Jeep Compass (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Jeep Compass is a mid-sized SUV, which was revealed in America in late 2016 but did not reach UK showrooms until early 2018. It sits between the smaller Renegade and larger Cherokee in the Jeep range.
Despite a more urban focus than traditional Jeep models, the Compass still retains the company’s traditional off-roading ability and is far more suited to rough terrain than most of its rivals.
The Jeep Compass has received poor to average reviews from most of the UK motoring media. As of October 2021, our industry-leading Expert Rating index places the Compass right down near the very bottom of the mid-sized SUV/crossover segment with an Expert Rating of 52%, only two points above the MG HS in dead last place.
The Compass has received praise for its impressive off-road abilities, being one of the few SUVs that is actually comfortable on anything tougher than a gravel driveway. However, has been criticised for its on-road dynamics and lack of sophistication in one of the most competitive segments in the UK new car market.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium-size SUVEngines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £23,760 on-road
Launched: Winter 2017/18Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 7.6 / 10“The Jeep Compass stands ahead of its compact crossover rivals as a proper SUV, for those who want this sort of car for more than just looks.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: TrailhawkScore: 6 / 10“The new Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a compelling option if you’re in the market for a rugged family SUV.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“Stylish, comfortable and more usable off-road than the average crossover, the Jeep Compass has plenty to offer.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: Trailhawk 2.0 Multijet 170hp 4×4Score: 6 / 10“Jeep’s expanding range of SUVs and full-on 4x4s doesn’t always make it across the Atlantic, but the UK is getting the Trailhawk.”
Read review
Score: 6 / 10“The Compass’s practicality is average at best. It has a torquey but gruff diesel engine that performs well enough in a qualified sort of way, and ride and handling that’s passable but conspicuous by its lack of a premium-brand dynamic finish.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: TrailhawkScore: 6 / 10“If you’re an adventurous family who off-road regularly, then in Trailhawk guise the Jeep Compass makes a compelling argument for itself, despite its occasionally unruly road manners.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Compass is a great addition to Jeep’s range, and it slots neatly in the off-road centric range of this American manufacturer. It’s not a class-leading model, and there are rivals with better interiors and more enjoyable drives, but it’s an interesting left-field option to other established SUVs.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6.2 / 10“Sitting midway between the Renegade and Cherokee, the Jeep Compass is a capable off-roader with its own individual style, but you’ll have to be in love with it to look past the competition.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“The Jeep Compass’ beefy styling certainly helps it stand out from the current crop of family SUVs, but it isn’t all that good to drive and feels quite cheap in places.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual LimitedScore: 7.9 / 10“The Jeep Compass offers an interesting change to the regular small SUV options. It looks good, is efficient and has a good residual value, but refinement could be better.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“Some will be willing to overlook its lack of on-road prowess in favour of its genuine off-road capability. Just like Land Rover, Jeep plays hard on its reputation as a maker of cars that won’t leave you stranded in the rough stuff.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.8 / 10“A mid-sized crossover with genuine off-road prowess”
Read review
The Sun
“Just like the England football team, on paper the Jeep Compass has got the goods to take the fight to the others, but it’s no guarantee they’ll win at their own game.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)“I’d strongly urge anyone considering the Jeep Compass to test drive some rivals. The benchmark is incredibly high in this segment now, and the Compass – while ten times better than its awful predecessor – isn’t there yet.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“More an SUV than a soft-roader. Patchy dynamics but well finished and has good off-road ability.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 4 / 10“The Jeep Compass has impressive off-road credentials, but its poor road manners and noisy engines mean it’s ultimately off the pace.”
Read review
Which?
Score: 5.7 / 10“Character oozes from every pore of this compact Jeep, and while it’s well equipped and a very spacious family car, there are not enough pluses to justify buying it. The Compass is too sluggish, too unrefined, too poorly built and simply off the pace compared to the best rivals.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017
90%
ADULT OCCUPANT
83%
CHILD OCCUPANT
64%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
59%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Jeep Compass has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Jeep Compass, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
Buy or lease a Jeep Compass
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Jeep Compass, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com.
Keyword: Jeep Compass