If you’re after the practical capability of a four-wheel drive, then the Jeep Compass is a suitable model for your lifestyle. You need not worry about increasing running costs or any tendency of this vehicle to become too large when driven on off roads. The latest version of the Jeep Compass sports innovative design upgrades, such as a more aggressive style reminiscent of the Grand Cherokee, an enhanced engine range, and a better look to its interior. The Jeep Compass also maintains the brand’s important “all-American” image, a product of a merge between Fiat and Chrysler.

Pros

The Jeep Compass’ engine range includes two petrol engines: a 2.4-litre unit at 168bhp or the 2.0-litre at 156bhp. The 2.0-litre unit is a better performer out of the two, offering a quicker, smoother, accurate, and lighter ride via its five-speed manual gearbox. Plus the 2.0-litre engine stays quiet throughout most speeds. The diesel engines aren’t as impressive, but the 134bhp variation is able to perform adequately in its 62mph sprint at 11.5 seconds. The 161bhp version is much faster at its 9.8 seconds time. Out of all the options, we’d go for the 2.0-litre petrol engine for its smoother refinement and practical driving manner. But if you’re after fuel economy and lower emissions, the 2.2-litre diesel is a good choice too.

The latest Jeep Compass offers major improvements in its handling, especially in terms of on-road behavior. The model’s height does not get in the way of cornering and minimized body roll when it matters. Although steering doesn’t offer as much feedback, the wheel’s weight is well-distributed and offers the driver an easy drive. Traction is also provided for on all four-wheel versions, assuring security as the vehicle drives on the loosest surfaces. Plus there’s lockable centre coupling for maximum traction on rough conditions such as sand, snow, and mud.

Passengers can expect a comfortable experience in the Jeep Compass’ interior. There’s enough space for four adults, while five can squeeze in during short journeys. Even tall passengers can fit inside thanks to the interior’s headroom. Storage is expansive and diverse as well, with the Compass offering cup holders, storage pockets, and a 12v charging socket. Boot space is at 458 litres and expands to 1,269 litres once the rear seats are folded flat. If you are driving alone and need more space, the front passenger seat can be folded down for extra space.

The interior has also been redesigned, resulting in a better look that includes chrome details and soft-touch materials. The latest Compass does away with the hard plastic edges and instead results in a better-looking finish.

Cons

Rough terrain is the strongest suit of the Jeep Compass but it doesn’t offer much when compared to its Japanese and European competitors. Many of its features in terms of handling rough roads and surfaces are just the same or even better in other models. Another downside is the Compass’ inability to minimalize impact on corners and to deal with bumpy road conditions. As a whole, the Compass seems like an older version of the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga and does little to provide new off-road vehicle features to the market.

It was the year 2007 when the Jeep Compass was first introduced to the market. Its basic design is that of the compact crossover SUV. As a concept vehicle, it was unveiled much earlier on 2002 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Since its introduction tot he market this SUV has garnered steady sales and is continuously being improved to rake in even more profit for the company and, of course, to serve a larger consumer base. In particular, the Jeep Compass was given a facelift when 2011 came. This facelift included a revision of the interior to make the look and components more standardized and a tweak in the suspensions to improve its handling. The current 2011 version is much closer in look and design to the Cherokee but it is still distinctively different.

The engine that the Compass uses is actually the same engine that the Volkswagen Passat uses, which is a 2004 GEMA I4 engine that runs at around 172hp, which is quite a decent number. On the downside, the Compass currently has a low Euro NCAP safety rating, coming in at two stars out of a possible five due to the fact that the Compass is a relatively old model even after it was given a facelift in 2011.