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2021 Jeep Compass

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Rating6.1

Ranked #14 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$24,495 - $31,395
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Good looks with Jeep's reliability

Laggy 9-speed automatic

80th Anniversary Edition version of Latitude trim

Potent Trailhawk trim

Limited rear seat

Limited and Trailhawk trims get standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist

Responsive infotainment with smartphone connectivity

Average crash test rating

Manual transmission is no longer available

Spacious cargo area

Specs & Features

$24,495

price

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

horsepower

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2021 Jeep Compass is popular in its class, holding a smaller footprint among its siblings like the Renegade. The 2021 Compass gets a starting price tag of $23,915, which is attractive when compared to some of its promising rivals. The mid-range Latitude and Limited trims come at a starting price of $25,915 and $29,315, respectively. The range-topping Trailhawk trim is priced at $30,815. The Compass has reserved its design and looks in a traditional Jeep way. It has been portrayed as a small economy car that has some off-road ability.

Buying Advice

We would suggest buyers to buy the Limited trim from the Compass's trim lineup. The trim offers more for its price that has been kept at $29,560. The Limited offers upgraded infotainment along with an array of safety features like Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Adaptive cruise control, Forward collision warning with automatic braking, and Lane-keeping assist.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

From the outside, the 2021 compass is bold and attractive, and the range-topping Trialhawk gets some chrome accents, making it look like a beefy SUV. The interior gets comfortable seating across all rows and offers black plastic coupled with synthetic leather. However, the panoramic sunroof limits the headroom for taller peeps. Jeep hasn't made any improvements in the sluggish 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the available six-speed and nine-speed automatic transmission systems are smooth and always hit the right gear. The Compass rivals Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. 

Features
6.0/10

The 2021 Jeep Compass crossover is offered in four trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. The new Compass also adds Altitude and Latitude's 80th Anniversary Edition version, adding some special features and cosmetic changes. All the Compass trim levels are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Excluding the Trailhawk that comes with standard AWD, all trims come with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission on FWD models and AWD models get attached to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Trim

Sport

Latitude

Altitude

80th Anniversary

Limited

Trailhawk

MSRP (4x2)

$23,915

$26,160

$27,850

$28,215

$29,560

N/A

MSRP (4x4)

$25,715

$27,960

$29,650

$30,015

$31,360

$31,060

Key Features

Heated mirrors

Adding to/Replacing Sport features

Adding to/Replacing Latitude features 

Adding to/Replacing Altitude features

Adding to/Replacing 80th Anniversary features

Adding to/Replacing Limited features

 

Automatic dual-zone climate control

17-inch Alloy wheels

Dual Tone Paint job with Black Highlights and Accents 

19-inch alloy wheels

Remote engine start

Off-road-oriented tires

 

Height-adjustable front seats

Roof rails

18-inch alloy wheels

8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation

8.4-inch touchscreen

Raised suspension

 

7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Upgraded cloth and simulated leather seat upholstery

8-way power-adjustable driver seat

Power Liftgate

Leather upholstery

Skid plates

 

First- and second-row USB ports

Leather-wrapped steering

Black roof

80th Anniversary Edition inspired leather upholstery on seats and steering wheel

Power driver's seat

Selec-Terrain system

 

16-inch alloy wheels

Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers

Piano Black highlights in the interiors

Monotone exterior paint job

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Which Trim should you buy?

We would suggest buyers to buy the Limited trim from the Compass's trim lineup. The trim offers more for its price that has been kept at $29,560. The Limited offers upgraded infotainment along with an array of safety features like Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Adaptive cruise control, Forward collision warning with automatic braking, and Lane-keeping assist.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The Crossover's 2.4L engine is surprisingly fuel-efficient and manages to return 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. The fuel tank comes with a capacity of 13.5 gallons, getting a decent drive range of 337 miles combined. Compared to most of the other cars in the segment, the Compass is short on the fuel tank capacity. 

