| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Torquey engine characteristics | Sluggish automatic gearbox | Adaptive cruise control added to the Advanced Safety Group Package. |
Spacious cabin for its size | Mediocre fuel economy | A refreshed 7.0-inch infotainment system is now standard. |
Robust build quality | Mediocre safety ratings | Upland Edition is available on the base trim. |
Capable off-roader | Subpar cargo space |
$23,345
price180 hp @ 6400 rpm
horsepower175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm
torque6-Speed Manual
transmission2.4L 4cyl 4WD 6M
engine-
basic warrantyJeep launches its affordable midsize SUV, Compass for the 2019 model year. The 2019 Jeep Compass comes with a slight change that is limited to the infotainment and few optional features and a new package for the base trim. The SUV sits in between the bigger Cherokee and the compact Renegade in Jeep’s lineup. It is priced aggressively to stand firm in the competition. Still powered by the 180 hp, 2.4-liter MultiAir inline 4 engine, it delivers decent power for its segment.
As the base trim, the Sport offers a bang-on value for the price it is asking but lacks decent standard and optional features thus we would like to recommend the Latitude trim in the 4WD guise as it is a no-cost option over the FWD version. Another reason for recommending Latitude is that this trim gets access to a host of optional features that can be individually picked based on your needs and taste. Starting at around twenty-five grand we think this trim is the best bet.
The features are carried on from the last model year, stuck with design cues from the second generation launched in 2017 without any major changes except for an updated infotainment system. The Compass adds up as a better value in Jeep’s lineup offering good comfort, more practicality, and of course, a decent off-roading experience. Starting at $22,095, the 2019 Jeep Compass competes with the other market-leading compact SUVs like the Honda HR-V, Buick Encore, and Subaru Crosstrek.
The new Compass is offered in a wide range of trim options that include - Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. The base trim starts at $22,095 for the FWD configuration while the 4WD can be had for $23,595. The topmost trim starts at $28,445 for the FWD and goes up to $29,945 for the 4WD configuration. The Trailhawk is the only exception in the trim lineup that comes with a 4WD configuration only and starts at $29,445.
The base trim comes with new 7-inch infotainment and also offers the Upland Edition package that adds few Trailhawk design cues and some off-road specific equipment like a skid plate, tow hook, etc. Other than this a lot of additional packages are available throughout the trim list to better suit your needs. As standard, it gets features including keyless entry ignition, intuitive infotainment system, push-button start, rear back-up camera, etc with the list getting longer as you climb the trim ladder.
|
Trim |
Sport |
Latitude |
Altitude |
Trailhawk |
Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$22,095 |
$25,345 |
$28,260 |
N/A |
$28,445 |
|
MSRP (4WD) |
$23,595 |
$25,345 |
$28,260 |
$29,445 |
$29,945 |
|
Key Features |
7.0-inch touchscreen display w/ Uconnect 4 |
Adds/upgrades to ‘Sport’ |
Adds/upgrades to ‘Latitude’ |
Adds/upgrades to ‘Altitude’ |
Adds/upgrades to ‘Altitude’ |
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Vinyl upholstery |
Dual-tone gloss black roof |
Premium leather heated front seats |
8.4-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect 4 |
|
|
Fabric upholstery |
Blacked-out roof |
18-inch alloy wheels |
Red tow hooks. |
Heated steering wheel |
|
|
Rear back-up camera |
Black colored interior accents |
Leather-trimmed interior with red accents |
Active Drive Low 4x4 system |
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror |
|
|
16-inch alloy wheels |
Keyless entry |
Off-road suspension |
7-inch digital instrument cluster |
||
|
Windshield wiper de-icer |
Hill descent control |
Heated front seats |
We Recommend
As the base trim, the Sport offers a bang-on value for the price it is asking but lacks decent standard and optional features thus we would like to recommend the Latitude trim in the 4WD guise as it is a no-cost option over the FWD version. Another reason for recommending Latitude is that this trim gets access to a host of optional features that can be individually picked based on your needs and taste. Starting at around twenty-five grand we think this trim is the best bet.
