It’s hard to classify the 2023 Jeep Compass with other compact SUVs. It offers an interior room equivalent to what we’d call a midsize SUV. It now comes standard with an engine that outperforms most competitors in this market. It’s identical to the engine improvements offered by a select few in the small SUV class above. Its introductory price is comparable to compacts but may exceed them with extras. Likewise, the Ford Bronco Sport is Compass’s closest competitor due to its dimensions and off-road looks (and off-road capability for some trim levels).
This is a sensitive pricing issue because it makes recommending the Compass difficult unless you appreciate its powerful new engine and refined and to a lesser extent, its great in-car electronics. The Subaru Forester Wilderness or one of the off-road variants of the Toyota RAV4 will offer equivalent capabilities but with much more space and at a lower price (though with less power). If off-road capabilities aren’t a concern, many compact and mid-range SUVs offer better overall value. The Bronco Sport, another of our favourites, has an equally questionable value, and the Compass has the advantage in interior quality, technology, and raw power. However, the Ford Bronco baby looks more youthful and is sometimes less expensive.
What’s new in 2023?
After an interior refresh last year, the Compass has received an even more substantial engine change for 2023. A smoother, quieter turbocharged 2.0-litre has replaced the sluggish, unrefined 2.4-litre four-cylinder. It’s more powerful, with an additional 23 horsepower and an impressive 49 lb-ft of torque, and it’s more efficient, with a combined net gain of 2 mpg. Even better, the equally unrefined nine-speed automatic has been replaced by an eight-speed mechanical that’s much better despite missing one gear. All-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels, eliminating the need for an additional front-wheel-drive Jeep. The 2023 Compass features driving sleep recognition, a rear seat reminder, and a safety alarm outside the engine.
What about the internal compass technologies inside the car?
The interior of the Compass has become noticeably more competitive in terms of material quality and overall appearance. There are still some harsh plastics on the dash and centre console, but that’s to be expected given the two compass sections (see below). The soft-touch fabric or imitation leather in the dashboard goes a long way toward brightening up the space. While it’s not unique to the market, it contributes to a luxurious enough feel for a surprisingly high-priced small SUV.
In that vein, each level of the Compass has a fully digital instrument panel and a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with the latest Uconnect 5 user interface. It’s one of our favourite navigation systems. It looks great, with vibrant, high-resolution images, and it’s also one of the most straightforward interfaces to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
- Pros: Powerful standard engine; great infotainment tech; loads of available equipment; standard all-wheel drive
- Cons: Expensive given its competitors; limited interior space; no hybrid option
What is the size of the Compass?
Although the Compass is competitively priced at the upper end of the small SUV segment (think Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester), its size is closer to what we’d call a mid-compact class (Honda HR-V, Ford Bronco Sport). It has less cargo space than midsize cars. We couldn’t even fit our regular pack of six—it quickly includes Bronco Sport and other compacts.
The back seat is much smaller than the RAV4, Forester, and others, but it’s comparable to the one below. Those in the back are certainly in tighten with taller people in front, and it can be challenging to install a rear-facing child seat without pressing the front passenger seat against the dashboard. The Compass is also much thinner than the others, which makes it difficult to get a triple view on the back. Finally, the panoramic sunroof offered reduces rear headroom.
What are the fuel efficiency and performance specifications of the Compass?
Each Compass has the same engine and drivetrain. The 2.0-litre turbo-four makes 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, far more than the typical engines in similarly priced and sized SUVs. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is Jeep’s “Active Drive 4×4” technology. Every other manufacturer calls it all-wheel drive because it automatically engages the rear axle when slippage occurs. The rear axle may still engage by pressing the 4×4 Lock button (one of only a handful of compact crossover SUVs). The Compass Trailhawk, in particular, has an Active Drive Low option that enables a 20:1 crawl ratio.
Fuel efficiency is 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. That’s less than most competitors’ standard powertrain, but it’s comparable to engine upgrades or off-road trim options. The Trailhawk is claimed to have the same fuel economy rating, but given its all-terrain tires and less aerodynamic front end, we doubt its real-world efficiency will be the same.
What does leadership look like?
What a difference one year can make. The Jeep Compass has had slow, unrefined engines over two generations and nearly two decades, which makes it hard to recommend. That changes drastically in 2023 because of its new turbocharged engine, which is more powerful and refined than the old rough block it replaces and is one of the most powerful compact SUVs. It has enough oomph while driving around town or passing on the highway. The eight-speed automatic transmission also works well, which is noteworthy given the number of competitors that use drone CVTs.
Despite the Jeep logo and reputation, the Compass rides well on the highway. Enjoying its poise on a twisty road with many mid-corner bumps, the ride is noticeably stiffer than most competitors, with far less pressure meeting you on the spots. Trailhawk all-terrain tires provide increased rigidity, increased noise, and reduced road-holding qualities.
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What is the cost of the 2023 Compass?
The Jeep Compass starts with pricing comparable to the Ford Bronco Sport and other larger but less powerful compact SUVs. Still, higher trim levels outperform its competition – even when optioned up. A fully equipped Ford Bronco Sport Badlands costs roughly $43,000. A fully outfitted Compass Trailhawk like the one we reviewed costs more than $47,000.
Despite their intriguing titles, the trims listed below indicate a progressive increase in equipment. The Altitude and High Altitude have a distinct look from the Latitude and Limited (particularly, a choice of two-tone colour schemes), while the (RED) special edition has red-painted mirror caps, body cladding, and badging, as well as 19-inch wheels. The Trailhawk is the only one with significant mechanical improvements, including a 4×4 low mode with a crawl ratio of 20:1, a 1-inch raise, skid plates, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and hill-descent control. It also features a distinctive appearance, such as a reworked and higher front fascia that increases the approach angle.
Remember that, unlike many competitors, all-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels below, and all prices include the $1,595 destination charge.
- Sport: $31,590
- Latitude: $34,385
- Latitude Lux: $35,785
- Altitude: $36,180
- Limited: $37,090
- Trailhawk: $37,835 (below correct)
- (RED): $39,530
- High Altitude: $40,430 (below left))
What are the safety ratings and features of the Compass?
Every Compass incorporates forward collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection and automated emergency braking as standard equipment, lane-keeping Assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, drowsy driver detection, and a rear seat reminder. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality is standard on the four upper trim levels above. It is available as part of the optional Driver Assist packages on the Latitude trims.
The Compass received four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall and front crash protection and five stars for side-impact prevention. It received a three-star rollover rating, one point lower than is typical for tiny crossovers. It obtained the second-best score for vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing. At the same time, its headlamps received varying values based on trim (none the worst). Nonetheless, the IIHS gave its child seat LATCH anchors a Moderate rating for ease of use.
