Used 2021 Jeep Compass

The 2021 Jeep Compass is a small SUV/crossover with some actual off-road ability. We say small, but the Compass offers more interior room than a Mazda CX-3 or Nissan Kicks. Its pricing and fuel economy, however, are similar to larger vehicles like the Honda CR-V compact crossover.

To entice buyers away from such rivals, Jeep relies on (arguably) good looks inspired by the Grand Cherokee and a comprehensive options list. And there’s the Trailhawk to put the rubber stamp on the vehicle’s off-road credentials.

Where the Compass falls short is in the areas of acceleration and passing power. Its 2.4-liter engine really doesn’t have the muscle to move 3,300 pounds of curb weight. And fuel economy is merely average.

The 2021 Compass delivers a competent driving experience, with enough suspension travel to soak up big bumps yet keep body roll under control through tight turns. However, the Compass does seem to feel every pavement blemish. There’s also more wind and road noise than in competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2.4-liter engine puts out 180 horsepower, which is competitive for the class, but not enough to move the weighty Compass with authority. An all-wheel-drive Compass can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Jeep’s 9-speed automatic transmission has improved over the years to provide timely shifts without hesitation. However, it’s only available in models with all-wheel drive. Front-drive variants have a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The engine’s stop/restart function is still irritating, but at least it can be deactivated.

The Compass can’t keep pace with more nimble subcompacts like the Mazda CX-3, but there is nothing in the class that can follow the tire tracks of the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, not even the Subaru Crosstrek.

The Trailhawk sits higher than the regular Compass and has added features like protective skidplates, a full-size spare tire, Crawl mode that holds the transmission in first gear, and Jeep’s Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio.

Physical controls are located logically, and the dash contains large round air vents. 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.

The Compass also has some hidden design elements that will surprise and delight buyers, like the Loch Ness monster on the rear hatch glass and Morse code on the dead pedal spelling out: sand, snow, river, rocks.

We’ve already mentioned that the Jeep Compass looks like a smaller Grand Cherokee, which is no bad thing. A black, 2-tone roof is standard with the Trailhawk and Limited versions, optional on the Latitude.

The Limited model has more chrome exterior accents, the Trailhawk emphasizes off-road ruggedness with increased ground clearance, skidplates, a blackout anti-glare hood, and red tow hooks.

COMPASS TRAILHAWK
A compact-crossover SUV that can handle tricky off-road conditions, the 2021 Jeep Compass Trailhawk has a Selec-Terrain system that adapts to various surfaces such as mud, snow, and rock. A 20:1 crawl ratio helps the Compass tackle boulders and uneven pathways with ease.

UCONNECT 4
Uconnect 4 in the 2021 Compass is one of the better infotainment systems, especially when paired with the 8.4-inch touchscreen. Response times are quick, the screen setup and graphics are easy to understand, and integration with smartphones is easy, thanks to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Jeep Compass comes in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trims. The least expensive Sport comes with some pretty decent features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker audio system.

We recommend stretching to the Latitude model, though. As well as more standard features like automatic on/off headlights, keyless entry/ignition, cornering fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a 6-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, it becomes eligible for more options.

Those now-standard driver aids in the Limited and Trailhawk versions include adaptive cruise control with stop/go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors with braking, and lane-keeping assistance.

All-wheel drive is optional in Sport and Latitude versions. The Trailhawk has four driven wheels as standard. Sport is eligible for a few options like heated front seats/steering wheel and alloy wheels, but not the above-mentioned driver aids.

Latitude can be ordered with those extra safety features, along with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, navigation, and an Alpine 9-speaker audio system.

Limited trim comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk includes leather upholstery, a 7-inch color LCD screen, and an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The top three trims may also be fitted with a sunroof and a trailer towing package. A powered tailgate and a power-adjustable front passenger seat are available in Limited and Trailhawk versions.

The 2021 Jeep Compass employs a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Not the weakest engine in the class, but far from the most powerful.

In every trim but the Trailhawk, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The Trailhawk comes with its own all-wheel-drive system.

Front-drive versions use a 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive variants have a 9-speed automatic.

Every Compass has an engine stop/restart function to save some fuel while idling.

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