2018 Jeep Compass – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

Overview

No matter where you are in the world, the Jeep brand will always be conceived as the ultimate off-road machine.  And despite the fact that it’s the younger sibling of the more renowned Cherokee, make  no mistake that it is still a Jeep.

With that said, the answer is no – this is not your typical now-soccer mom sporty cross-over that had inveigled itself into the lives of the sports utility segment.  A quick glimpse of the overly thick waterproof rubber material within the cabin will convince you otherwise.

It didn’t come easy either.  The Compass had to be manufactured in four different continents (Brazil, China, Mexico and India) to successfully turn its engineering concepts into consumer reality across 100 countries.

So What’s the Deal?

The Jeep Compass is a versatile 5-door utility designed to fulfill the daily commute task force while leaving enough room for attacking the out-of-bound roads for the weekend warriors.  To help on fuel economy, the Compass is equipped with a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark engine producing a respectable 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque.  And that is all you’re going to get with a single engine configuration purchase option.  But the good news is it’s got a choice of three different transmissions – a 9 speed automatic for its 4×4 powertrain model , 6 speed automatic for its 4×2 model and a manual six speed for its 4×2 and 4×4 model.   Those seeking the ultimate off-road experience can opt for the Trailhawk edition with best-in-class tow capacity of 2,000lbs, a 4×4 active low drive crawl ratio of 20:1, increase in ride height of about an inch and more aggressive 17″ wheels.

Exterior Styling

The smaller visual derivative of the well-acclaimed Jeep Cherokee clearly diverges from the looks of pretentious light duty cross-over SUV’s.  Some of the key exterior key features on the Jeep Compass include plated upper grill and mold-in color texture.  The halogen headlamps also has embedded black bezels.  The higher end Limited model comes equipped with project halogen head lamps with a black inner bezel and chrome fog light bezels.  Common to all models in the Jeep Compass lineup, exterior treatment also appoints painted mirror caps and plated chrome inserts on the tailgate.  The upgraded Limited Jeep Compass model comes with new available 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a new plated chrome insert with recessed “Jeep” badge on the tailgate trim applique for models equipped with optional rear backup camera.

Climate Proof Interior

Just like the exterior styling, it’s clear to identify key components in the cabin space of the Jeep Compass that separates itself from other off-road wannabe’s.  Our Jeep Compass North 4×4 model came equipped with Saddle Brown perforated leather seating with accented stitching. The center console of the Jeep Compass is also fairly well laid out and the three large dial climate control knobs are very rudimentary, but very intuitive at the same time.  The seating position in the Jeep Compass provides comfortable leg and arm room, but just like any Jeep, the seats feel rubbery and plastic, but rugged at the same time.  The overall materials used throughout the cabin space also gives off a weather-proof feel, which is the opposite of the serenity and cozy feel you get in other vehicles in its class such as the Mazda CX5.

Performance and Drive Quality

Our tested Jeep Compass North model comes equipped with 2.4-liter Tigershark engine equipped with a 6 speed automatic.  All things from the feel of acceleration quickly reminds you of the signature off-road jeep experience with its large shock absorbers, controlled body roll and even the exhaust tone.  The steering wheel feels very rugged with excellent feedback and the suspension set up provides a good balance between comfort and off-road stability.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to put Jeep Compass into a real-world off-road environment, but we did get to drive through a few dirt roads and severely torn up concrete alley ways.  The Jeep Compass remained very well composed and showed no signs of weakness, even when accelerating through harsh roads where other cross-over SUV’s would suffer.  Fuel economy on the Jeep Compass scores in at 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway, which is a tad low for its class, and that is perhaps a well compromise for its looks and road ruggedness.

Speaking of which, the it was as thought he Compass (or perhaps even the rest of its lineup) was never meant excel at high speeds.  This is also where sluggishness in acceleration and fuel economy falls short in competition.

Final Thoughts

Certainly, there are aspects of the Jeep Compass that falls behind some of its main competitors, mainly the fuel economy and the lack of acceleration, but still remains tolerable even in today’s demanding market.   And let’s be honest – this is not the car you would buy to take it onto the autobahn.  But for all other reasons that see see dirt, the Compass his the nail on the head – bang on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros:

• Rugged and solid feel
• Minimal and intuitive center console
• Weatherproof-like interior.
• Good for minor off-road trips harsh weather conditions
• Sharp and aggressive trademark look

Cons:

• Adequate fuel economy compared to other vehicles in its class
• Lacks the coziness and comfortable feel.
• May not be the ideal vehicle for long weekend road trips.

Specifications

• Model: 2018 Jeep Compass North 4×4
• Engine: 2.4-liter Tigershark
• Horsepower: 180hp
• Torque: 75 lb.-ft. of torque
• Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic
• Active 4 wheel drive system with lock mode