2021 Jeep Compass

While retaining the three trims from the first generation, the new second-gen Compass added an off-roading model in its lineup. Hence spread over four trims - Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk - the 2021 Jeep Compass is expected to have a similar price range as its previous model. While the powertrain option across the trims is limited to a 2.4L Inline-4 engine, the transmission varies with the models. The all-wheel-drive Trailhawk gets a 9-speed automatic. Front-wheel-drive is standard in all three other models.

For the 2021 model, the Compass is expected to have five trim levels. Having the Sport model at the base, the trims move up with the Longitude, Night Eagle, Limited, and S. All these will have a standard FWD layout, with the AWD versions coming in later this year and even plug-in hybrid technology. Earlier, the vehicle used to come in four trim levels - Sport, Latitude, Limited, and the off-roading Trailhawk. Apart from the earlier features, the new Compass will be featuring the U-Connect Services for improved connectivity.  

* 2020 figures used for reference

The soon to be launched 2021 model of the Compass is going to compete with the likes of Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX5, and Ford Escape. While the segment is already crowded with a variety of brands most of which shows enough promise to lead, the Jeep Compass does a good job of effortlessly joining the best of them. The vehicle’s affordability coupled with the impressive off-roading abilities makes the Compass an important player in its class.

Expected Price and Release Date of the 2021 Jeep Compass

The price is expected to start from somewhere around $26,000 and may go up with the addition of optional packages and features. The 2021 Jeep Compass is expected to be launched soon, by the end of 2020. However, there has not been any official release or unofficial leaks about the Compass’s launch in the US. Neither has there been any specifics regarding the price of the vehicle here. But a slight increase in the base price tag is expected.

The Compass was earlier equipped with the 2.4L Inline-4 engine that produced a decent 180hp and 175 lb-ft. torque. A new plug-in hybrid version is also going to be unveiled. Another expected change is the new Dry Dual Clutch Transmission (DDCT), as well as a new sport driving mode. 

If this powertrain configuration is brought in the US as well, the Compass will be producing a minimum of 130HP, which can further be raised to 150HP with the DDCT.

If the speculated changes are brought in, the 2021 Jeep Compass can have one of the torquiest engines in the segment. Its power will however be a bit compromised when compared with that of the Honda CRV, Ford Escape, or Mazda CX5, but again with the anticipated PHEV version, the numbers are sure to sky-rocket.

How Quick is the 2021 Jeep Compass?

The Compass is not the fastest of crossover SUVs and it does not pretend to be so. The existing 2.4L engine took around 9.1 seconds for reaching 60mph from a stop. It also helped the Compass to cover a quarter-mile distance in around 17 seconds. If the engine configuration is retained this year, we don’t see many variations in the numbers. But with the 1.3L turbocharged engine, the game can change. The Compass is expected to be a lot more swift and lightweight with the turbo engine. And the ‘sport’ driving mode with the DDCT raises our expectations even further.

In its class, the Compass finds it hard to compete with the Mazda CX5 or Ford Escape in terms of quickness. Both of these vehicles have quite good 0-60mph records. The CR-V, while not doing as good as the others, has an impressive quarter-mile coverage time.

How Well Does the 2021 Jeep Compass Brake?

The Compass does quite well in terms of braking, and this significantly heavy vehicle comes to a halt from 60mph in about 140 feet. But the question is whether this is good enough. And the answer cannot be in the affirmative. With most of the rival SUVs returning impressive stopping distances and braking powers, the Compass needs some updates. While the 2021 model is not going to get any brake-related changes, the engine updates may bring in a decrease in the vehicle weight, resulting in improved stopping performance.

The Mazda CX5 has a brilliant stopping distance, and the vehicle comes to a halt from 60mph in just 125 feet. This is impressive considering the curb weight of the vehicle, which is substantially higher than its counterparts. The much lighter Ford Escape and Honda CR-V stops at around 128 feet. The Jeep Compass evidently is defeated by quite a margin here.

How Well Does the 2021 Jeep Compass Handle?

The handling of the Compass is acceptable to most buyers. Though there is not much excitement, the steering is easier to maneuver which makes it suitable for a large demographic of drivers. The SUV is nevertheless agile, and the ride is also quite comfortable. For anyone willing to enjoy a relaxing ride, the Compass can be an ideal SUV. But if you are looking for a thrilling ride with all the excitement, there is scope for disappointment. 

What attracts most buyers to the Compass is its fine off-roading capabilities. The SUV is agile enough to take on rough terrains and it’s just as composed off-road as it is on regular roads. With the AWD version, the ride off-road is really smooth. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Compass is expected to maintain its originality along with decent handling and comfortable ride to the fullest.

The Fuel Economy is not the Compass’s strong suit, and that has been proven over the years. The 2.4L 4-Cylinder engine of the vehicle used to return around 23 MPG in City and 32MPG in highways. But the 2021 model, with the speculated 1.3L turbo engine, can produce some better numbers surely.

The Honda CRV and Ford Escape do extremely well in this regard, while the Mazda CX 5 is also not far behind. The Jeep Compass with its current engine configuration fails to outperform any of these competitors. However, if the new model gets the expected updates, the story can be all-the-more different.

It is difficult to say that the 2020 Jeep Compass has an extremely well-laid-out interior, and the scenario is not going to change anytime soon. Having said that, the cabin is good enough with respect to the price at which the vehicle comes. The seats are modest, the space is also praiseworthy. But all these leave us wanting more, especially when looked in comparison with other vehicles in the class. 

