Jeep Compass review

Driving position

The Jeep Compass is the latest mid-sized SUV to join the Stellantis STLA Medium platform – the mechanical underpinnings that form the basis of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Vauxhall Grandland and Citroën C5 Aircross.

Sceptics might pass it off as just another copy and paste job, but we’re pleased to report that the Compass retains its own character and style.

For example, Jeep still fits highly durable, washable seats to top-spec off-road-focused models, and there’s a drive mode selector on the centre console to handle a range of terrain types.

In terms of comfort, there’s plenty of adjustability in the seats and wheel, and thinner A-pillars (compared with the previous generation) make it feel far more car-like and less agricultural than Jeeps of old.

Tech and features

Admittedly, this is where things start to get a bit copy and paste, because the same 16-inch infotainment system sits atop the dash like in other Stellantis group models.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, because it’s crisp and feature-filled, but it could certainly do with a performance boost because it can be laggier than others.

Depending on your chosen version of the Compass, expect things like a reversing or 360-degree parking camera, a powered boot lid, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and matrix LED headlights.

Jeep does also sell some optional packs to add things like a head-up display, upgraded speakers and cooling/massaging for the front seats.

Engines and power

There are three different variants of the Compass you can pick from, starting with the 145hp 1.2-litre mild hybrid, which is paired with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In some heavier cars it can feel underpowered, and indeed on a busy slip road it could still feel that way, but it’s an engine we thoroughly enjoy.

Because it flicks in and out of electric mode continuously (yes, it’s a mild hybrid that can drive on its 28hp electric motor), it’s quiet, smooth and punchy, all in one.

If you need more power, you could also go down the plug-in hybrid route with the 195hp setup.

Its 19.7kWh battery is around twice as big as its predecessor, but more on the efficiency improvements below.

Third and finally are the electric variants, of which there are three. A 213hp standard range model, a 231hp long-range model and a 375hp 4x4 model paired with the most off-road tech.

Handling and ride comfort

Jeep retuned the suspension for balance in this new generation, so there’s less vertical acceleration and body roll than before. In layman’s terms, this makes for a more comfortable, and less fidgety ride.

We tested the Compass in the city streets of Barcelona, with plenty of speed bumps and other road imperfections.

Compared with other SUVs in this class like the Hyundai Tucson and MINI Countryman, we were genuinely impressed with how comfortable and refined the Compass was.

Although we’re yet to test it on UK roads and at higher speeds, road and wind noise remained minimal, so it’s clear a lot of work has gone into improving this and it hasn’t gone amiss.

Boot space

Not only has boot space increased by 45 litres over the previous generation, but it’s also the same across all models regardless of powertrain.

At 550 litres, it might not be the biggest in the class, but it’s still around 150 litres more than your typical family hatchback.

It also has a squarer opening, so it’s a usable space, plus each of the three seats fold down individually rather than two and one, as before.

Rear seats

This is where Jeep is really proud about the changes – 20mm more legroom, 20mm more shoulder room each side and 10mm more headroom.

You still wouldn’t really want to fit three adults side-by-side, as is the case with most family SUVs of this size, but the space on offer is beyond acceptable.

Storage solutions

Jeep says there’s up to 34 litres of storage inside the Compass, compared with 14 litres previously, so this is a true family gem.

The space under the armrest is just as big as the glovebox, and there’s also a large open cubby above the glovebox.

On the centre console you get a wireless phone charging slot, two cupholders and a deep space behind them, slightly under the dash.

Safety

Besides the usual driver aids, some versions of the Compass also get predictive adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts for bends and speed limit changes, and a semi-automated lane changing system for the motorway.

Jeep also shifted some of the sensors and cameras further up the body to protect them from dings, and the rugged-looking plastic cladding sticks out further to protect the more expensive paintwork.

Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the renewed Compass yet, but other cars on this platform received four-star safety ratings.

Fuel economy

Jeep claims up to 50mpg could be attainable from the mild hybrid, and in our experience it’s pretty easy to exceed 40mpg on most drives.

The plug-in hybrid represents the best change, though. Besides having a bigger battery, it also has a more efficient electric motor and a bigger fuel tank.

Total range has doubled, from around 300 miles to over 600 miles.

Aerodynamics are also improved, now that it has a drag coefficient value of 0.29 (the same as the efficient Kia EV5).

Standard Range (74kWh) electric models will do up to 310 miles, while the Long Range (97kWh) model will do a touch over 400 miles (or around 370 miles for 4x4 variants).

They’re all fitted with 11kW charging (optional 22kW), although most homes in the UK are limited to 7kW anyway. 160kW rapid charging is standard, so the smaller battery will do an 80% top-up in 31 minutes.

Reliability

Jeep might not have the same reliability reputation as more mainstream rivals like Kia and Hyundai, but it doesn’t need it. Instead, the Stellantis backing speaks volumes.

We already know its related cars have proven very reliable, so it’s a given that the Compass will be too.