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Pros: Rugged looks, comfort, 4x4 capability.
Cons: Vague steering, hybrid lacks refinement.
The Jeep Compass is one of the Jeep brand’s most European models to date, designed as a compact, mid-size SUV to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Kuga.
In Ireland, the latest version of the Compass gets some tweaks to the styling, interior and the addition of some new engines and a plug-in hybrid. With Jeep’s heritage in producing some of the world’s most iconic and capable off-road vehicles, the Compass certainly looks the part of a trendy SUV, but can it keep up with the best in class?
Jeep Compass Design
The Compass looks great and stands out in the mid-size SUV segment as something a little more rugged and authentic than the rest. It’s been designed for Europe, but all Jeep’s classic design cues are there – the boxy proportions, squared-off wheel arches and the iconic seven-slat front grille. There are up to five trim levels to choose from with adventurous names like Night Eagle, Upland and Trailhawk. They all bestow the car with a slightly different look, but all versions are well kitted out - even entry level models get 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Compass S model sits just below the range-topping Trailhawk and has a more urban and sportier look thanks to body-coloured wheel arches and sills, 19-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black trim and a black contrast roof.
Jeep Compass Interior
Jeep has updated the cabin of the Compass significantly for this latest version and it’s a welcome step up in design and quality. There are more soft touch materials and better-quality plastics, while S models get leather upholstery for a premium feel. A new 10-inch touchscreen now takes centre stage and comes with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There’s also a new digital driver information display, which brings the Compass up to date with rivals. Yet, overall, the cabin just doesn’t feel quite as sophisticated or high-tech as some of the best in class like the Peugeot 3008 and the Hyundai Tucson.
The Compass has 438 litres of boot space, which is less than the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon, but still more than many hatchbacks. Some versions also come with a powered tailgate. What’s more, the charging cables for the plug-in hybrid can be stored neatly away under the boot floor.
In the backseat, the Compass offers good accommodation for adults or children, with a high roofline and generous footwells.
Jeep Compass Performance & Drive
Jeep has dropped the diesel from the Compass range so it’s now exclusively petrol or plug-in hybrid. The entry into the range is a 1.3-litre petrol engine with 130hp. That’s front wheel drive only and comes with a manual gearbox. There’s also a 1.5-litre petrol with mild hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions and offers better fuel economy. It comes with an automatic gearbox and it’s priced the same as the 1.3 - so it seems like a better option overall.
The new Jeep Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid uses a 1.3 petrol engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to drive the back wheels and has plenty of tools on board to assist the driver no matter what terrain is ahead. Switch between modes like Auto, Sport, Sand/Mud and Snow and the car adjusts the settings for the best traction. There are also two different 4×4 traction modes for more advanced off-roading - 4WD Drive Lock and 4WD Low. This hybrid is the most powerful of the range with 240hp but it’s also the most expensive of the range, starting at about €50,000. It offers about 50 kilometres of electric driving on a full battery but some rivals offer more range in EV mode and are more efficient and refined overall.
Jeep Compass Pricing
The new Jeep Compass goes on sale from €43,995 for a 1.3 petrol manual or 1.5 mild hybrid automatic in Night Eagle trim. The 4xe plug-in hybrid is available from Limited trim and above, retailing from €49,995. The top of the range Trailhawk trim level is available as the 4xe plug-in nhybrid only and retails from €53,495.
Carzone Verdict
Jeep has made some welcome updates to the Compass with a new interior, updated technology and new hybrids. But this is a very competitive SUV segment with some very established main players. The Compass is not cheap and still falls short of the best in class in a few areas. It’s the Jeep’s iconic good looks and 4x4 capability that are its most attractive qualities. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s a little more rugged and authentic than the rest, then the Jeep Compass might be the one for you.