| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Affordable | Sluggish CVT | Recalibrated CVT |
Off-road capability | Low on cargo space | |
Decent fuel economy | Rough engines | |
Very practical |
$21,045
price172 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower165 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
torque5-Speed Manual
transmission2.4L 4cyl 4WD 5M
engine-
basic warrantyThe 2012 Jeep Compass SUV is probably the most affordable compact SUV in the market today, that can offer great off-road capabilities. The car received a necessary makeover last year and that helped improve the car’s ratings in the market. For the year 2012, the car carries over unchanged except for an improved CVT.
The top of the line Limited trim of the 2012 Jeep Compass is the one we recommend. It offers a great combination of both performance with its 2.4L engine, and spacious and well-finished interiors packed with features. The Security and Cargo group is recommended as well. The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group package can be good for off-roading purposes.
The 2012 Jeep Compass is neither very refined nor is it loaded with features like its huge list of competitors. But at the price point, the car is offered, there are only a few that come close to the overall package that the Compass is. The Compass goes up against the 2012 Hyundai Tucson, the 2012 Honda CR-V, and the 2012 Nissan Rogue.
The 2012 Jeep Compass is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Latitude, and Limited. Pricing for the car starts at $19,295 and goes up to $26,045 for the top trim. Standard features across all trims include roof rails, fog lights, alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats with 4-speakers.
|
Trim |
Sport |
Latitude |
Limited |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$19,295 |
$21,695 |
$24,295 |
|
MSRP (4WD) |
$21,045 |
$23,445 |
$26,045 |
|
Key features |
17-inch alloy wheels |
Adds/Replaces features on the Sport |
Adds/Replaces features on the Latitude |
|
|
Cruise control |
Heated front seats |
2.4L engine |
|
|
Keyless entry |
Height-adjustable driver’s seat |
18-inch alloy wheels |
|
|
Air-conditioning |
Reclining rear seats |
Six-way power driver’s seat |
|
|
60/40 split-folding rear seats |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
Automatic climate control |
|
CD player |
115-volt auxiliary powerpoint |
Trip computer |
Optional Packages on the 2012 Jeep Compass are the Security and Cargo Convenience Group, the Sun and Sound Group, Media Center 430, and the Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group. The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group is an off-road centric package that adds a low-range mode, upgraded 4WD system, skid plates, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, hill start assist, tow hooks, and an engine oil cooler.
We recommend
The top of the line Limited trim of the 2012 Jeep Compass is the one we recommend. It offers a great combination of both performance with its 2.4L engine, and spacious and well-finished interiors packed with features. The Security and Cargo group is recommended as well. The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group package can be good for off-roading purposes.
The 2012 Jeep Compass is powered by a 2.0L I-4 engine that comes on the FWD Sport and Latitude trims. The Limited trim and the 4WD versions (optional on the others) get a 2.4L engine. The 2.0L engine outputs 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L is more powerful and more refined, with an output of 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. There is a 5-speed manual and a CVT transmission to choose from.
The 2012 Jeep Compass is no star in terms of acceleration. The manual is not bad, but the CVT is noisy. Also, the handling and steering on the Compass are just decent but nothing great at the same time. The steering is heavy and not very responsive. The suspension on the car is not exactly soft and does not offer a great ride quality.
|
Models |
2012 Jeep Compass |
2012 Hyundai Tucson |
2012 Nissan Rogue |
2012 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$19,295 |
$19,145 |
$22,070 |
$22,495 |
|
Engine |
2.0L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
2.5L I-4 |
2.4L I-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
5-speed manual |
5-speed manual |
CVT |
5-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
158 hp @ 6400 rpm |
165 hp @ 6200 rpm |
170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
185 hp @ 7000 rpm |
|
Torque (lb-ft) |
141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
146 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm |
175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
163 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
|
0-60 mph (sec) |
8.7 |
9.6 |
9.5 |
9.1 |
|
Quarter mile (sec) |
16.3 |
16.8 |
17.4 |
16.9 |
|
Top Speed (mph) |
125 |
118 |
125 |
120 |
The Honda is the most expensive of the lot. All cars come with an FWD setup as standard. The Jeep Compass is quick off the line with its 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds. The Honda CR-V finishes at 9.1 seconds and comes second. The other two cars take similar times of 9.5 seconds and are the slowest of the lot.
