Overview

There's no mistaking the 2021 Compass for anything but a Jeep—although we do think this is one of the prettier Jeep designs—and its ability to actually survive off-road is uncommon in this class. However, even though it wears the company's unmistakable seven-slot grille and has the hardware to handle some rugged terrain, its ride and interior quality are less refined than many of its direct rivals, such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. Likewise, it doesn't offer as much towing or off-road capability as the Jeep Cherokee. We're also not fond of its underpowered four-cylinder engine and the lethargic automatic transmission that's assigned to all-wheel-drive models. Although the 2021 Compass offers loads of technology and practical cargo space, it's one of the least desirable compact crossovers.

What's New for 2021?

The Compass enters 2021 with minor changes. There's a new 80th Anniversary Edition that's based on the Latitude trim level and features Granite Crystal 19-inch wheels, leather seats with contrast stitching, a power-adjustable driver's seat, remote start, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 115-volt power outlet, and more. Other flourishes include trim-specific badging, an oak medallion key fob, and piano-black and gunmetal interior accents. The Limited and Trailhawk trims both add more standard active safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd maximize the Compass' value by sticking with the base Sport model. Those whose want all-wheel drive, which trades the standard six-speed automatic for a nine-speed auto, will spend an extra $1500. We're fine with keeping the black 16-inch steel wheels, and we'd opt for the Olive Green paint—one of the many extra-cost color options. The available rock rails help protect the side sills when we inevitably venture off the beaten path, and the optional compact spare tire should help prevent us from getting stranded in the event of a flat when we're out in the boonies. Inside, we think the Sandstorm cloth upholstery is more attractive than the all-black theme. Along with the Cold Weather package (heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start, and more), we'd choose the Advance Safety and Safety and Security packages. The latter brings a mix of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The four-cylinder engine that powers every Compass is lethargic, and the optional nine-speed automatic transmission is slow to execute shifts. All front-wheel models are equipped with a six-speed automatic. Buyers who choose all-wheel drive will enjoy a variety of terrain-conquering drive modes. An automatic setting allows the car to direct torque to the wheels as it sees fit, while Snow, Sand, and Mud modes allow varying amounts of wheelslip for improved traction. Trailhawk models add a low "crawler" gear ratio and a Rock mode, which keeps the Compass in first gear and directs torque only to the wheels that can find grip. The Compass feels more agile than its tall, boxy profile would suggest, responding ably to inputs from the nicely weighted steering wheel. There is some lean during tight cornering, but overall the Compass feels well controlled, solidly planted, and capable on the road. An off-road course we braved when we first drove the Compass revealed that it can hold its own at least over moderate obstacles, and we noticed nary a stumble from the all-wheel-drive system.

View Photos Jeep

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite running in a class with several smaller vehicles—including some that are only available with front-wheel drive—the Compass is about as efficient as most competitors. Better yet, the gap in fuel economy between front- and all-wheel-drive Compass models is small, and it didn't disappoint in our real-world tests. With its 29-mpg result, the Compass Trailhawk we tested fell short of its EPA rating by 1 mpg over the course of our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the Compass is comfortable, functional, and has enough space for four adult passengers. The materials used are acceptable but not exactly upscale—then again, neither is the price, and the Compass is at least as well outfitted as much of its competition. The back seat of the Compass is neither the largest nor the smallest of the cars in this diverse, small-crossover class. It's hardly a luxury sedan, either, but high seat bottoms in the back seat mean that passengers' legs are fully supported, and even long rides can be comfortable. Despite its boxy exterior and what at first appears to be competitive cargo volume, the Compass is not the roomiest of its set. It has enough luggage space for an airport run but long trips could be a squeeze, and in-cabin storage space is somewhat lacking. The rear seatbacks angle slightly upward when folded, and the Compass held only 17 carry-on suitcases with the seats stowed.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Jeep's Uconnect system is one of our favorite infotainment setups, and we're glad to see it included as standard across the Compass lineup. Uconnect is simple to use and responds quickly to inputs, and no matter which Compass you choose, you'll be treated to a well-organized touchscreen-infotainment system with a USB port and an auxiliary input.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Compass earned a four-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn't name it a Top Safety Pick. Jeep has made an impressive array of driver-assistance technology available on the Compass, but none of it is standard. Key safety features include:

Available automated emergency braking

Available adaptive cruise control

Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Compass's warranty approximates the coverage provided by several of its competitors, but Kia's extraordinarily long powertrain warranty handily trumps Jeep's powertrain coverage.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications Specifications: VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $28,370 (base price: $25,590)

ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection

Displacement: 144 cu in, 2360 cc

Power: 180 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS:

Suspension (F/R): struts/struts

Brakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/10.9-in disc

Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 215/65R-16 93H M+S

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 103.8 in

Length: 173.0 in

Width: 73.8 in Height: 64.6 in

Passenger volume: 101 cu ft

Cargo volume: 27 cu ft

Curb weight: 3470 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 9.3 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 29.3 sec

Zero to 110 mph: 42.0 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 9.8 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 5.0 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.5 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 17.1 sec @ 82 mph

Top speed (drag limited): 117 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.79 g

*stability-control-inhibited C/D FUEL ECONOMY:

Observed: 21 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:

Combined/city/highway: 25/22/30 mpg >>CLICK TO DOWNLOAD TEST SHEET<< Expand Collapse

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