It was hardly surprising that the Jeep Compass used to be associated with rental car quality. With lackluster performance from its 2.4-liter engine and a budget interior, it was often the last choice in the Hertz Platinum Members section. However, things have changed. With an updated interior and a new engine, the Compass now presents an entirely different image. 

Quick on its Heels 

In 2022, significant changes came to the Compass. It received a refreshed exterior, giving it a more youthful appearance akin to the Cherokee. Inside, the redesign introduced premium materials, modern technology, and a more upscale feel. Then, in 2023, it underwent a significant transformation under the hood, swapping out the forgettable 2.4-liter engine for the much-praised 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Jeep Wrangler. 

Generating 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, the new Compass is remarkably quick. The turbocharger delivers power early, propelling to 60 mph in less than 7.5 seconds, a significant improvement over its previous performance. The new eight-speed automatic transmission complements this power, providing smooth gear changes and quicker responses. Additionally, four-wheel drive is now standard across all models. 

In the Trailhawk trim, the Compass features off-road-ready aesthetics with 17-inch black wheels and rugged tires. The ride quality is smooth, though the light steering lacks responsiveness, which is unexpected given the vehicle’s agility. 

Premium Step Up

Inside, the improvements are even more evident. Materials and detailing match the price tag, and the seats are comfortable, albeit firm. The 10.1-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is a welcome addition, although the night vision backup camera leaves much to be desired. 

Despite these enhancements, the Compass has its drawbacks. The Trailhawk trim is pricey, the steering feels lazy, and while safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane mitigation are standard but not as refined as those in competitors’ vehicles. 

Pros: Improved performance, standard all-wheel drive, higher quality interior 

Pricing is also a concern. While the entry-level Sport offers competitive pricing, higher trims quickly escalate in cost. Our Trailhawk example, with options, reached $40,660, putting it in a competitive yet pricey segment. Its pricing suggest it compares to the Ford Bronco Sport and Mazda CX-30 Turbo; however, falls short in performance. Notably, it competes favorably with the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Seltos SX in terms of power, price and fuel economy; our Compass averaged 25-mpg’s.  

Cons: Higher trims get expensive, adaptive cruise control is finicky

Overall, the Jeep Compass has significantly improved, making it a more attractive option in the compact crossover market. However, potential buyers should consider alternatives like the slightly larger Jeep Cherokee, especially at higher price points.