Compact SUVs are trending nowadays, and that’s hardly a problem for Jeep. As one of the most prolific SUV automakers in the industry, Jeep is sweeping the industry with a diverse lineup of models, from an all-weather compact vehicle to the most powerful SUV on the road. Whether you’re a suburban Dad or a weekend adventuress, Jeep has an SUV to fit your unique lifestyle needs. That said, one model deserves special attention: the 2020 Jeep Compass. By combining the classic style of the Jeep Cherokee and the compact size of the Jeep Renegade, the 2020 Jeep Compass is a standout among compact SUVs. But with all the competition in today’s market, you may not be sure which SUV is the right one for you. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the 2020 Jeep Compass, and explore the many features it has to offer.
Full-Size Styling in a Compact Package
It’s hard to talk about the styling of the Jeep Compass without first discussing the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. It’s obvious that Jeep pulled inspiration from their larger SUVs, and to us, it’s hardly an issue. With its sloped edges, elongated size, and angular frontal profile, the Jeep Compass isn’t a far departure from the Jeep Cherokee in the slightest. To us, that is hardly an issue. The Jeep Compass is a looker, and while it may not be original in the Jeep lineup, it certainly is when you compare it to other vehicles of its class. In typical Jeep fashion, the Jeep Compass stands far and away from what’s currently on the market, and it does so brilliantly.
One thing to be conscious of, though, is the lack of choice amongst the Jeep Compass lineup. While you’ll get the choice of either the Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, or Limited, there is only one engine dispersed amongst the collection. Sure, you’ll get more capability when you strap into a Trailhawk edition, but we’d have liked to see the Jeep Compass go the way of the Jeep Renegade, which offers an engine alternative in their rugged trail-rated model.
That said, not enough powertrain is a small gripe to have when you consider that super-low entry price. The base model Jeep Compass Sport sits at a comfortable MSRP of $22,105, which is well within the category of budget-friendly SUV. Although, what is remarkable as even at that low entry price, you’re still getting a decent deal, and if you’re looking for a little more, it won’t cost you much to get there.
One Really Good Powertrain
When it comes to performance, the 2020 Jeep Compass finds a really solid lane and sticks to it with complete conviction. The Jeep Compass is an outlier within the Jeep family, as other models like the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Renegade all offer a variety of engine builds in their 2020 iterations. Although, what’s there isn’t too bad. All models of the 2020 Jeep Compass come with a 2.4-liter engine that tops out at 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, you’ll likely find more appeal from the 6-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is also standard, which isn’t bad, and in the Latitude and Limited, you get the option of upgrading to all-wheel-drive instead.
On the subject of capability, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk pushes things to the next level. While you won’t find a different engine build in the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, you’ll find a margin more of ground clearance, seventeen-inch wheels, a more adept suspension, and a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard 6. The 20:1 crawl ratio doesn’t hurt either, and with the ability to adjust your drivetrain according to the terrain, you’ll find an off-road experience that is worthy of the Jeep name. Keep in mind, the 2020 Jeep Compass is no Wrangler. While it may compete with the best of them out there, Jeep seems to be well aware that reaching Wrangler levels of off-road prowess would bump the price of the Jeep Compass up quite a bit.
Compact-Level Utility and Comfort
The 2020 Jeep Compass is a compact SUV, which in competitor models can mean that you’ll be sacrificing plenty of interior passenger and cargo room; the opposite is true of the 2020 Jeep Compass. Inside the Jeep Compass, rear passengers get to be as comfortable as those in the front with about 38.3 inches of rear legroom to spread out in. If you’re hoping to move any luggage or camping gear, you’ll find plenty of room to do it in, with 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, which can be pumped up to 59.8 cubic feet once you lower the rear seats. As a result, you have a compact SUV that outperforms the competition when it comes to the utility factor.
That said, there is more to a great compact SUV than just extra space. In the past, Jeep vehicles have never been particularly advanced. As other automakers include a plethora of tech in their vehicles as standard, Jeep has spent a lot of time behind the curve; this year, things have changed. The 2020 Jeep Compass Sport comes with keyless ignition, air conditioning, a pair of USB charging ports, and yes, an infotainment display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That is a pretty incredible start, especially when you consider that low-entry price.
You can upgrade the base settings thanks to a varied set of packages. For a small increase in price, you can take advantage of a digital gauge cluster display, heated front seats, a revamped appearance, and alloy wheels. To us, there is no reason why you should upgrade the Jeep Compass any higher than this initial package, but if you want more, you’ll certainly find it higher up on the totem pole. When you move up to the Limited option, you’ll find leather seats, heated seats, a power-adjusted driver’s throne, and a bigger 8.4-inch infotainment system, all as standard. The Trailhawk also adds its level of trail-rated flair as well, including some of these features and a variety of graphics and Easter eggs that’ll have Jeep fans squealing with joy.
Safety is another great highlight in the 2020 Jeep Compass. Unlike past models, each and every model of the 2020 Jeep Compass gets the option to add automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and so much more. This is a huge improvement from previous models; however, at the risk of sounding picky, we’d have liked to see these features offered in the standard model Jeep Compass.
Why You Should Check Out the 2020 Jeep Compass
Jeep has perfected the SUV game, and it shows in the 2020 Jeep Compass. While there are some areas for improvement, Jeep has tapped into a market of drivers who want a compact SUV that is more than just an oversized sedan, but rather a rugged trekker capable of off-road adventuring. The 2020 Jeep Compass is a top highlight of the 2020 Jeep family lineup; however, it is one of a number of vehicles under the Jeep brand that deserves attention. Between the Wrangler, Gladiator, Renegade, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, Jeep has hit the mark, and the 2020 Jeep Compass is but one of a lineup of showstoppers.
