Jeep Compass

Step into the Compass, and the focus switches to the materials, their quality and solidity.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The dashboard has a layered design with a large central touchscreen. Soft-touch materials are used liberally throughout the upper portions. Buttons and rotary controls have a substantial and well-damped feel.
Seshan noted during evaluation:
“The cabin is properly put together. The materials and the switchgear provide that feeling of solidity.”
The interior theme is different in each variant. The BlackShark edition takes an all-black treatment with red stitching and inserts. Other trims include lighter upholstery options, which help to make the cabin feel more open. The layout features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital driver's display in higher variants. Physical buttons are still available for key functions, which is a good idea for usability while driving.

Seating Comfort
Front Row

The Compass has an eight-way powered driver's seat in higher trims, and they come with a memory function. The driving position is commanding and yet comfortable. Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment are standard. Seat cushioning finds a firm and supportive balance. Ventilated front seats are available on the higher models. The front sliding armrest promotes long-distance comfort. Visibility from the front is good all around, although there is a substantial blind spot, created by the broad A-pillar at certain angles.

Second Row

Rear seat space is good for two adults, but not class-leading. Shoulder room is somewhat limited when three seats are occupied. The central tunnel also reduces legroom for the middle passenger. Headroom is adequate for average height passengers, but taller passengers may find it tighter in comparison with larger rivals such as the XUV700. 

Features That Improve Daily Use

Key functional highlights include:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.2-inch digital driver’s display
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless phone charging
• Cruise control
• Connected car technology
• A 360-degree camera on higher trims
• Auto-folding outside mirrors

Seshan observed:
“The screens are sharp and intuitive. It doesn't feel out of date in terms of technology.”

The Jeep Compass comes in six main variants: Sport, Longitude, Longitude Plus, Limited, BlackShark and Model S.

Ex-Showroom Prices (India)

Note: Prices are ex-showroom, and they change by configuration.

The major change is accessibility. Earlier, the nine-speed automatic was limited to the top-spec 4x4. Now, buyers can choose from a 4x2 diesel automatic from the Longitude variant at Rs. 23.99 lakh. In this price bracket, the Compass is in competition with the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700. On paper, those rivals deliver more space and equipment for the money. However, the Compass continues to justify its premium through driving dynamics, brand identity and the availability of a proper four-wheel drive system.

Fuel efficiency has never been the Compass headon's strength. Its appeal is torque output and chassis stability. That said, the 2.0-litre diesel is competitive for its size.

Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing

In city driving, the automatic variant returns around 10 to 12 kmpl depending on the traffic conditions. The nine-speed gearbox is tuned for efficiency, but the weight of the SUV and the torque output mean that consumption is higher than that of smaller crossovers.
On highways, constant cruising between 80 and 100 kmph gives the best numbers. The manual variant is usually a bit more efficient than the automatic. The 4x4 version understandably uses more fuel as a result of drivetrain losses and more weight.

Compared to the likes of the Harrier and XUV700 diesel automatics, the Compass puts up similar numbers in the real world. It is neither class-leading nor inefficient. It is still acceptable for a 2.0-litre diesel SUV in this segment.

The Compass has a good safety package, but does not currently have advanced driver assistance systems.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

Six airbags are available from the Limited variant onwards, while the lower trims are available with dual front airbags. The body structure feels robust, and the doors shut with a reassuringly heavy weight. The previous European-spec Compass was awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP in 2017. Bharat NCAP has not yet tested the current India-spec model. The seating position and solid chassis help to give a sense of security. Moreover, ISOFIX child seat mounting, seatbelt reminders and tyre pressure monitoring system are standard. 
Seshan noted during evaluation:
“The Compass feels solid. Even the way the doors shut gives you that confidence.”

However, it does not get ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control or autonomous emergency braking, which are now offered by competitors.

Active Safety and Stability Systems

Electronic Stability Control, traction control and hill start assist are available as standard throughout the range. The 4x4 variants have add on hill descent control that helps to move on steep slopes in a controlled way. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution ensures stable braking under hard stops. The top-spec Model S does have a 360-degree camera, but the image quality is average compared to newer rivals. The Compass makes no attempt to overwhelm with electronic aids. 

Technology in the Compass is about integration and 

usability, not novelty.

Infotainment and Interface

Higher variants come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is fast to respond, and the graphics are sharp. The 10.2-inch digital driver's display has several layouts, such as analogue-style dials or a full digital display. It can show trip information, fuel economy, navigation prompts and vehicle information. The highest trim of the Model S comes with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. Audio clarity is quite good, even at higher volumes.
Seshan observed:
“The screens have a modern feel and response. It doesn't feel like a system that's outdated at all.”

