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 July 2019, our new Expert Rating system – based on more than a dozen reviews from the leading automotive media sites – places the Compass last of 17 cars analysed in the mid-sized SUV/crossover segment.
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.
More Jeep news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Medium-size SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £23,760 on-road
Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
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.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Trailhawk
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a compelling option if you’re in the market for a rugged family SUV.”
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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.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Trailhawk 2.0 Multijet 170hp 4×4
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Trailhawk
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“A mid-sized crossover with genuine off-road prowess”
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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.”
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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.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“More an SUV than a soft-roader. Patchy dynamics but well finished and has good off-road ability.”
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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.”
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Which?
Score: 5 / 10
“Fails to impress.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Jeep Compass has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
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