Jeep

Compass

Despite its name, here’s one vehicle you won’t mind getting lost in. Instantly recognisable as a Jeep by its distinctive grille, the Compass features a host of luxurious specifications and excellent off-roading capabilities.

The good

Great styling and go-anywhere capability

The bad

Competing against quality opposition

Tech Specs

Price from

£23,355

Combined Fuel up to

64.2mpg

0-62 from

9.5 seconds

max speed up to

124mph

co2 from

117g/km

Test Drive

Jeep Compass 2.0 MultiJet-2 140hp 4WD Limited (2018)

For a number of decades, the Jeep name has been synonymous with go-anywhere motoring no matter how severe the weather or driving conditions, so expectations run pretty high when the company unveils its latest model.

And the new Compass lives up to high expectations. It’s ready for any challenge and still possesses all the Jeep multi-terrain ruggedness and know-how.

It’s very easy on the eye with powerful yet dynamic styling thanks to its aerodynamic profile with sweeping curves. There is the instantly-recognisable Jeep seven-slot grille, along with a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, LED signature lights, silver roof rails, lots of chrome trim, front fog lights and 19-inch alloys to complete the look.

Move inside and the interior is also very appealing and upmarket in its design and layout with a wealth of techno treats to explore. Our model was in near-range-topping Limited trim level so boasted the likes of leather upholstery, ambient lighting and lots of soft touch surfaces. Creature comforts include an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, dual zone climate control, a nine-speaker Beats sound system, a heated multifunction steering wheel and seats that can be heated or cooled and feature eight-way power adjustment.

Our Compass carried a price-tag of £31,495 although a number of optional extras saw the cost rise to £36,145. It was powered by a 2.0-litre 140hp diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and could sprint from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, topping out at 118mph. According to official figures, it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 54.3mpg with carbon emissions of 138g/km.

Comfort levels within the Compass are very high and there is ample space in the back for a trio of adults to stretch out without feeling cramped. The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and has a capacity of 368 litres (438 litres without a full-sized spare wheel). This limit increases to 1,693 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat and there are a number of handy storage compartments scattered throughout the car such as partitioned door pockets, a glovebox, a net in the passenger footwell, cup holders and a central cubby box.

When it comes to performance, the Compass is an absolute delight to drive. There is plenty of power on tap from the diesel engine and the acceleration is both smooth and responsive through the manual gearbox. There is a little engine and road surface noise at higher speeds, but generally the vehicle is nicely refined.

The road holding is confident and there is minimal body lean into bends, unless driven particularly enthusiastically. In addition, the highly effective suspension system irons out all but the most severe bumps and dips along the way.

Thanks to the elevated seating position the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and all controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for ease of use. Many of the car’s systems can be accessed via the multi-function steering wheel which is a real plus factor as you don’t have the distraction of navigating overcomplicated menus on the touchscreen whilst driving.

We didn’t venture away from the Tarmac on this occasion, but the 4WD Compass possesses all the Jeep expertise when faced with off-road terrain with different settings to tackle snow, sand, mud and also an auto set-up and 4WD Lock function.

The vehicle achieved a maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, with features such as forward collision warning plus which will actively brake the vehicle if audible collision warnings are ignored by the driver, blind spot monitoring with cross-path detection, lane departure warning and plenty more besides.

And there is even parallel and perpendicular park assist so the Compass will park itself while you sit back, simply follow the instructions and look like a complete expert.

All in all, the latest Compass really is the complete package. It’s matched up against some stiff opposition in the fiercely competitive crossover or SUV sector, but certainly has enough plus points to make it worth checking out.

Test Drive

Jeep Compass 2.2 CRDi Limited 4×4

The beauty of Jeep is that no matter how many transformations and redesigns the company’s vehicles go through, they are still immediately recognisable.

And that’s because their bold design with I-mean-business lines stand out in an instant – especially the front end with its distinctive grille, large light clusters and beefy bumper.

But these days the all-action vehicles, which are more than capable of tackling any terrain, have become somewhat refined and boast an interior crammed full of creature comforts generally found in a family saloon. And that’s the case with the new Compass.

Luxuries include heated seats, a great sound system, quality climate control, sat nav and a whole lot of other features that one wouldn’t immediately associate with Jeep. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The seats are leather, the trim is eye-catching, there is privacy glass and an abundance of space for all occupants.

Then there’s Jeep’s Uconnect system – a hub for all in-car media that enables you to access the phone, radio, navigation and MP3 player using either voice command or at the touch of a button. You can even record memos whilst keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. This state-of-the-art system can also link up with alternative music devices such as an iPod and the sound is excellent thanks to the nine speakers built into the vehicle.

All occupants are treated to ample leg, head and elbow space and the storage options are plentiful too with a generously-sized boot complimented by an array of smaller storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

The Compass is guaranteed to turn heads because of its striking looks, but that’s not all, as the performance is pretty impressive too.

In and around town, it proved deceptively agile for its size and manoeuvrability through heavy traffic was made all the easier thanks to the high-seated driving position with good all-round visibility (although the three rear headrests are rather large and block the view a little).

Then out on the faster roads, the Compass really comes alive with its 2.2-litre diesel-powered engine delivering excellent power levels and acceleration as the vehicle eats up the road. The combined fuel consumption was 42.8mpg which is also most impressive.

The six-speed manual transmission is very smooth and the suspension easily copes with any unexpected motorway potholes.

Cabin noise is relatively low and the all-round ride is both comfortable and supportive. The test model was priced at £25,695 which included just under £2k in optional extras.

As one would expect, Jeep has crammed a plethora of safety features into the Compass, including anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, numerous airbags, active head restraints and an excellent alarm system to keep away any unwanted attention.

All in all, the Jeep Compass looks great, drives superbly and can handle anything Mother Nature throws in its path – quite the all-rounder.

Test Drive

Jeep Compass 2.0 CRD Limited

I’ve never really associated the Jeep brand with high comfort levels. Practicality and performance yes, but never comfort.

That was until I tested out the Compass.

Despite still carrying many of Jeep’s trademark features such as the seven-slot grille and rounded headlamps which suggest it can still put in a rugged performance, the Compass introduces us to Jeep’s softer side.

There are new visual features such as bright body side mouldings and a functional spoiler for example.

And the manufacturer went to the wind tunnel to develop the aerodynamics on the steeply raked windscreen – all in a quest for better fuel economy and noise reduction.

Inside, instead of the bouncy old bone-rattling seats we have become accustomed to are two-toned leather seats, a sliding central armrest, eardrum-bursting sound system, and controls and dials perfectly positioned for ease of use.

Gone are the days when driving a Jeep felt like you were rattling around in an poorly insulated shell as nowadays there are creature comforts in abundance.

As one would expect, the safety spec is still very impressive and the Compass boasts anti-lock brakes, airbags galore, electronic stability, traction control and an accident response system that, in the event of a crash, turns on the interior light, unlocks the doors and shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine.

On the open road, the vehicle was an accomplished performer and the 2.0-litre engine provided ample power, but this is a vehicle that can perform in all weather conditions no matter what Mother Nature puts in its path – it simply has a little more finesse than some of its Jeep siblings.