Cabin Convenience and Practical Features

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard starting from the mid-level variants. A panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of space. Front seats are ventilated in higher trims, and both driver and co-driver receive eight-way power adjustment in the top models. Wireless phone charging, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming inside mirror are included depending on the variant. While there is no shortage of features in the Compass, it doesn't lead the segment in sheer number of features. 

Jeep claims to have a boot capacity of 408 litres. The loading lip is rather high, which means that lifting heavier luggage takes some effort. However, inside, the boot is wide and usable. The shape allows accommodation of one large suitcase, one medium suitcase and smaller soft bags.
The rear seats split 60:40. When folded up, the load floor does not lie completely flat, but space is increased considerably for larger cargo. The powered tailgate, available on higher trims, is an improvement in the daily convenience aspects. Overall, the Compass provides enough boot space for family travel, but it is not the largest in the segment.

The Compass is based on a monocoque platform, but the tuning reflects the traditional SUV character of Jeep. Suspension is independent at both ends, and in 4x4 form, it has the benefit of additional drivetrain hardware that helps traction. The overall setup is mature. It is not soft or floaty, and is not too stiff. 
 

City Driving
 

In urban conditions, the Compass feels manageable in spite of its size. The steering is well-weighted and predictable. It is not too light, but it is not cumbersome either. The 2.0-litre diesel's powerful low and mid-range torque ensures that the SUV moves easily in traffic. The nine-speed automatic is smooth through stop-start situations, though at very low speeds, it can be a bit indecisive as it shifts through gears. 
Ride quality over potholes and broken patches is composed. The suspension absorbs most of the imperfections without causing sharp jolts in the cabin. There is some firmness over sharper bumps, but it never unsettles. 
Seshan noted during evaluation:
“It comes across planted even at low speeds. The suspension has that solid, European feel to it.”

Highway Driving

On highways, the Compass is in its own right. It is stable at triple digits and maintains composure at long distances. Body movements are under control, and lane changes feel confident. 
We found that the balance of the chassis is outstanding. Even when going around sweeping corners, the body roll is contained, and the SUV feels secure. Compared to its rivals, such as the Harrier and XUV700, the Compass has sharper directional controls and a more connected steering feel.
The engine stays relaxed between 80 and 120 kmph. Quick overtakes need to be planned, more so in the automatic when at low rpm, because downshifts can take a moment if the engine is currently at a higher gear.

Off-Road Driving

The Compass has a proper four-wheel-drive system in the Model S variant. The Selec-Terrain system has modes like Auto, Snow and Sand, which adjust the throttle response and calibration of the traction control.
In rough terrain, the Compass feels really robust. Ground clearance and suspension articulation handle uneven ground confidently. Moreover, hill-descent control is helpful on steep descents in the 4x4 automatic version. Even the 4x2 version copes well with broken roads. The suspension nicely absorbs undulations without being string-like in the feel. While it is not a hardcore off-roader, it is still more capable than most front-wheel-drive crossovers in the segment.

The Jeep Compass is available in six models: Sport, Longitude, Longitude Plus, Limited, BlackShark and Model S. All variants are powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The six-speed manual comes in 4x2, and the nine-speed automatic comes in 4x2 and 4x4, depending on the trim. The following is the structure of the range:
 

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

Even in its higher trims, the Compass does not offer:

• Advanced driver assistance systems
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Level two semi-autonomous features

The choice has less to do with engine configuration and more to do with how you are going to use the SUV.

Best for Everyday Automatic Use: Longitude AT (4x2)

This trim has the nine-speed automatic without forcing buyers to step up to the 4x4 Model S. It brings a good balance between price and practicality.

Best for Feature and Comfort Focus: Limited or BlackShark

If you are looking for powered seats, larger wheels and a more premium interior feel, then these trims make sense. The BlackShark sticks to a darker aesthetic without doing much to the mechanical experience.

Best for Capability and Full Specification: Model S 4x4

For buyers who really want to explore rough terrain, the 4x4 Model S is the one to look at. It adds hill-descent control, terrain modes and other safety equipment.

The Jeep Compass is in the mid-size SUV range, where buyers expect space, powerful engines and an extensive list of equipment. While it does provide true four-wheel-drive capability and good driving dynamics, rivals have better value propositions on paper.

The most direct alternatives are the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV700. Some might also consider the Thar or Fortuner as rivals, but they sit in two different spectrums. Each has a different approach to the segment. The Harrier is focused on design and features. The XUV700 brings technology and space with it. The Thar caters to lifestyle enthusiasts, and the Fortuner is considered a rough and tough, reliable vehicle for touring. The Compass, meanwhile, is all about positioning itself around driving feel, build quality and brand character.

Here is how the Compass compares with the Harrier and the XUV700:

The Compass shares the same 2.0-litre diesel as the Harrier in terms of output figures, but the overall tuning and gearbox partnership is different. The XUV700 has more power and an optional seven-seater configuration, which expands the range for larger families.