2024 Jeep Compass

Jeep models aren’t for everyone, but for those still needing a bit of off-road readiness, the 2024 Jeep Compass is a rugged alternative to less capable small SUVs. There is some argument about whether the Compass is a compact or subcompact SUV. Actually, it’s a tweener. We stick it in with the compact SUV class despite it being somewhat smaller than rivals like the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V. Among its shining attributes are a surprisingly capable AWD system, a user-friendly infotainment interface, and an impressive bundle of advanced driver-assist tech. Young families, empty nesters, and singles will appreciate its utility.

Jeep gave the Compass a new engine, transmission, and advanced safety tech additions in 2023; consequently, there’s not much in the way of change for 2024. Jeep did provide a new grille insert across the lineup, as well as new all-terrain tires for the Trailhawk grade. We won’t see these updates until later in the 2024 production run.

Before buying the Jeep Compass, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. To date, the Jeep Compass has lagged most of its competitors in retaining its value over the years.

2024 Jeep Compass On-Sale Date

We expect the 2024 Jeep Compass in showrooms in late fall. Jeep introduced the current-generation Compass in 2017.

Sourcing its thrust from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Jeep Compass has become much more competitive in the compact class. In fact, it boasts one of the highest horsepower counts among its peers. The Honda CR-V (179 horsepower), the Subaru Forester (182 horsepower), and the Hyundai Tucson (187 horsepower) all generate fewer ponies. The Toyota RAV4 is on par with the Compass.

The 8-speed automatic transmission introduced with the turbo last year seems to have quelled our readers’ complaints regarding shifting issues. Even better news is that there’s plenty of thrust, even at lower revs. This is advantageous for dealing with heavy traffic and tricky terrain alike.

This powertrain seems refined enough, although there’s some growl when accelerating hard. However, getting up to speed is handled quickly and efficiently, with smooth shifts.

Hydraulic engine mounts help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. And the icing on this metaphorical cake is this: It produces lower emissions than the previous engine.

We’ve found the Compass ride a tad bouncy over rough surfaces, but that’s the price to pay for a suspension tuned primarily for comfort. At least the steering has some substance to its feel, and we generally prefer the smaller wheel/tire combination of lower trims like the Latitude — as opposed to the slightly less forgiving larger wheels of the High Altitude model.

The compact footprint of the 2024 Jeep Compass makes it easy to drive and park when in town. Out of town, another facet comes to light: Every new Compass now comes with the reassurance of all-wheel drive. However, Jeep can always be relied upon to take that to another level, calling its system 4-wheel drive. Moreover, the Trailhawk version has low gearing and a locking 4-wheel-drive system, enabling it to explore wild places that might scare off owners of other compact SUVs.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of compact SUVs, including the Jeep Compass.

Fuel Economy

Falling near midpack, the Compass delivers an EPA combined fuel economy figure of 27 mpg (24 city, 32 highway). At the high end are the front-wheel-drive Nissan Rogue (33 mpg), FWD RAV4 (30 mpg), and the FWD Honda CR-V (30 mpg). Most other rivals post EPA combined fuel economy of 24-26 mpg.

You can check out more about fuel economy at the EPA website.

In its 2022 refresh, the Jeep Compass gained upgraded materials, as well as pleasing shapes and details. We find the cabin acceptably quiet, too.

At 38.3 inches, rear legroom is about average for subcompacts and a little below average for compact SUVs. The compact Honda CR-V offers 41 inches; the compact Toyota RAV4 has only 37.8. An adult male of average size won’t want to spend too much time in the back seat of a Compass if someone of identical stature is sitting directly in front.

Cargo space of 27.2 cubic feet behind those rear seats is below average. The CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet; the Chevy Equinox has 29.9.

No doubt about it, the 2024 Compass looks like a Jeep.

Turbo engine
We’re excited to see a turbocharged engine under the hood of the Compass. Compared with the previous non-turbo, the new mill (and 8-speed automatic transmission) improves this SUV’s performance on-road and off.

Jeep Active Drive 4×4
The standard Jeep Active Drive 4×4 system is the foundation of what makes the Compass a good off-roader. It’s a fully automatic system that delivers torque to the wheels that need it most.

Selec-Terrain
The standard Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to optimize the 4WD system for whatever terrain they encounter. Leaving it in Auto mode works well enough most of the time, but it also has Snow and Sand/Mud modes. The Trailhawk adds a Rock mode for more demanding terrain.

Uconnect 5
This 10.1-inch infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features. It has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and it’s available with a wireless charging pad and an Alpine premium audio system. We find it one of the easiest-to-use infotainment interfaces in the industry.

Highway Assist
The available Highway Assist system does what its name implies. Available on the Limited and Trailhawk models, this partially autonomous driving system uses features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to help ease the driver’s workload under certain driving conditions.

Trailhawk
The Compass Trailhawk is more than just an appearance package. It has impressive off-road capabilities thanks to a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock mode, an extra inch of ground clearance, off-road tires, and skid plates. AWD rivals pale in comparison on dirt.

Jeep thoroughly improved performance when it upgraded the powertrain in the Compass to the turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic. This one change brought the performance and fuel economy levels of the Compass to segment standards. Moreover, the max tow rating of the Compass is 2,000 pounds, which is above average for the segment.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Jeep provides a fairly standard warranty. The 2024 Compass has limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, as well as 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Jeep also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years.

Safety Rating

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has never provided an overall safety rating for the Jeep Compass. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Compass its highest score of “Good” on its battery of crash tests. We have not seen updated scoring for the 2023 and 2024 Compass.