The 2019 Jeep Compass comes with a single-engine throughout the trim list which is a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 under the hood that pumps out 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of maximum torque. This rev-happy engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission for the base trim but there is an optional 9-speed automatic transmission for better gear shifting. Also, the drivetrain options are FWD as standard and 4WD optional on all trims and standard on Trailhawk trim.
The performance delivered by this engine is decent but don’t let the numbers fool you, the real-world performance is average in the segment, and for that, the acceleration figures suffer and the Compass took 10.1 seconds to do 0-60 mph. The engine fails to provide a constant pull and loses steam when pushed hard. The quarter-mile timings are similar to the competition and the Compass took 16.7 seconds and maxed out at 116 mph.
|
Models |
2019 Jeep Compass |
2019 Honda HR-V |
2019 Buick Encore |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$22,095 |
$20,520 |
$23,200 |
$21,859 |
|
Engine |
2.4-liter Inline-4 |
1.8-liter Inline-4 |
1.4-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0-liter Flat-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
AWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
CVT |
6-speed automatic |
CVT |
|
Power (hp @ RPM |
180 hp @ 6,400 RPM |
141 hp @ 6,500 RPM |
138 hp @ 4,900 RPM |
152 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM) |
175 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM |
127 lb-ft @ 4,300 RPM |
148 lb-ft @ 1,850 RPM |
145 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM |
|
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
10.1 sec |
10.0 sec |
8.8 sec |
9.2 sec |
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds) |
16.7 sec |
17.3 sec |
16.6 sec |
16.4 sec |
|
Top-Speed (MPH) |
116 MPH |
128 MPH |
130 MPH |
N/A |
In terms of on-paper raw engine power, the Jeep is unbeatable but it does not translate to the real-world experience where it falls short in the competition which is a bit of a shame with the slowest 0-60 miles per hour acceleration. On the other hand, the smaller turbocharged engine present in the Buick Encore offers lower power figures but its instant torque and overall punch in performance make it the fastest in the competition taking only 8.8 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. The Honda HR-V and the Subaru Crosstrek offer similar performance but the Crosstrek manages to beat the HR-V by a slight margin in both the run.
The handling aspects of the new Compass seem to have improved a bit over the last generation. The SUV has good steering feels and can take down corners easily but there’s a slight hint of body roll if you are going fast around the corners. The suspension setups are well-tuned to provide decent riding comfort. The only downside is the powertrain which does not allow you to go fast and handle corners with aggression.
As the Compass offers a 4WD configuration it would be a shame if we don’t mention how well it rides and handles on the off-tarmac. Although the Compass isn’t as off-road-focused as its sibling the Wrangler yet being a Jeep the Compass manages to tackle small obstacles and mild off-road patches without breaking a sweat. If you compare this with its rivals then surely none can come close to Compass in this area.
Jeep has equipped the new Compass with a big 12.0-inch front and 11-inch rear brake rotors which offer decent braking power and are very responsive. The brake pedal has a longer than usual travel and could catch you off-guard in the beginning due to its sharp bite but as you get used to this setup things get easier. Although the brakes failed to impress as the Compass took the longest 144 feet to brake from 60-0 mph. This is a bit strange because it has a curb weight that is almost similar to the competition and also sports bigger brakes than the rivals.
|
Models |
2019 Jeep Compass |
2019 Honda HR-V |
2019 Buick Encore |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches) |
12.0 |
11.0 |
11.8 |
11.6 |
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches) |
11.0 |
10.3 |
10.6 |
10.8 |
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3,184 |
2,902 |
3,237 |
3,157 |
|
60-0 (feet) |
144 |
125 |
127 |
137 |
The braking performance has been quite similar between the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore with the Encore leading in the competition and the Jeep with the worst braking performance. However, the experience can get better if you set all-weather tires instead of the off-road-centric ones found on the Jeep Compass as a standard.
