2024 Jeep Compass – jeep.com | Shop 2024 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
Not quite a tiny Renegade and not quite a midsize Cherokee, the 2024 Jeep Compass occupies the automaker’s in-between crossover slot and offers a dash of Jeep’s famed off-road abilities with the Trailhawk model.
After a cosmetic refresh in 2022 and a powertrain overhaul for the 2023 Compass this latest model debuts with minor updates like a new front grille insert treatment, updated wheel designs, and brand-name all-terrain tires for the Trailhawk. The Compass is getting long in the tooth as it is part of the 2nd-generation that arrived in 2017, so let’s see how this compact crossover has held up.
Standard AWD
Large cargo hold
Off-road ability of Trailhawk
Nickel-and-dime package approach
Can get quite expensive
The Cherokee
Not bad, but not great
Every 2024 Jeep Compass comes with the same powertrain. It consists of a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine making 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft that pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission to spin all 4 wheels. Trailhawk models get an upgraded AWD system that simulates the low range of a traditional 4WD setup by adding a “crawler” gear ratio. It will hold first gear and push torque to the wheels with traction.
These off-road centric models also have an extra half-inch of ground clearance over base models for a total of 8.6 inches along with a host of underbody skid plates, tow hooks at both ends, and all-terrain tires. Regardless of trim, the 2024 Compass runs on 87 octane and is rated for 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
With room for 5 across 2 rows of seats, the 2024 Compass comes with cloth seating that is upgraded to leatherette on some models with the option for leather. Heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard on Latitude Lux models and above with dual-zone automatic climate control (DZACC) added to the Limited trim line.
Rear passengers are treated to 38 inches of legroom, which is nice, but the similarly priced Cherokee has an extra two inches for this metric. There are 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. A bit of extra space is afforded by the rear underfloor storage tray that can be used to adjust the load floor height.
Jeep skips the typical industry practice of attaching a bigger touchscreen to the more expensive models by fitting every Compass with a 10.1-inch infotainment interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, but a Wi-Fi hotspot, a digital gauge cluster, and an Alpine 9-speaker audio system are locked behind an optional package no matter the model.
As for advanced driver-assistance systems, which we explain here, the 2024 Compass comes standard with forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a drowsy driver monitor. The NHTSA hasn’t tested the latest Compass, but the 2022 model received a 4-star overall rating and the IIHS gave the 2022 Compass a Top Safety Pick rating.
The base Compass Sport rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, and has heated side mirrors, LED headlamps, and roof rails. Cabin amenities consist of cloth seating, a 6-speaker stereo, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless smartphone integration, and USB ports for both rows of seating.
Latitude trim brings fog lamps, remote engine start, leatherette seat inserts, and automatic high beams to the mix, but also offers access to a host of upgrade packages. The $2,575 Convenience package includes some of our favorite car features like a hands-free liftgate and a heated steering wheel, while the Altitude package dresses up the Compass with two-tone paint and 18-inch black rims.
For a bit more money, the Latitude Lux rides on 18-inch wheels and has leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The $2,975 Lux Driver Assist package offers a surround-view monitor, self-parking tech, a wireless phone charging pad, and adaptive cruise control (ACC).
Top-spec Limited models are loaded with rain-sensing wipers, a two-tone paint job, DZACC, ambient cabin lighting, and ACC. For just about $3,000, the High Altitude package boasts 19-inch rims, upgraded exterior lighting, a panoramic moonroof, and a 9-speaker Alpine stereo. But watch the bottom line as these models can top $45,000 when all the option boxes are checked.
In Trailhawk form, the 2024 Compass is off-road ready with all-terrain rubber, underbody skid plates, a raised off-road suspension, Hill Descent Control, and a special AWD system. A black and red theme on the hood and cabin adds some flair to this compact off-roader.
It’s worth looking at the 2024 Compass Latitude mainly because it opens up access to a host of optional packages that are not offered on base Sport models. But in comparison to a 2024 Kia Sportage SX, the Compass withers.
Though the Kia has less power, it is cheaper, has an available hybrid model, and comes with stuff the Latitude can’t touch like a panoramic moonroof and Level 2 self-driving tech. And while Jeep’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 2 years of complimentary maintenance is nice, its 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage is way off Kia’s 10-year mark.
2024 Jeep Compass – jeep.com | Shop 2024 Jeep Compass on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Jeep Compass isn’t a bad crossover, it’s just nothing special in the face of the competition – of which there is a lot in the compact segment. For owners looking to get off-road with a small footprint, the Compass is a good fit, but that’s a niche piece of the pie and one that the overlapping Cherokee can do better.
The level of standard infotainment technology is nice, but Jeep really sticks it to you with the layers of expensive packages required to get the good stuff. Now 8 model years old, it might be worth waiting for the rumored third-gen Compass coming in 2025, but at the very least spend some time studying the latest new car incentives to find a deal.
The 2023 Compass has an average rating for reliability and it only has 1 safety recall so yes, the Jeep Compass is a good vehicle.
Jeep builds the Compass for the North American market at its plant in Toluca, Mexico.
Yes, every Jeep Compass comes standard with all-wheel-drive.