Models

2021 Jeep Compass

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Subaru Forester

MPG (City)

22

26

22

26

MPG (Highway)

31

35

28

33

MPG (Combined)

25

30

25

29

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

13.5 gallons

14.5 gallons

16.4 gallons

16.6 gallons

Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)

297 / 405 / 337

377 / 507 / 435

361 / 459 / 410

432 / 547 / 481

We would have loved to see some good fuel economy from the Jeep Compass, but the crossover manages to keep a balance between the performance and mileage. Since the fuel tank offered with the Compass is just 13.5 seconds, we can see it taking a toll on the driving range. In the city, the Compass offers a range of only 297 miles, while rivals like the RAV4 and Tucson can travel more than 350 miles in the city.

Interior
6.0/10

Despite having a compact design, the Jeep Compass offers a spacious cabin. You'll find an ample amount of elegance and comfort inside the Compass, still better than some promising high-end SUVs. The dashboard design looks large enough with enough controls and touchscreen but still reflects the retro appeal. The buttons are plain throughout the center console, but the quality has not been compromised. 

All the rows offer comfortable seating. The front seats get an electronically adjustable function with memory settings. The legroom and headroom are just sufficient for any tall passenger as well. With a slidable center armrest, the comfort in the front row is just impressive. The SUV offers 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the least spacious in the competition. 

Models

2021 Jeep Compass

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Subaru Forester

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.2 / 56.7 / 41.8

39.5 / 57.8 / 41

39.6 / 57.1 / 41.5

41.2 / 58.2 / 43.3

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.5 / 55.1 / 38.3

39.5 / 56.4 / 37.8

39.2 / 55.5 / 38.2

39.6 / 57.2 / 39.4

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

27.2

37.6

31

31.1

Comparatively, the Forester offers the most spacious cabin in all rows. The Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson offer identical interior designs. Though making a smaller footprint, the Jeep Compass is not cramped and offers decent space inside. Although the trunk space is a bit cramped on the Compass, the rivals offer better cargo room. With 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the RAV4 offers a spacious trunk in the segment. The notable interior features of the 2021 Compass include:

  • 7-inch Digital Driver Display
  • Climate Control with Interior Air Filtration
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Multifunction Steering Wheel with Tilt And Telescopic adjustment
  • Bucket Front Seats with heating
  • Premium Cloth or Leather upholstery
  • 8 -Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat with Height Adjustment and Power Lumbar adjustment
  • 6 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment with Height Adjustment
  • Split-Folding Rear Seatback with Fold Flat capability

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Uconnect 4 is known as one of the best infotainment systems in the market. The infotainment system comprises an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The user interface is good and responsive. The graphics offer great contrast and colors. Smartphone integration can be done via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Some of the notable infotainment features are:

  • Bluetooth
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • 4G WiFi hotspot
  • 6-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio

Exterior
6.0/10

Jeep has adopted a unified design layout for the Compass. Keeping a compact footprint, the 2021 Compass looks identical to its bigger sibling Renegade. The front fascia houses Jeep's signature seven-slot grille that makes it bold and distinctive. The entire chassis gets off-road and rugged treatment. The LED headlights are bright and well-rounded like previous models. 

As you move to the higher trim levels, the Limited and Trailhawk offer a good amount of design updates and accessories. The front gets Bi-Xenon HID headlamps accompanied by a dual-tone paint scheme. There's also a roof rail offered on these trims. As you move from base to higher trims, you get bigger wheel sizes. The Limited and Altitude trims come with 18-inch wheels. The special 80th-anniversary Latitude trim comes with exclusive 19-inch wheels. 