The 2012 Jeep Compass with the 2.0L engine returns 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The highway mileage drops slightly with the CVT. The 2.5L engine returns 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The highway mileage drops slightly with the CVT. The car has a fuel capacity of 13.6 gallons, which gives it a combined range of 340 miles.
|
Models |
2012 Jeep Compass |
2012 Hyundai Tucson |
2012 Nissan Rogue |
2012 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
23 |
20 |
23 |
23 |
|
MPG (highway) |
29 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
|
MPG (combined) |
25 |
23 |
25 |
26 |
|
Fuel tank capacity (gal.) |
13.6 |
14.5 |
15.9 |
15.3 |
|
Range (City/Highway) (miles) |
312.8/394.4 |
290/377 |
365.7/445.2 |
351.9/459 |
The Honda CR-V is the most fuel-efficient car among its rivals. The Compass and the Rogue return the same mileage at 25 mpg combined. The Tucson is the least efficient at 23 mpg. The most range is offered by the Nissan Rogue in the city at 365 miles, whereas the CR-V offers the most highway range at 459 miles. The Compass is quite behind but has a decent range for this class.
The 2012 Jeep Compass’s interiors have received great improvements since last year’s refreshment. The materials used are of better quality now, with improved fit and finish levels. There are some soft-touch materials as well, but all in all the interior as a whole still feels subpar and lagging compared to the competition. The interior is very practical, overall.
Visibility from the cabin is decent, with a blind spot in the rear near the pillar. Also, ingress and egress are easy due to the large and wide doors The Compass can seat 5 people, but we’d suggest carrying four only so that everyone is comfortable. The front row of the Jeep could use slightly more cushioning and support, and the rear could do with some more legroom. The headroom and shoulder room are fine.
|
Models |
2012 Jeep Compass |
2012 Hyundai Tucson |
2012 Nissan Rogue |
2012 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.) |
40.7/54.6/40.6 |
39.4/57.1/41.2 |
40.4/55.9/42.5 |
39.9/58.6/41.3 |
|
Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.) |
39.9/54/37.4 |
39.1/55.1/38.7 |
38.3/53.6/35.8 |
38.6/56.4/41.4 |
|
Cargo capacity with rear seats up(cu-ft.) |
22.7 |
25.7 |
28.9 |
37.2 |
All cars seat five people. The Jeep offers the most front headroom but has the least front legroom. That is most on the Rogue. In the rear, the Compass’s seating is cramped and we’d recommend the CR-V thanks to its long rear legroom. The Hyundai offers a balanced interior overall. The Honda also offers the most cargo space at 37.2 cu-ft. Some interior features on the Compass are:
The infotainment unit on the 2012 Jeep Compass is pretty basic and there’s not much about this system. It’s simple and easy to use. Standard features on the Compass include an AM/FM stereo, CD player, auxiliary input, and a 4-speaker system. Higher trims get better features that are available as optional on the lower trims. Salient features include:
Even though the 2012 Jeep Compass got a redesign last year itself, it still got a few misplaced lines from some angles. The car now sits more in line with the Grand Cherokee’s design, but there are subtle differences that set them apart. The most prominent one being the overall proportionality of the Compass that mixes the older body of the Compass with some curves from the Grand Cherokee. In our opinion, the car needs a much-refined upgrade like other Jeep cars.