With a disappointing engine performance, we expected that the fuel economy would be better but it is not. As per the EPA estimates Compass’ fuel economy is fairly decent with 23 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and a combined economy of 26 mpg. While the Compass with 4WD and manual gearbox saw a dip of 1 mpg each in the city and on the highway and the 4WD with automatic gearbox Compass saw a dip of 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway compared to the standard Compass. The overall fuel range suffers due to the smaller 13.5-gallon gas tank and that means the SUV needs to make frequent fuel stops.
|
Models |
2019 Jeep Compass |
2019 Honda HR-V |
2019 Buick Encore |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
23 |
28 |
26 |
27 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
32 |
34 |
31 |
33 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
26 |
30 |
28 |
29 |
|
Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
13.5 |
13.2 |
14.0 |
16.6 |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles) |
311/ 432/ 351 |
370/ 449/ 396 |
364/ 434/ 392 |
448/ 548/ 481 |
The Honda HR-V just kills the competition with its super-refined engine which contributes to the class-leading mileage figures of 28/34/30 mpg in city/highway/combined respectively followed by the Subaru Crosstrek that offers 27/33/29 mpg of gas mileage. Both the crossovers managed to beat the Compass in all three conditions although the Compass still managed to beat the Buick Encore’s highway gas mileage by 1 mpg. That said, the Crosstrek comes with the biggest fuel tank of 16.6-gallon and the longest combined range of 481 miles.
The minimally designed cabin of the 2019 Jeep Compass is great in offering value and packs a few decent specs increasing the overall experience. The dashboard upfront is made of hard plastics which is common for the segment, holding the new infotainment screen at the center with a few control knobs and switches for commonly used functions. The left portion of the dash holds the digital-analog instrument cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent and the cabin has been nicely insulated from the outside noise.
The cabin of the Compass is very spacious with a lot of additional storage across the cabin. The seats of the Compass are covered in fabric but as standard, the front row gets heated functionality and come with bucket seats. Both the front and rear row has a good amount of head, shoulder, and legroom for an average size adult and offers a seating capacity of up to 5 people. The trunk capacity on offer is an impressive 27.2 cubic feet which is a bang on offering for the segment, elevating the overall practicality.
|
Models |
2019 Jeep Compass |
2019 Honda HR-V |
2019 Buick Encore |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
39.2/ 56.7/ 41.8 |
39.5/ 56.8/ 41.2 |
39.6/ 54.2/ 40.8 |
39.8/ 56.7/ 43.1 |
|
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
38.5/ 55.1/ 38.3 |
38.3/ 54.5/ 39.3 |
38.8/ 52.5/ 35.8 |
38.0/ 55.6/ 36.5 |
|
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet) |
27.2 |
24.3 |
18.8 |
20.8 |
The competition offers similar cabin space at least for the front row, but the rear row space is better on the Compass and HR-V. The Compass has a better overall cabin space management and comes with a class-leading cargo capacity, followed by the HR-V with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Encore is the most compact option among the competition and also gets the smallest cargo space of 18.8 cubic feet.
Highlights of the interior features include:
Replacing the dated and sluggish infotainment screen the newer infotainment system sports a 7.0-inch touchscreen display which is more intuitive and sensitive. Coupled with Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system, the experience gets even better with a user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch infotainment screen is optional and comes only in higher trims. The smartphone connectivity is taken care of by the availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are a lot of standard features that come with the 2019 Compass that include Bluetooth, USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, SiriusXM radio, and a lot more.
