Latitude models with 4WD and a manual transmission, a rare combination these days. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk includes leather interior, dual-zone climate control, 7-inch color LCD display and 8.4-inch Uconnect center display with a 1-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Top-line Limited models get an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include a Beats premium audio system and active-safety features like lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

With 180 horsepower on tap, the Compass’ 2.4-liter engine isn’t the weakest in this class, but it isn’t the most powerful, either. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual on Sport and 4WD Latitude trims, or a 6-speed automatic. Move up to the Limited or Trailhawk and you’ll get a 9-speed automatic. All Compass models equipped with an automatic transmission come with start/stop technology that idles the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine has good power delivery, but the Compass’ weight, especially on 4WD and Trailhawk trims, means acceleration and passing power is only average. When equipped with 4WD, the Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

2.4-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg (2WD manual), 22/31 mpg (4WD manual, 2WD automatic), 22/30 mpg (4WD automatic)