Jeep Compass Review 2026

Jeep Compass Verdict

Rarer than a Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai. The Jeep badge will appeal to some.

Disappointing to drive. Interior pretty gloomy. Doesn't stand out in any particular area.

Reviews for Jeep Compass's top 3 rivals

SEAT Ateca

Probably the best handling car in its class. Lots of room for those in the back along with a large boot....

Renault Kadjar

Spacious and practical family SUV, low running costs, mid-range models are well-equipped.

Nissan X-Trail

Good quality, practical interior. Efficient diesel engine with plenty of torque. Much improved CVT automatic...

Jeep Compass handling and engines

• Engines range from 1.4 MultiAir 140 2WD to 2.0 MultiJet 140 Automatic 4WD
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–39 mpg

If you're after a petrol, there's a choice of a 1.4-litre turbo producing 140PS with a six-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel drive. The same engine is available with 170PS and a nine-speed automatic gearbox with four-wheel drive.

Diesel offerings include a 1.6-litre 120PS engine with two-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 2.0-litre with either 140PS or 170PS. The 140PS unit comes with a six-speed manual transmission, while the range-topping 170PS model features a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both have four-wheel drive.

While most carmakers do their best to hide the grumble of a diesel engine, we almost get the impression Jeep hasn't bothered with the Compass. It's quite noisy, but that adds to the feel that it's indestructable and can go anywhere. Some people might like that.

The automatic gearbox is quite slow to change gears, although the six-speed manual gearbox is pleasant enough to use, with a precise shift.

The Compass is just as old fashioned in terms of handling, too. The steering is vague and light, and it will lean in bends like a real old-school SUV. It's easy enough to place in town (although the reversing camera fitted to higher-spec models comes in useful when parking), but it's not much fun out of it.

Of course, one area in which the Compass shines is off road - especially the Trailhawk low-range gearbox, 4x4 system and raised suspension (just a few of the off-road goodies on offer). It's also a competent tow car, with a towing capacity of up to 1900kg depending on engine choice.

Jeep Compass interior

• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Some people will like the rugged feel of the Jeep Compass, although there are too many harsh plastics and Fiat parts inside for our liking - especially for the close-to-premium price tag.

Some of the buttons are awkwardly positioned and it generally feels pretty gloomy inside. We could forgive it if it was as cheap as a Nissan Qashqai, but you could spend close to £40,000 on a Compass.

All but the entry-level Sport model come with an 8.4-inch media display in the centre of the dash, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto letting you access music and other features from your phone. It's a bit fiddly to use but responsive enough and nothing you won't soon get used to.

The Compass is comfortable enough for front passengers, with the kind of high-up driving position you'd expect from a Jeep. There's plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel, while head and legroom in the rear is equally good. The rising window line does make it feel a bit claustrophobic in the back, however.

Boot space is on a par with the Nissan Qashqai but smaller than alternatives including the SEAT Ateca and Kia Sportage. The wheelarches noticeably intrude on space, so it feels quite narrow - and there's a high lip for hoisting heavy items over. Fortunately, it's easy enough to drop the rear seats should you need to carry bulkier items.

Specifications (May 2019):

Sport models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured, electric and heated door mirrors, body-coloured door handles, automatic headlights, LED tail lights, fabric seats, 60:40 split folding rear seats, leather steering wheel with audio controls, 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster, five-inch DAB radio with touchscreen, Bluetooth, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, cruise control, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers.

Longitude adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior window surround, black roof raile, front fog lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power-folding door mirrors, fabric and faux leather seats with electric lumbar adjustment, ambient LED interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, 8.4-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio, navigation and Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, keyless go.

Night Eagle features 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, black grille, black window surrounds, black fog light bezels, half leather seats with electric lumbar adjustment, piano black interior accents.

Limited builds on Longitude spec with 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tip, roof rails with chrome inset, deep tint sunscreen glass, exterior mirror courtesy lights, LED signature lighting, windscreen wiper de-icer, leather eight-way power heated seats, 60:40 split folding rear seat with boot pass-through, heated steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, seven-inch TFT colour instrument cluster, 8.4-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, Beats audio, navigation and Bluetooth, front and rear park assist, blind spot and cross path detection.

Trailhawk models are based on the Longitude, with 17-inch off-road alloy wheels, a bonnet decal, coloured roof rails and mirrors, deep tint sunscreen glass, exterior mirror courtesy lights, halogen project headlights, LED signature lighting, windshield wiper deicer, rain sensitive windscreen wpers, eight-way power heated leather seats, rear 60:40 split folidng seat with boot pass-through, heated steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, seven-inch colour instrument cluster, 8.4-inch DAB radio with navigation, Bluetooth and 9 speakers, front and rear park assist, blind spot and cross pass detection, parallel and perpendicular park assist, hill descent control, rock mode, full-size spare wheel, front and rear off-road bumpers, raised off-road suspension, front rear and underbody skid plates, red rear tow hook.

Jeep Compass models and specs

Currently on sale

On sale until December 2020

On sale until July 2020