|
Models |
2012 Jeep Compass |
2012 Hyundai Tucson |
2012 Nissan Rogue |
2012 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3082 |
3179 |
3276 |
3305 |
|
Length (in.) |
173.4 |
173 |
183.3 |
178.3 |
|
Width (in.) |
69.3 |
70 |
70.9 |
71.6 |
|
Height (in.) |
65.2 |
65 |
65.3 |
65.1 |
|
Ground clearance (in.) |
N/A |
7 |
8.3 |
6.8 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
103.7 |
103.9 |
105.9 |
103.1 |
Against the rivals, the Jeep Compass does not stand out in terms of dimensions apart from length. The cars are much similar in their proportions but have a different purpose to their exterior. The Compass is the lightest of them all and has the least width as well. The Rogue is the longest and is taller than the rest. It also has the longest wheelbase out of these four. Some exterior features on the Jeep Compass include:
The 2012 Jeep Compass has not been safety-rated or crash-tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA. Its standard features include antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, and full-length side curtain airbags, while the front-seat side-impact airbags are optional. The following safety features are available on the Compass:
The 2012 Jeep Compass is a Jack of all trades, but not a good Jack at that as well. It does not offer anything out of the ordinary and has enough to keep every day going. It’s not refined enough, and nor is it prepped for enough off-roading capacity like the Nissan Xterra. It’s probably the most affordable bet to own a compact SUV with some adventure in its soul, and we’d keep it at that.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #8 | 9 sec | 17.2 sec | 116 mph | |||
2012 Ford Edge Ranked #1 | 6.8 sec | 15.4 sec | 122 mph | |||
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #2 | 7.3 sec | 15.5 sec | - | |||
2012 Nissan Xterra Ranked #2 | 7.3 sec | 15.6 sec | - | |||
2012 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #3 | 8.4 sec | 16.4 sec | 113 mph | |||
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Ranked #4 | 8.6 sec | - | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #2 | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 13.6 gal. | 312.8/394.4 mi. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Honda CR-V Ranked #1 | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | 15.3 gal. | 351.9/474.3 mi. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #1 | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | 18.8 gal. | 413.6/601.6 mi. | |||
2012 GMC Terrain Ranked #1 | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | 18 gal. | 396/576 mi. | |||
2012 Jeep Patriot Ranked #2 | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 13.6 gal. | 312.8/394.4 mi. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Nissan Rogue Ranked #2 | 23 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 15.9 gal. | 365.7/445.2 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #20 | 173.4 in. | 69.3 in. | 65.2 in. | 8.1 in. | 103.7 in. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Dodge Journey Ranked #1 | 192.4 in. | 72.2 in. | 66.6 in. | 7.3 in. | 113.8 in. | |||
2012 Subaru Outback Ranked #2 | 188.2 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.7 in. | 8.7 in. | 107.9 in. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #3 | 187.8 in. | 72.5 in. | 66.3 in. | 6.9 in. | 112.5 in. | |||
2012 GMC Terrain Ranked #4 | 185.3 in. | 72.8 in. | 66.3 in. | 6.9 in. | 112.5 in. | |||
2012 Ford Edge Ranked #5 | 184.2 in. | 76 in. | 67 in. | 7.9 in. | 111.2 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #12 | 22.7 cu.ft. | 101.3 cu.ft. | 62.7 cu.ft. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Nissan Xterra Ranked #1 | 36.3 cu.ft. | 98.8 cu.ft. | 65.7 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Ford Escape Ranked #2 | 29.2 cu.ft. | 99.5 cu.ft. | 66.3 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Ford Edge Ranked #2 | 32.2 cu.ft. | 108.4 cu.ft. | 68.9 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #3 | 34.2 cu.ft. | 108.3 cu.ft. | 78.2 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport Ranked #4 | 29.2 cu.ft. | 97.7 cu.ft. | 56.4 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #1 | 62.7 cu.ft. | 22.7 cu.ft. | 62.7 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #2 | 11.4 cu.ft. | 25.7 cu.ft. | 55.8 cu.ft. | - | |||
2012 Jeep Liberty Ranked #3 | 62.4 cu.ft. | 26.1 cu.ft. | 62.4 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Ford Edge Ranked #4 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 32.2 cu.ft. | 68.9 cu.ft. | 98 ft. | |||
2012 Ford Escape Ranked #5 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 29.2 cu.ft. | 66.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2012 GMC Terrain Ranked #6 | 13.1 cu.ft. | 31.6 cu.ft. | 63.9 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Jeep Compass Ranked #6 | 2000 lbs. | 925 lbs. | 3082 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Nissan Xterra Ranked #1 | 5000 lbs. | 881 lbs. | 4143 lbs. | |||
2012 Jeep Liberty Ranked #2 | 3500 lbs. | 1150 lbs. | 4076 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2012 Ford Edge Ranked #2 | 3500 lbs. | 1324 lbs. | 4056 lbs. | |||
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Ranked #3 | 3000 lbs. | 1162 lbs. | 3468 lbs. | |||
2012 Subaru Outback Ranked #4 | 2700 lbs. | 1199 lbs. | 3389 lbs. |
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Posted On: July 15, 2024
Runs like a scolled kitten snorting lines of catnip got enough room to fit 3 or 4 women And a deer in the back it's a good ride good gas mileage and Great relativity if you can turn a wrench but it's not as cool as you think
