JeepCompass

　　

2023 Jeep Compass Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2023 Jeep Compass is a small crossover SUV positioned between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee in Jeep's lineup. Last year, Jeep gave the Compass updated interior and exterior styling, more in-car tech and additional standard features. For 2023, Jeep is back at it again. This time, the Compass gains a new turbocharged engine that's more powerful and fuel-efficient than the one it replaces. Other enhancements include a new eight-speed automatic transmission, standard four-wheel-drive for all models, and the addition of a drowsy driver monitor and a rear seat reminder system.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Jeep Compass Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$139/mo  for Compass Sport

　　Compass Sport

　　Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $28,400 MSRPLatitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,295 MSRPLatitude Lux 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,695 MSRPAltitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,090 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $35,495 MSRPTrailhawk 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,745 MSRP(RED) Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,440 MSRPHigh Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,340 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For a while, there weren't many other SUVs in this tweener segment, with most rivals being either smaller or larger than the Compass. Not so anymore. Rivals like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos are some of zzdcar' favorites, offering plenty of features and space for the price. We think they're better buys overall since the Compass can get pretty expensive if you add a lot of options to it. Check out our Expert Rating for more detail on how this pint-sized Jeep comes up short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Compass drive? The Jeep Compass' standard engine is a step up for the class. Our test model accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which makes the Compass quicker than most other extra-small SUVs. Unfortunately, that capable engine is connected to a transmission that's eager to upshift and lazy on downshifts, making the car feel less powerful in real-world driving than it actually is.

　　The Compass isn't at home on curvy roads either. There's a lot of body roll, so it seldom feels settled when you're driving around corners. The brakes can feel grabby during low-speed maneuvers, and our as-tested 60-0 mph stopping distance was longer than we'd expect from a vehicle that's not wearing off-road tires.

　　The good news is that the Compass is a good choice if you plan on off-roading: Opt for the Trailhawk trim and you get more trail-going capability than pretty much anything in the class other than the Subaru Crosstrek.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Compass? While the ride quality is surprisingly good, the Compass falls short when it comes to all-day comfort. The front seat cushions are soft but don't offer a lot of support, and the front head restraints are tilted too far forward. Especially for taller drivers, they can push your head forward uncomfortably. The ride is firm enough that you feel road imperfections, but the suspension soaks up larger bumps and takes the edge off potholes impressively well.

　　While the climate system regulates cabin temperature well, the fan can get very loud, especially in such a small vehicle. But that noise won't be lonely in the Compass: There's near constant engine noise, and on the freeway there's plenty of wind and road noise. You'll likely be turning the volume up on your podcasts.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below