Models

2021 Jeep Compass

2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Subaru Forester

Curb Weight (lbs)

3633 

3475 

3309 

3449

Length (in)

173

180.9

176.4

182.1

Width (in)

73.8

73.0

72.8

71.5

Height (in)

64.4

67.0

64.8

67.5

Ground Clearance (in)

8.5

8.4

6.4

8.7

Wheelbase (in)

103.8

105.9

105.1

105.1

On the rear, the Compact SUV gets smart with 8.5-inches ground clearance. Compared to the rivals, the Compass is quite weighted, and this works in its favor most of the time. The SUV gets a slightly shorter wheelbase keeping its small footprint in mind. Hyundai Tucson is the highest option along with having the least ground clearance in the competition. The exterior features of the 2021 Jeep Compass include:

  • Fully galvanized steel chassis material
  • Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps With LED Signature
  • Bodyside cladding
  • Heated door mirrors
  • LED Taillamps
  • Rain-Sensitive Intermittent Windshield Wipers
  • Gloss Black Accents
  • Rock Rails by Mopar 
  • Dual Tone Color palettes
  • Power liftgate
  • Rear lip spoiler
  • Windshield Wiper De-Icer

Safety
8.2/10

The 2021 Jeep Compass managed to score a "Good" safety rating in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS. The standard headlight failed to reflect satisfactory results and received a Poor rating. In the NHTSA crash tests, the Compass scored four out of five stars. The SUV scored five stars in the side crash test, four stars in the front impact test, and three stars in a rollover. The crash test results are subpar, and we expect the ratings to improve in the upcoming Compass models. Some of the standout safety features of the Jeep Compass are:

  • Driveline Traction Control System
  • Anti-whiplash front head restraints
  • Forward Collision Warning-Plus forward-collision mitigation
  • Cornering Lights
  • Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
  • Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
  • Auto Delay Off Headlamps with Dusk Sensing
  • Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Competition
7.0/10

2021 Jeep Compass vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is heavily optimized in terms of power and performance. The RAV4 offers a value for money proposition compared to the Compass. More than the design and exterior elements, the RAV4's mileage is impressive. Being a Toyota, there's less to question the reliability of the RAV4. Jeep needs to work on some major issues with the Compass that would make it safer for passengers and increase the reliability of the crossover. 

2021 Jeep Compass vs. 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is quite reliable and safer compared to the Jeep Compass. The Tucson is easy to handle in the city and comes feature-packed across its trim levels. Hyundai also offers the best-in-class warranty cover with the Tucson. With the available trim options for the Jeep Compass, buyers get much more freedom to customize the crossover, while Tucson has some limitations on this part. In Tucson, you will explore features on the higher trims, and the base trim is just not sufficient enough to get through the buyer's buying decision. 

2021 Jeep Compass vs. 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a punchy SUV with a boxer 4 cylinder engine. The ride and handling of the Forster give the Compass a tough competition. It is spacious from the inside and offers best-in-class MPG figures. The Jeep offers a more bold road presence, rugged design, and comfortable cabin. Also, the pricing of the Jeep Compass is dearer compared to the Forester. 

Final Verdict

The 2021 Jeep Compass has significantly improved from its previous models. In terms of infotainment and safety aid, the Compass has made a good leap. In terms of looks, the 2021 Compass looks rugged and well-designed. You can expect some off-roading with this compact SUV. With attractive pricing and trim levels, the 2021 Jeep Compass places itself competitively among the other prominent cars in the segment. 

Trims

    Sport
    $24,495 onwards
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote keyless entry
    Latitude
    $26,425 onwards
    • Cloth/Vinyl Seat trim
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
    Freedom
    $27,490 onwards
    • Engine: 2.4L 4cyl 4WD 9A
    • Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6400 rpm hp
    • Torque: 175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 104 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    Altitude
    $27,845 onwards
    • 6 Speakers
    • 6-Way Driver Seat
    • Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity
    • Dual Zone Air Conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Telescoping Steering Column
    80th Special Edition
    $28,695 onwards
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Navigation system
    Limited
    $29,895 onwards
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    Trailhawk
    $31,395 onwards
    • 17-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • Leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

