2024 Jeep Compass Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Following a major update for the 2023 model year, the Jeep Compass carries over with minor changes for 2024. Jeep's in-betweener sits above the subcompact Renegade and below the Grand Cherokee within the automaker's lineup . Jeep positions the Compass as a more upscale alternative to other small SUVs , including the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, and Ford Bronco Sport.
What's New
- New front grille insert
- Compass Trailhawk trim receives a new all-terrain tire
- New wheel designs
What We Think
Jeep seeks to combine its reputation for ruggedness with daily useability in the 2024 Compass. This subcompact SUV is motivated by a powerful turbocharged engine and makes use of standard 4WD in a bid to establish off-road credentials. A large standard display helps keep this Jeep, recently updated for 2023, abreast with its competitive set.
The Compass is far from perfect, however. Ropey steering, haphazard handling, and poor transmission tuning plague the subcompact SUV. The interior is smaller than rivals as well. We also experienced poor brake performance in our tester, which exhibited significant front-end diving and wandering during our 60-0 mph evaluation. Adding insult to injury, the Compass is more expensive than its rivals.
Improvements for the 2023 model year undoubtedly made the Jeep Compass a better subcompact SUV, but it still feels undeniably old, to the point where we can't recommend it in such a hyper-competitive segment. Prospective buyers should first check out class leaders before settling on this back-of-the-pack pick.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2024 Jeep Compass comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine developing 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard across the entire range.
In our testing, the Jeep Compass accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is competitive for the subcompact SUV segment. For 2023, fuel economy was rated at 24/32 mpg city/highway. Driving range totaled 365 miles.
What Is the Jeep Compass Trailhawk?
For maximum off-road capability in the 2024 Jeep Compass, check out the Trailhawk trim. Distinguishing features include a 4WD system with an ultra-low 20:1 crawl ratio, a 1.0-inch lift, skid plates, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and red tow hooks for the front and rear. Other notable features include LED headlights and a driving mode for rocky surfaces. For the fanciest version of the Compass Trailhawk, be sure to tick the box for the Trailhawk Elite Group package, which outfits the subcompact SUV with the majority of the features Jeep offers.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2023 Jeep Compass earned a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick award, earning Good crash test ratings in every category. In NHTSA testing, the 2024 Compass received five out of five stars in the side crash test, but just three stars in the rollover evaluation, a lower score than typical.
Active safety technology includes lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Jeep also offers the 2024 Compass with adaptive cruise control, a semi-autonomous parking system, and a 360-degree camera.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2024 Jeep Compass offers excellent backseat legroom compared to its competitors. Cargo space is right on the mark for the subcompact SUV segment.
Technology
Jeep equips the 2024 Compass with a standard 10.1-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard but models up the Compass range can be equipped with a fully digital 10.3-inch unit. A six-speaker system comes equipped on most versions of the Compass, but higher trims offer a premium Alpine setup with nine speakers.
Recommended Trim
Jeep offers the 2024 Compass in five base trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk. We'd stick with the Latitude Lux to unlock the sweet spot of the Jeep Compass lineup. This model comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support, remote start, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beams join the list of standard safety features. The 2024 Compass Latitude Lux starts just under $36,000.
