The middle offering in Jeep's trio of compact crossovers, the 2019 Jeep Compass promises easy drivability and room for the family at an economical price. Buyers with a taste for adventure can also get a level off-road capability that's rare in this class.
What's New for 2019
The Compass receives mild equipment updates and revised package, including adaptive cruise control in the Advance Safety Group Package and a standard seven-inch Uconnect infotainment system on Sport and Latitude models.
Choosing Your Jeep Compass
Every Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive with a terrain selector is a $1,500 option on all versions except the Trailhawk, where it's standard.
Depending on the configuration, the Compass can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic, or a nine-speed automatic. The EPA fuel economy ratings top out at 23 miles per gallon in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined – this for a Compass with front-wheel drive and the six-speed manual.
As in previous years, the Compass is available in four trim levels:
CarsDirect Tip
The 2019 Jeep Compass Sport has been popular with buyers, but its lack of available safety features makes it a non-starter for us. In terms of features for the money, the Limited comes out on top.
The 2019 Jeep Compass is all about finding the perfect balance of size, roominess, ruggedness, and style between the Renegade and Cherokee. Is this gap-bridging crossover the perfect fit for your family? Keep reading to find out.
Best Value
The 2019 Jeep Compass nestles itself in a tight niche between the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee. Despite being crammed into a tight spot, the 2019 Compass offers a full allotment of trim levels for buyers to choose from: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited.
Each trim caters to a specific group, but the Latitude model offers the best bang for the buck thanks to its additional standard features and assortment of available safety goodies. It’s worthwhile to check the boxes for the Safety and Secruity Group and Advanced Safety Group because they offer loads of advanced active safety equipment.
Model: 2019 Jeep Compass Latitude
Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Output: 180 hp / 175 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Fuel Economy: 22 City / 31 Hwy
Options:Safety and Security Group ($895, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, sonar rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, security alarm), Advanced Safety Group ($795, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, auto-dimming rearview mirror)
Base Price: $26,340 (including the $1,495 destination fee)
Best Value Price: : $28,030
Performance
While it’s no powerhouse, the 2019 Jeep Compass’ standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is adequately powerful at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Traditionalists will love the Compass’ standard six-speed manual transmission – a rarity in this class – but it'll take some searching to find one.
The Compass has good on-road manners, and its independent suspension absorbs most road imperfections. For those looking for something more rugged, there's the available Compass Trailhawk that lifts the body by one inch, giving it 8.4 inches of ground clearance. This package also adds standard all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, a 20-to-one crawl ratio, “Rock Mode,” and more. While its nine-speed automatic transmission may sound like the latest and greatest cog swapper, it seems confused at times and does too much gear hunting.
Style
The 2019 Jeep Compass borrows its styling from the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and that's a good thing. Up front is where most of this trickle-down styling occurs – there's even chrome in the higher trims. Around back, the Compass pulls away from its big brother, but still boasts a modern look that's sure to satisfy most crossover buyers. Jeep fans, however, may find this back end a little too crossover-like.
Inside, the Compass features a thick-rimmed steering wheel with chunky posts, an easy-to-operate climate-control system, a seven-inch touchscreen, and optional splashes of color to add some extra style. While the rear seat offers plenty of leg and head room, its hip room is tight at just 49.2 inches. Jeep claims you can toss three adults in the Compass’ rear seat, but it'll get uncomfortable quickly. Up front, the seats feel narrow and seem to lack the padding we’d like to see for long-haul driving.
The Best and Worst Things
The Compass’ sharp styling for its class is a huge plus. And those seeking a more rugged look will appreciate what the Compass Trailhawk offers.
For a compact family crossover, that third seat is way too narrow, leaving us wondering why Jeep bothers calling this a five-seat crossover.
Right For? Wrong For?
The Compass is perfect for buyers looking for a premium appearance without the premium price tag. The younger person with smaller children or no children at all would be an ideal Compass buyer.
Growing families will quickly realize just how limited the rear seats are. Buyers with families greater than four are better suited buying a different model or moving up one segment.
The Bottom Line
The 2019 Jeep Compass is sleek, stylish, and even rugged in its Trailhawk form. It also has tons of customization options, but buyer beware: the customization options add up quickly, and that rear seat will require a full-family fitting before signing any paperwork.
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
2.4L I-4 / 180 HP / 175 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Standard:
6-spd man w/OD
Available:
6-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
23 / 32 / 27 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 180 HP / 175 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
23 / 32 / 27 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Strut
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$51
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
59.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
100 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
173.0 "
Exterior Width
73.8 "
Exterior Height
64.6 "
Front Headroom
39.2 "
Rear Headroom
38.5 "
Front Legroom
41.8 "
Rear Legroom
38.3 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,184 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
18.1 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Black Styled Steel / 16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Decal
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
We have information you must know before you buy the Compass. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.
Sign Me Up
I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.
Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.