Highlights of the infotainment include:
A design language that is highly inspired by the bigger Jeeps like the Grand Cherokee, the exterior looks of the 2019 Jeep Compass are aggressive and the bigger stance gives it a more off-roader appeal. The front sports HID headlights with LED DRLs and the signature seven-grille slot which has a lot meaner look in person. The roofline and sides are kept with minimal design and resemble a typical Jeep. The rear sports LED taillights in the typical Jeep styling with a rear spoiler. It sits on a set of 16-inch alloy wheels as standard with all-weather tires fitted to them.
|
Models |
2019 Jeep Compass |
2019 Honda HR-V |
2019 Buick Encore |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lb) |
3,184 |
2,902 |
3,237 |
3,157 |
|
Length (inches) |
173.0 |
170.4 |
168.4 |
175.8 |
|
Width (inches) |
73.8 |
69.8 |
70.1 |
71.0 |
|
Height (inches) |
64.6 |
63.2 |
65.3 |
63.6 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
7.8 |
7.3 |
6.2 |
8.7 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
103.8 |
102.8 |
100.6 |
104.9 |
In terms of dimensions, this mid-size SUV has a fair amount of length at 173-inches, 73.8-inches of width, 64.6-inches of height, and a ground clearance of 7.8-inches which is a must for any off-roader. It also has one of the longest wheelbases in the competition with 103.8-inches which contributes to the generous rear legroom. All other crossover SUVs in the segment continue to provide very similar dimensions with a few differences like the Subaru being the longest and with the highest ground clearance, Jeep holds the line with more width, and the Buick is considerably taller in size. Meanwhile, the Honda is the lightest in the competition and the Buick being the heaviest, also sports the lowest ground clearance.
Highlights of the exterior features include:
The 2019 Jeep Compass’ build quality has been very robust and contributes to its safety quotient. But the lack of standard safety and driver-assist features makes the Compass score underwhelmingly in the crash-test conducted by either of the agencies. The 2019 Compass was rated with a 4 out of five-star rating for overall safety, including a lower 3-star rating for the rollover test and the highest 5-star for the side crash test by the NHTSA. The IIHS on the other hand has rated the Compass with ‘Good’ in all six categories but still, it missed out on grabbing the ‘Top Safety Pick' award due to the second-lowest ‘Marginal’ and lowest ‘Poor’ rating for the headlights depending on the trim level. That said, Jeep has provided few standard safety features that include traction control, ABS, seven airbags, etc.
A few of the standout safety features are as follows:
The Honda HR-V is your everyday mid-size SUV for daily commutes and packs decent specs but lacks the quality of the interiors which the Compass gets away with but the former comes in a lower price tag and a more refined engine. Although the Honda HR-V promises to offer better fuel economy than the Compass. If you want more cabin comfort than a more efficient and refined powertrain then the Compass is the option to go for as it covers almost every aspect and has better off-road capability than the HR-V.
The Buick Encore is a straight-up city dweller with a compact form factor, decent interior features, and a peppy powertrain, thanks to the turbocharged technology. The Compass on the other hand has a good quality cabin with a lot of space inside and comes with a lower price tag. Although, if you want a mid-size SUV for the city and do not have any interest in taking it off the tarmac then the Encore would be a greater choice, and if it's the other way round with the advantage of a more spacious cabin and a practical boot then the Compass is what you should consider.
Both the SUVs go head-to-head in terms of off-road capabilities because of the increased ground clearance and a more rugged appeal. Both the Jeep and Subaru offer a well-built cabin but the prior sports more cabin space and better cargo capacity, elevating the overall practicality. However, the Subaru has a better resale value over the Jeep and offers a better range because of its large fuel tank. In the end, it comes to personal preferences and tastes in picking one between the two.