For the 2021 model, nothing significant is going to change in the interior of the Compass. Yes, there shall be some feature-upgrades. But the layout will largely resemble the one seen in the outgoing model, saving some minor touch-ups. However, the new interior accents and some rejig with the dash materials can make the cabin look gorgeous.

The interior space of the Jeep is okay, but not as good as its competitors. The Honda CRV appears to be one of the most spacious vehicles in the class, and the Compass does not come close to it. The others like the Ford Escape and Mazda CX5 also offer decent cabins.

What About the Infotainment system of the 2021 Jeep Compass?

The 2021 model is expected to get more enhanced connectivity and entertainment options. There is every possibility of an advanced UConnect 5 Services, which Jeep introduced in the 2020 Renegade last year. The U-Connect system is going to bring in a number of updates including My UConnect Mobile App, My Car, My Assistant, My Remote, My Navigation, etc.

The U-Connect shall be made available with the 7-inch or 8.4-inch touch display of the vehicle. SiriusXM is standard with a 1-year trial subscription, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For the Audio part, a 6-speaker audio system shall be made standard. 

Other important infotainment features include:

• Bluetooth
• Voice Control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G Wifi Hotspot
• USB Port.

How much cargo can the 2021 Jeep Compass carry?

The Jeep Compass comes with a cargo capacity of around 27.2 cubic feet. The vehicle also gets 60/40 split-fold rear seats, which again folds down to increase the capacity to almost 60 cubic feet. The standard space is enough for any family trip and can hold around 4-5 bags easily. The tailgate lifts high and wide, making enough space for loading/unloading luggage. There is also a configurable multi-level cargo floor.

The Compass offers some decent cargo space, but its rivals offer even more. The Honda CR-V has a best in class cargo capacity of almost 40 cubic feet, while the Ford Escape and Mazda CX5 are also quite generous in this regard.

What are the other storage spaces inside?

In the cabin, there are a number of options for small-item storages. The low cargo space in the back is nicely made up for by the convenient storage options in the interior. The cabin gets various cubbies, boxes, storages, and pockets. Even the trunk gets some nets and pockets for storage. All these together make the Compass a moderately practical SUV.

One of the things that make the Compass appealing is its compact size. The short dimensions of the vehicle are easy to maneuver and park. In terms of looks, the design may get some fresh upgrades for the 2021 model. There is a likelihood of getting a new front grille or some tweaks with the headlights and exterior trim bits. Fresh new sets of colors are also expected, with a set of new wheels matching the trims. Any change in dimension is not expected though. 

Some highlight interior features include:

• Solar Control Glass
• Black Grille surround with gold rings
• Quad halogen headlamps with daytime running lights
• Power-adjustable exterior mirrors.

The Jeep Compass competes with the Mazda CX-5 in terms of weight, both being heavier than most other competitors, and the Compass beating the CX-5 even to that. But in spite of that, the vehicle’s compactness and short lengths are appealing factors that make its a promising proposition.

The Compass’s safety is ensured by its sturdy body and strong frame. The vehicle has a decent build quality, on par with its competitors. Added to that is the array of standard active and passive safety and security features and driver assistance techs that are offered. Some of such important features include

• Forward Collision Warning and lane change departure warning
• Electronic Stability Control
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Advanced Multistage front airbags
• Hill Start Assist
• Parkview Rear backup camera
• LATCH system

2021 Jeep Compass vs 2020 Honda CR-V 

The Honda CR-V is probably the strongest competitor of the Jeep Compass. The Honda has been in the market for quite some time and has attained buyers’ confidence over the years. The SUV boasts of some impressive cargo capacity and fuel economy, along with attractive interior and passenger comfort. The CR-V also holds more power and torque in its engine and can be a better car to consider than the Compass in most respects.

The Jeep Compass has laid a mark with its off-roading capabilities and provides some decent list of standard features and techs. The Compass also has a more modern design and comes at a competitive price.

2021 Jeep Compass vs 2020 Mazda CX-5 

Mazda has also done quite brilliantly with its new CX-5. The SUV got decent space and comfort in the interior, with the rear seats also being spacious. On the mileage front, the Mazda returns decent fuel economy, at par with the Jeep Compass. In terms of cargo, the CX-5 beats the Compass. It is also ahead in performance.

The Compass on the other hand has a more modern interior setup with comfortable seats. And it sure beats the CX5 in off-roading. The Compass’s ride quality is decent and agile, and coupled with the short length, helps in easy movement. Both the vehicles are priced on similar terms.

2021 Jeep Compass vs 2020 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has bragging rights for its sharp steering and impressive performance. The SUV also has decent mileage and cargo capacity. Although the exterior styling can appear to be a bit traditional, the interiors are quite classy and spacious.

The Compass on the other hand has a very modern design. Its strongest point is the good off-roading abilities, the Compass also provides fine ride and handling.

The Jeep Compass is quite a decent ride in its class, and its excellence is witnessed in rough terrains. With a trim dedicated to off-roading, the abilities are multiplied. The vehicle looks good and has some impressive dynamics. The 2.4L engine performs quite well, which may get even better if there is a shift to the 1.3L turbocharged engine. At a competitive price range, the 2021 Jeep Compass can turn out to be a valuable car indeed.