6.1
2021 Jeep Compass

Price

$24,495- $31,395

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.14

Horsepower

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

8.3
2021 Buick Encore

$23,200- $26,100

Gasoline

8.25

155 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

7.2
2021 Hyundai Kona

$20,500- $30,000

Gasoline

7.18

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

6.3
2021 Toyota C-HR

$21,695- $26,750

Gasoline

6.31

144 hp @ 6100 rpm

139 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

7.6
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

$26,850- $42,450

Gasoline

7.59

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

7.1
2021 Subaru Forester

$24,795- $34,895

Gasoline

7.07

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

6.1
2021 Jeep Cherokee

$27,210- $38,975

Gasoline

6.13

180 hp @ 6250 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

-

Read Review

6.0
2021 Honda HR-V

$21,020- $29,340

Gasoline

6.03

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

6.9
2021 Nissan Rogue

$26,050- $37,230

Gasoline

6.93

201 hp @ 5600 rpm

225 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.9
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

$25,245- $39,095

Gasoline

6.93

184 hp @ 4360 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		8.6 sec16.2 sec104 mph
    		6.8 sec15.2 sec-
    		7 sec--
    		7.8 sec15.6 sec119 mph
    		8.1 sec16.2 sec-
    		8.2 sec16.3 sec-
    Read More

    2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		22 mpg31 mpg25 mpg13.5 gal.297/418.5 mi.Jeep USA
      2021 Kia Niro

      Ranked #1

      		53 mpg48 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.630.70/571.20 mi.
      		28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      		27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      		27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      		27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.

      2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		173 in.73.8 in.64.6 in.7.8 in.103.8 in.Jeep USA
        		188.4 in.74.8 in.66.3 in.8.2 in.108.9 in.
        		185.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.109.8 in.
        		183.1 in.72.6 in.65.4 in.7.6 in.107.3 in.
        		183 in.72.4 in.66.5 in.8.2 in.106.5 in.
        		182.5 in.74.1 in.64.6 in.6.2 in.109.4 in.

        2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		27.2 cu.ft.99.6 cu.ft.59.8 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		18.8 cu.ft.92.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          		31.1 cu.ft.111.9 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.
          		31.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.
          		37.6 cu.ft.98.9 cu.ft.69.8 cu.ft.
          		24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.

          2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		-27.2 cu.ft.59.8 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            		60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.-
            		45.8 cu.ft.19.2 cu.ft.45.8 cu.ft.-
            		76.1 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.-
            		6.8 cu.ft.31 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.-
            		57.6 cu.ft.32.5 cu.ft.62.3 cu.ft.79 ft.

            2021 Jeep Compass vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		-1216 lbs.3184 lbs. -
              		5000 lbs.1089 lbs.2890 lbs.
              2021 Kia Niro

              Ranked #2

              		2800 lbs.849 lbs.3100 lbs.
              		2000 lbs.1034 lbs.3552 lbs.
              		2000 lbs.1488 lbs.3649 lbs.
              		2000 lbs.1202 lbs.3305 lbs.

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              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 8.6 sec

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              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

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              #6

              2021 Jeep Compass User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              compass
              suggest
              choice
              perfect
              panoramic
              JM

              John Mitchell

              2021 Jeep Compass

              Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 13, 2024

              2021 Jeep Compass is a piece of junk that Jeep will not stand behind.

              Pros - ["Was Great till about 10k then fell apart", "Nothing that I can think of", "Nothing that I can think of"]

              Cons - ["The fact that Jeep refused to fix it despite them having it 6 times.", "Check engine light is on for the last year.", "nothing that I can think of."]

              So, everything for went great for the first 10 thousand mile no problems at all. Then a check engine light came on and has been on for the last 10,000 miles despite them trying 6 times to fix it. then would take it for a week at a time reset the check engine light send it back over and over again. Claimed they fixed it but did nothing. Do not buy one of these cars!!!!1

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              MS

              Makeita Small

              2021 Jeep Compass

              80th Special Edition 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 19, 2024

              I love jeep compass very reliable

              Pros - ["It's nice on outside and inside", "It's big and comfortable"]

              Cons - ["Small and can gave more things inside", "No sunroof"]

              Great choice love jeep compass...would not trade it for the world it goes fast and it's a gas saver ......love the panoramic roof and white color it fits me perfect. I suggest anybody to get one perfect choice

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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