The 2019 Jeep Compass offers better practicality and packs decent features for the price. Although the mediocre fuel economy and sluggish performance might take away much of the joy, the SUV is a go for people who are off-road enthusiasts and do not want to invest a lot of money. The Compass is compact and has all the characteristics of a daily driver which not many Jeeps can boast of. With the serious off-road capable 4x4 Trailhawk trim and other standard trims with an option of 4WD, the Compass offers a lot of value and choice to its customer.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #5 | 8.2 sec | 16.2 sec | 118 mph | |||
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Ranked #1 | 6.9 sec | 15.0 sec | 143 mph | |||
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #2 | 7.3 sec | 15.5 sec | 117 mph | |||
2019 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #3 | 7.8 sec | 16.0 sec | 120 mph | |||
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #4 | 7.9 sec | - | - | |||
2019 Kia Sportage Ranked #6 | 8.3 sec | 16.5 sec | 120 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #6 | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | 13.5 gal. | 310.5/432 mi. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #1 | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 12.7 gal. | 368.3/431.8 mi. | |||
2019 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2 | 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 377/507.5 mi. | |||
2019 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/448.8 mi. | |||
2019 Hyundai Kona Ranked #2 | 27 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 356.4/435.6 mi. | |||
2019 Toyota C-HR Ranked #3 | 27 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 356.4/409.2 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #21 | 173 in. | 73.8 in. | 64.6 in. | 7.8 in. | 103.8 in. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #1 | 192.4 in. | 72.2 in. | 66.6 in. | 7.2 in. | 113.8 in. | |||
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #2 | 189.8 in. | 76.5 in. | 69.3 in. | 8.6 in. | 114.8 in. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Subaru Outback Ranked #3 | 189.6 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.1 in. | 8.7 in. | 108.1 in. | |||
2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Ranked #4 | 188.9 in. | 75.9 in. | 54.2 in. | 8 in. | 107.1 in. | |||
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #5 | 187.8 in. | 74.4 in. | 66.1 in. | 7.3 in. | 108.9 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #26 | 27.2 cu.ft. | 99.6 cu.ft. | 59.8 cu.ft. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #1 | 30.9 cu.ft. | 103.6 cu.ft. | 59.6 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Ranked #2 | 20.3 cu.ft. | 109.1 cu.ft. | 51 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Buick Envision Ranked #3 | 26.9 cu.ft. | 100.6 cu.ft. | 57.3 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Buick Encore Ranked #3 | 18.8 cu.ft. | 92.8 cu.ft. | 48.4 cu.ft. | |||
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #4 | 29.9 cu.ft. | 103.2 cu.ft. | 63.5 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #1 | - | 27.2 cu.ft. | 59.8 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 11.2 cu.ft. | 24.3 cu.ft. | 58.8 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #3 | 13.3 cu.ft. | 31 cu.ft. | 61.9 cu.ft. | 73 ft. | |||
2019 Dodge Journey Ranked #4 | 50.8 cu.ft. | 10.7 cu.ft. | 67.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ranked #5 | 26 cu.ft. | 22.6 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. | - | |||
2019 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #6 | 69.8 cu.ft. | 37.6 cu.ft. | 69.8 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Jeep Compass Ranked #7 | 2000 lbs. | 1216 lbs. | 3184 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #1 | 6200 lbs. | 1180 lbs. | 4513 lbs. | Jeep USA | ||
2019 Hyundai Kona Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 915 lbs. | 2890 lbs. | |||
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Ranked #3 | 3968 lbs. | 1315 lbs. | 3865 lbs. | |||
2019 Honda HR-V Ranked #4 | 2959 lbs. | 850 lbs. | 2902 lbs. | |||
2019 Subaru Outback Ranked #5 | 2700 lbs. | 1071 lbs. | 3622 lbs. |
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POPULAR TAGS
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 24, 2024
Not a bad vehicle 4 wd works great . Electric braking system is a plus . Auto start with winter package is a major plus . Handles great in all weather conditions. Comfortable seat design. All weather rubber mat's.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 28, 2024
In my personal opinion, I would not buy the new jeeps. The jeeps in the early 2000s we're a 100% better.The performance is not good. They run loud and sound terrible.I'm ready to take a loss trading it in.
